There is one wonderful place in Italy that can rightfully be considered a real paradise on earth - the Aeolian Islands, or, as they are also called, the Aeolian. They are located near Sicily and are washed by the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This extraordinary archipelago offers tourists almost untouched nature, stunning landscapes and panoramas of amazing beauty. These volcanic islands rise majestically above the sea waters and remind people of the ancient time when everything here was in the power of the Wind God Eol.
Description
The Aeolian Islands (Italy) are a volcanic archipelago with a total population of about 10,000 people. In ancient times, they were called Aeolian, since myths and legends said that the god Eol lived here, who helped the wandering Odysseus find his way home.
The archipelago consists of seven large islands. These are: Salina, Filicudi, Panarea, Lipari, Alicudi, Stromboli and Vulcano. The last two have active volcanoes on their territory, which have been erupting hot lava every fifteen minutes for the past 2000 years. All thesethe islands attract hundreds of tourists and travelers with their landscapes, coastline with black volcanic sand, mud hot and thermal springs, amazing turquoise sea and he althy air.
This archipelago is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its natural beauty. The Aeolian Islands are visited by more than two hundred thousand tourists throughout the year, thanks to which the economy in these places is formed. There are many boats and ferries available to the guests. They can take you from the mainland to islands that are different from each other, each of them is unique in its own way.
Pearls of the archipelago
The largest and most populated island is Lipari. On its territory there is a city sonnet, so it is the political center. In addition, the tourist infrastructure is quite well developed here, as well as the best piers of the archipelago have been built. The relief of this island consists of mountains and rocks, and territorially it is located between two bays. Lipari is popular with tourists due to its luxurious beaches, impressive and mysterious caves, clear sea and many entertainments.
Wild and harsh Stromboli attracts travelers thanks to its volcanic activity, which is in constant activity. Even from afar you can see how a cone is smoking on its territory, which spews hot lava. This island is also called the "black giant" of the archipelago. Here, even in the last century, a film by the famous Italian director Roberto Rossellini was shot, making Stromboli even morebecame famous among tourists.
Another island with an active volcano is Vulcano. It is located only twenty kilometers from Milazzo, which makes it the most accessible of all the others to visit. On its territory you can see unique fumaroles of volcanic origin, which also have healing properties.
Tourist favorites
The Aeolian Islands are loved by families with children. For such a holiday, Salina is most suitable. Here is a magnificent fern forest and majestic twin mountains. In addition, this island is famous for its wonderful beaches and reigning silence. Tourist service in Salina is at the highest level, as there are comfortable hotels, shops with everything you need, and all kinds of entertainment are available.
Panarea is the smallest and less elevated island of this archipelago, but the most ancient. Tourists coming here can fully enjoy the active nightlife, and during the day - the cleanest coasts and frequent underwater eruptions. In winter, Panarea is a practically uninhabited island, since no more than three hundred people live on its territory. But during the summer season, this island becomes the most attractive and desirable resort for many travelers.
Tourists who come to Alicudi can find here the complete absence of any civilization. There is not a single institution on the territory of this island, but only the craters of extinct volcanoes, the remains of sunken ships andvirgin beautiful nature. Even at the peak of the tourist season, it is very difficult to find someone who can take vacationers there on an excursion. Therefore, here you will not meet crowds of travelers and the armies of guides accompanying them.
Filicudi is the same wildlife refuge as the previous island of the archipelago. It is ideal for those who are looking for peace and tranquility. The best season to visit is spring. Just during this period, numerous flowers and trees begin to bloom here, turning this place into a real paradise.
Climatic conditions
In principle, you can come to the Aeolian (Aeolian) Islands at any time of the year, since there is practically no precipitation, the sun is constantly shining. The climate in the archipelago is mild, Mediterranean.
In May, you can already safely swim, as the water warms up to +18 degrees Celsius in late spring, up to +27 degrees Celsius in the summer months, and begins to cool down only at the end of October. The average daily air temperature in spring reaches +23 degrees, and in July it rises to +35. It is also still warm here in autumn, since in early November the temperature on the islands is +25 degrees. In winter, slight precipitation begins to fall here, and the air warms up only to +10 degrees Celsius. Therefore, in order to fully enjoy excursions and stay on the beach, it is best to choose spring or summer.
What to see?
Tourists are attracted not only by their beautiful landscapes andthe cleanest coast of the Aeolian Islands. The sights located on almost every one of them are also of great interest to travelers.
For example, on the territory of Lipari there is the Church of Our Lady of the Snows, which impresses tourists with its incredible architecture. It was built several centuries ago on the site of an even more ancient temple and consecrated in honor of the Madonna Annunziata. On the same island, an ancient Spanish castle still rises, on the territory of which there are the ruins of a Norman abbey. Not far from this place you can also find the Museum of Archeology and the Temple of San Bartolomeo, which is the main attraction of Lipari. The cathedral was erected in the eleventh century and keeps a statue of St. Bartholomew within its walls. On the same island there are two more amphitheatres. They offer an amazing panorama of the port, the temple of San Bartolomeo, the fortress and the sea surrounding the island.
Besides, in an amazingly beautiful place, not far from Panarea, there is an unusual cave for lovers, which is associated with an interesting and touching legend. Since ancient times, there has been such a myth that if a couple of people who love each other kiss inside this cave, they will remain together until the end of their days. However, this natural attraction is not the only thing that attracts tourists. It looks like an extraordinary combination of rocks and the sea, which has an azure color.
What can I do?
The Aeolian Islands also attract fans of water diving. Each of them can offerto the attention of tourists something unusual and interesting. Off the coast of Panarea, for example, you can enjoy the spectacle of micro-eruption of an underwater volcano, as well as explore the remains of sunken ships. Filicudi also has a wonderful diving center. Sailing is still well developed on all the islands.
You can also go for a walk on a yacht, which provides a unique opportunity to slowly admire the amazing bays and beautiful beaches. Also, many tourists recommend visiting the observation deck, which is located in the village of Kuattropani. From its territory a stunning view of all the Aeolian Islands opens. Photos taken in this place show that such an amazing panorama as there can hardly be seen anywhere else.
Tourist experience
Thanks to this combination of nature, mild climatic conditions and many attractions, the Aeolian Islands are very popular among holidaymakers. Reviews about them are all positive.
People are attracted by the unexploredness of this archipelago, as well as the turquoise sea waters that surround it from all sides. Travelers who have visited these islands say that this may well look like heaven on earth. In addition to beautiful landscapes, tourists are impressed after visiting the historical and architectural monuments of the Aeolian archipelago. And even though this vacation cannot be called cheap, people go to these places en masse.
Travel cost
Prices for tours to the Aeolian Islands in high season start at $1,400 for two forseven days of rest in a three-star hotel. At the same time, the price already includes flights and all-inclusive meals. If you get on a last-minute ticket, you can save up to $ 400. Also, many tourists use the "early booking" service.
There is still an opportunity to purchase a tour to Sicily for two weeks, which already includes a stay for two days on one of the islands of the Aeolian archipelago. In this case, the ticket can cost from $670 per person.
How to get there?
Unfortunately, the Aeolian Islands do not have a single airport on their territory. Any local resident can tell you how to get there. You can get there by ferries or boats departing from the port of Milazzo, as well as Palermo, Messina, Naples and Reggio di Calabria.
You can also use a helicopter that flies to the archipelago.
Those who have seen these islands at least once in their life will never forget them thanks to amazing panoramas, virgin nature and incredibly beautiful beaches.
