Lipari

Lipari is the largest island of the Aeolian archipelago and its municipality includes the islands of Vulcano, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi. Its name derives from the greek “Meligunis”. The main town stretches around the fortress, home of the archaeological museum and the remains of prehistoric villages and structures related to the Greeks and then to the Romans. Visiting the fortress you can not miss a visit to the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, and a walk through the ruins of the Norman cloister. To the south of the fortress, one of the most beautiful hangout on the island is Marina Corta, animated by the always crowded restaurants, bars, ice cream shops with outdoor tables and umbrellas. To the north of the fortress develops the current commercial port and the Bay of Marina Lunga home for yachts and pleasure boats. Continuing to the north and along the perimeter of the island we find the village of Canneto, a seaside resort with long beaches both equipped and free, then the pumice caves with white beaches and finally the last seaside hamlet of Acquacalda. The high hamlets of Quattropani and Pianoconte are those that have greater agricultural tradition. In Quattropani is a must the visit of the small piazza and all the area that houses the shrine of Madonna della Catena, from here an enchanting setting offers panoramic views of the islands of Salina, Alicudi, Filicudi, Stromboli and Panarea. Worth mentioning are also the quarries of caolino. In Pianoconte the ancient thermal baths of San Calogero worth visiting, now home of initiatives museums and exhibitions.

Vulcano

Volcano is separated from Lipari by a strait of only 750m. Its name comes from “Therasia”, then for the Romans became Hiera, the sacred. The island’s history is linked to the intense volcanic activity that has transformed it into a dispenser of wealth thanks to the extraction of sulfur and alum, and into a privileged place for holidays. From the beginning the visitor is greeted by a strong smell of sulfur coming from the mud located only a few tens of meters from the port. A slew of pure sulfur constantly frequented for its therapeutic properties. From the port of Levante you can reach through a path the top of the crater, from where you can simultaneously enjoy all the islands of the archipelago. Going along the circumference of the entire volcanic cone lava tuff, sulfur and fumaroles in full swing are visibly. The Ponente beach is characterized by fine black sand and shallow waters which extends for several hundred meters. The highest part of the island, known as Piano, has characteristics typically hilly. Another fraction is Gelso with its large lighthouse and beaches that are reflected on a transparent sea.

Stromboli

Called Strongyle (round) by the Greeks, the island of Stromboli emerged from the sea 40,000 years ago. It rises to a height of 900 m on the sea level, while its base is at 2000 m on the seabed marine. Stromboli is an active volcano with frequent explosions of lava and hot ashes launch, in the most violant explosions the lava reaches the sea through the fire slope. The village stretches on the north side of the island and includes the hamlets of Scari, Ficogrande and Piscità. Even Stromboli knew periods of development thanks to agriculture, but even here many islanders emigrated after the eruption of 1930 and mildew that destroyed the vineyards. On the opposite side there is the village of Ginostra accessible only by sea. The best excursion is the climb to the crater, the explosion can also be seen from the sea with a boat in front of the Sciara del Fuoco.

Panarea

Formerly called “Hycesia” Panarea covers an area of 3.4 sq km. The presence of islets (Basiluzzo, Dattilo, Bottaro, Spinazzola, Lisca Bianca and Lisca Nera) and rocks (Panarelli and ants) that emerge over the sea level does suggest the presence of a single large volcano later immersed partially. From the small port of S.Pietro you reach the cove of Zimmari, then Calajunco, one of the most beautiful beaches in the archipelago. An archaeological site of interest is located on the plateau of Capo Milazzo, reached by a staircase. Walkers can reach a height difference of 400m to Pizzo Corvo. To appreciate the island at its best, it is recommended a boat ride, among Lisca Bianca and Lisca Nera you can observe the “boiler”, a continuous gurgling water stirred by sulfuric gases that go to the surface.

Filicudi

Called Phoenicusa in the antiquity, Filicudi has preserved over time its unspoiled nature, the beauty of the landscapes, the clarity of the sea, and the refusal of the excess noise. The harbor is home to a branch of the archaeological museum of Lipari and has a beach of volcanic rocks that extends to Capo Graziano. From the road you can reach the villages of Pecorini and Valley Church. For hiking lovers trails lead to Zucco grande and to Stimpagnato, where you can watch the sun set behind the Canna and Alicudi. Do not miss the boat tour with the visit of Canna, the Grotta del Bue Marino and the rocks of Giafante.