Lipari and the Aeolian Islands
Immersed in the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea, the Aeolian Islands represent a natural jewel of our country, where time has stopped at the passage of Ulysses and nature has remained wild and unspoiled. The main island, Lipari, is the ideal destination for a holiday of relaxation and fun.
The Aeolian islands take their name from the god of the Wind Aeolian that, as the legend says, would have formed them with his divine breath. This explanation full of mythology becomes even more evocative when you realize that the howl of the wind, in the Aeolian islands, has a very particular tone.
If you are considering the Lipari and the Aeolian Islands as a destination for your next trip, you are right in the right place. We will see together the peculiarities and the beauties of these islands, how to reach them and what are the most interesting activities to do.
The Aeolian Islands: where they are and how they are reached
The Aeolian islands are part of the territory of the Region of Sicily, but are located between Sicily and Calabria. They are in fact reachable by ferries and hydrofoils both from Messina and from Tropea, in a short time.
It is an archipelago of seven islands of volcanic origin and, in fact, hosts several volcanoes including one of the most active volcanoes in the world: Stromboli. The seven islands, Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panarea host very few stable inhabitants and are very different from each other despite being united by one characteristic: the wild and unspoilt nature that makes them unique, like the black sand, which makes the sea an intense blue color than we are used to seeing usually.
Lipari: the capital of the Aeolian islands
The island of Lipari can be defined as em>centro of the Aeolian islands, in several respects. It is the island that hosts the largest number of inhabitants (about 10,000, against 100 of Alicudi, the least populated) and with the largest area (about 37 square km, against 3.4 of Panarea, the smallest). This extension leads it to be, therefore, the main port of arrival for the Aeolian islands and the island most frequented by tourists.
With its colorful buildings and the lively and picturesque port, Lipari is a destination to visit for those who prefer to stay away from the tourist masses.
Where to stay in the Aeolian Islands
Given the huge demand for tourists in recent years, the Aeolian islands have adapted and equipped for tourism with specific areas. It must be said, however, that in order to maintain the landscape unchanged, the areas dedicated to accommodation facilities are very few and therefore very exclusive with resorts of the highest level, especially in the smaller and less populated islands.
An interesting way, however, to tour the Aeolian Islands – especially if you love adventure – is to do it with a mini sailing cruise. In fact, several companies offer the possibility to make short cruises with a stay in a sailboat, where you can visit a different island every day or, alternatively, decide for yourself where to spend your time.
What to do in the Aeolian Islands?
During your stay at the Aeolian Islands you can decide between many activities that will make you spend pleasant days. From boat trips between islands, to trekking in the wild and primordial nature of the islands of Vulcano o Stromboli, to get close to the craters, the Aeolian islands offer unique emotions.
For lovers of relaxation, Vulcano offers the opportunity to bathe in naturally warm waters and natural spas (which, at the moment, however, are closed), while on all the islands you can find beaches equipped to spend pleasant days on the beach. If you love history, however, it will be interesting to make an excursion with a guide where you will discover all the mythology linked to the Aeolian islands, including the face of Aeolus eroded between the rocks of Vulcano.
Cover Image: L’arcobaleno Resort
