The Aeolian Islands in Sicily Italy
Sometimes called the Aeolian Islands (as the domain of Aeolus, god of the winds), the Lipari Islands are a volcanic archipelago visible from Sicily's eastern Tyrrhenian coast, easily accessible by ferry or hydrofoil from Milazzo and also Messina.
The principal islands are Lipari, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi, Stromboli, Panarea and Vulcano. Here you'll find beautiful scenery, volcanoes, castles, thermal resorts, water sports, good fishing and, of course, some great beaches. Do expect crowds in Summer months, and seasonal schedules for hotels and restaurants (which may be closed in Winter)
Geologically, these beautiful islands are quite rugged, with deep caverns, steep cliffs, and splendid views. The volcanoes on Stromboli and appropriately-named Vulcano erupt fairly frequently; Filicudi, Alicudi and Salina are without volcanic activity in historical memory.
Historically, the history of the Lipari Islands mirrors the history of Sicily and nearby Calabria. Settled in Neolithic times, the islands were colonized by Greeks in 575 BC. The Turks attacked Lipari, the largest island, in 1544. Pirates often sought refuge in the islands over the centuries.
Lipari, as we've observed, is the largest island and in Summer, the most crowded. Dominated by Mount Chirica, Lipari has an area of almost 37 square kilometres. It's almost 10 kilometres in length and about 5 kilometres wide. Lipari's natural ground water sources haven't been fully been utilized; freshwater arrives by ship from Sicily, which is about an hour away depending on which transport service you use. From a historical point of view, Lipari is the most interesting of the islands, though Summer visitors come mostly for the beaches. The main locality, called Lipari, is a charming town that boasts a largely reconstructed Norman-era church and a fine archaeological museum nearby, though the archaeological park is more interesting.
The oldest part of the castle was built in Greek times, but the thirteenth-century walls that dominate the structure are naturally more evident. Following the assault of the Turks, the larger walls were built, and these constitute the fortress's present appearance. There are remains of several towers and other medieval structures on Lipari, and also some Greek and Roman ruins visible in the Diana District Archaeological Park. The large Ponente Beach is the island's greatest natural attraction today.
Vulcano is located very close to Lipari, separated by a wide strait. The highest points of the island are Mount Aria (501 meters) and Mount Saraceno, almost as high. The last major eruption of Vulcano (386 meters) was in 1890. Vulcano's thermal bath resort, operated by Geoterme Vulcano (090-985 3012), is open year round.
Salina, named for its salt mines, is the second-largest of the islands, and also the greenest, with extensive viticulture. Its twin peaks give Salina a strange appearance.
Stromboli, which with Vulcano is probably the most famous of these islands, is closer to the Calabrian coast than it is to Sicily. Its Greek monuments are not spectacular. Far from the other islands, and dominated by a single large volcano, Stromboli itself is impressive from a distance. Its deep waters are a favorite of divers.
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