The Aeolian Islands, also called the Lipari Islands after their largest island, are a fascinating volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily with magnificent, varied landscapes and crystal clear water. Sicily vacationers should not miss out on a trip to this island dream.
The Aeolian Islands, also called the Lipari Islands after their largest island, are a fascinating volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily with magnificent, varied landscapes and crystal clear water. Sicily vacationers should not miss out on a trip to this island dream.
The Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of Sicily are a paradise: The „sette perle“ („seven pearls“) Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli and Vulcano enchant you with magnificent, varied landscapes and crystal clear water. Sicily vacationers should not miss out on a trip to this island dream. Each of these islands, which have been Unesco World Heritage listed since 2000, has its very own, distinctive character.
Lipari is the main island of the Aeolian Islands and, therefore, the liveliest and most visited. Its landscape is extremely varied and charming. The second largest island, Salina, is of lush green and fertile – like Alicudi and Filicudi it counts rather few visitors and is ideal for those who prefer a bit more quiet. The island of Panarea is considered the summer destination of well-to-do Italians.
On Vulcano, the island nearest to Sicily, you meet with sizzling and steaming everywhere – a special experience being a bath in the warm sulphur springs. The strong smell of sulphur rising from the earth’s interior is a constant companion. Considered a highlight by many travelers is a visit to the island of Stromboli where you get to admire Europe’s only permanently active volcano at close range. Crystal clear water and beautiful bathing bays are found on all the islands.
The Aeolian Islands are of volcanic origin, as is obvious on Stromboli and Vulcano, and part of a volcanic chain stretching from Mount Vesuvius to Mount Etna. The islands offer not only fascinating nature but also a bit of culture. On Lipari, an archaeological museum documents the history of the Aeolian Islands. The „Museo dell’Emigrazione Eoliana“ on Salina provides information about the large-scale emigration at the beginning of the last century, at that time one third of the population emigrated to America and Australia.
The magnificent landscape of the Lipari Islands was repeatedly chosen as the setting of internationally known motion pictures. In 1949, Roberto Rossellini, for example, shot a film on Stromboli, the world-famous film of the same name – Stromboli.
There are various ways to get to the Lipari Islands: Hydrofoils depart from Milazzo, Messina, Naples, Palermo and Reggio Calabria. Boats depart from Milazzo and Naples. The nearest airports are at Catania, Palermo, Reggio Calabria and Naples.
Regularly scheduled busses are found on the islands of Lipari, Vulcano and Salina.
