There is one wonderful place in Italy, which can rightfully be considered a real paradise on earth - the Aeolian Islands, or, as they are also called, the Aeolian Islands. They are located near Sicily and washed by the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This unusual archipelago offers tourists almost untouched nature, stunning landscapes and panoramas of amazing beauty. These volcanic islands majestically rise above the sea waters and remind people with their appearance of that long time when everything here was under the control of the god of the wind Aeolus.
Description
The Aeolian Islands (Italy) are a volcanic archipelago on which a total of about 10 thousand people live. In ancient times they were called Aeolian, as myths and legends said that the god Aeolus 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 that have been erupted by hot lava every fifteen minutes for the past 2000 years. All these islands attract hundreds of tourists and travelers here with their landscapes, the coast with black volcanic sand, mud hot and thermal springs, amazing turquoise sea and healing air.
Due to its natural beauties, this archipelago is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. More than two hundred thousand tourists visit the Aeolian Islands throughout the year, which is why the economy is formed in these places. Vacationers are offered many boats and ferries. They can be taken from the mainland to islands that differ 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 an urban sonnet, therefore it is he who is the political center. In addition, there is a fairly well-developed tourist infrastructure, as well as the best moorings of the archipelago. The relief of this island consists of mountains and rocks, and geographically it is located between two bays. Lipari is popular with tourists due to its luxurious beaches, impressive and mysterious caves, clear sea and lots of entertainment.
The wild and harsh Stromboli attracts travelers thanks to volcanic activity, which is in constant activity. From far away you can see how a cone smokes 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 of the famous Italian director Roberto Rossellini was shot, thanks to which Stromboli became even more famous among tourists.
Another island with an active volcano is Vulcano. It is located only twenty kilometers from Milazzo, which makes it more accessible from all others for visits. On its territory you can see unique fumaroles of volcanic origin, which also also have healing properties.
Favorites of tourists
The Aeolian Islands love to visit families with children. For such a holiday, Salina is most suitable. There is a magnificent fern forest and majestic twin mountains. In addition, this island is famous for its wonderful beaches and reigning silence. The tourist service in Salina is at the highest level, as it houses 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 clean coasts and frequent underwater eruptions. In winter, Panarea is an almost uninhabited island, since no more than three hundred people live on its territory. But in 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. On the territory of this island there is not a single institution, and only craters of extinct volcanoes, the remains of sunken ships and pristine beautiful nature are located. Even at the peak of the tourist season, it is very difficult to find someone who can take tourists there on an excursion. Therefore, here you will not meet the crowds of travelers and the army of guides accompanying them.
Filikudi is the same wildlife refuge as the previous island of the archipelago. It is ideal for those who seek peace and tranquility. The most suitable season for visiting it 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 rainfall here, the sun is constantly shining. The climate on the archipelago is mild, Mediterranean.
In May, you can safely swim, since the water in the late spring warms up to +18 degrees Celsius, in the summer months - up to +27 heat, and starts to cool 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 in the autumn, since at the beginning of November the temperature is +25 degrees Celsius. In winter, slight precipitation begins to fall here, and the air warms up only to +10 heat. Therefore, in order to fully enjoy excursions and stay on the beach, it is best to choose spring or summer.
What to see?
Attract tourists not only with its beautiful landscapes and the pristine coast of the Aeolian Islands. Attractions 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 Snow, which amazes 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 Annunciation Madonna. On the same island, an ancient Spanish castle still rises, on the territory of which there are ruins of a Norman abbey. Not far from this place you can still 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 in its walls a statue of St. Bartholomew. On the same island there are two more amphitheaters. They offer an amazing panorama of the port, the temple of San Bartolomeo, the fortress and the sea expanses surrounding the island.
In addition, in an amazingly beautiful place, near Panarea, there is an unusual cave for lovers, which is associated with an interesting and touching legend. Since ancient times, there is such a myth that if a couple of people loving each other kiss inside this cave, they will stay together until the end of their days. However, this natural attraction is not only attractive for tourists. It has the appearance of an unusually beautiful combination of rocks and the sea, which has an azure color.
What can I do?
The Aeolian Islands attract fans of water diving. Each of them can offer tourists something unusual and interesting. Off the coast of Panarea, for example, you can enjoy the spectacle of micro-eruptions of an underwater volcano, as well as explore the remains of sunken ships. Filikudi also has a wonderful diving center. Sailing is still well developed on all 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 Quattropany. From its territory offers stunning views of all the Aeolian Islands. The photos taken in this place show that such an amazing panorama as there is hardly anywhere else to be seen.
The impression of tourists
Thanks to this combination of nature, mild climatic conditions and many attractions, they are very popular among vacationers on the Aeolian Islands. Reviews about them are all positive.
People are attracted by the unknown nature of this archipelago, as well as the turquoise sea waters surrounding it from all sides. Travelers who have visited these islands say that paradise on earth may very well look like this. In addition to beautiful landscapes, tourists remain 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.
The cost of the permit
Prices for tours to the Aeolian Islands in high season start at $ 1,400 for two for seven days of relaxation in a three-star hotel. At the same time, the price includes all-inclusive flight and meals. If you get on a burning ticket, you can save up to $ 400. Also, many tourists use the "early booking" service.
There is also the opportunity to purchase a two-week tour to Sicily, which already includes a two-day stay 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. How to get there, can tell any local. You can get there by ferry or boat, departing from the port of Milazzo, as well as Palermo, Messina, Naples and Reggio Calabria.
You can also use the helicopter, which operates flights to the archipelago.
Anyone who has seen these islands at least once in their life will never forget them thanks to amazing panoramas, unspoiled nature and incredibly beautiful beaches.