The Aeolian archipelago is of volcanic origin and nature, is located in the north of Sicily and is composed of 7 differently splendid islands: Lipari, Salina, Volcano, the largest, ad Ovest: Filicudi and Alicudi, a North-East: Panarea and Stromboli. Filicudi and Alicudi are the oldest, in fact, they are approximately one million years old; Vulcano and Stromboli are the youngest as their very intense volcanic activity reveals.
In the other islands the volcanic nature is limited to manifesting itself with gas puffs, seething waters, underwater springs of hot waters and thermal muds
Alicudi
Traces of human settlements from the Roman age have been found here in the eastern part of the island, which, however, due to its barren and not very hospitable nature, does not lend itself much to living there permanently.
The name derives from the ancient "Ericusa" due to the strong presence of heather that the islanders use today to build artifacts such as pipe stoves or canopies. Making the circumnavigation of Alicudi one is struck by the beauty of the seabed.
Filicudi
Together with Alicudi it is the oldest of the seven islands, far from Lipari 16 miles and extends for 9,5 Km, I am alone 3 villages for 300 inhabitants, but it is the most interesting from the archaeological point of view.
Among its many caves it is worth mentioning that of the "Bue Marino" - once the home of the monk seal - which according to legend hosts a monster that hides in the cave and makes its presence felt with noisy roars.
Visiting it you will discover that the "roars" are the plays of water against the rock.
Salina
By population and extension it is the second largest island of the archipelago, 27 km of surface, length 7 km, it is only from Lipari 2 miles. The volcanic nature here is visible from the two twin volcanoes: Monte dei Porri and Fossa delle Felci.
Its name derives from a salt water pond in the south of the island, once used as a saline. But it is also the island of fresh water, which, conversely, is scarce in the other islands, so much so that the island from the sea is recognized by the emerald green color of its famous vineyards that produce a highly prized wine: the Malvasia.
Who says that the only suggestive area of the island is Pollara, with its stack and numerous caves, you are wrong. Con 13 miles of coastline, in Salina, intact and inhabited areas alternate, among the most evocative we remember Rinella and Leni with splendid caves to visit and where splendid inlets are hidden that have shades ranging from the blue of the sea to the green of the flora.
Lipari
It is the largest and most extensive island of the Aeolian Islands, 36,7 sq. km, It is long 9,5 km. Its nature, like that of all his sisters, it is volcanic, 12 I am, indeed, the volcanic systems and is also rich in thermal springs and materials of volcanic origin such as obsidian and pumice.
With about 9.000 inhabitants, which quadruple in the summer, it is the most populated of the islands. The main centers are 4: Hot water, Thicket, Piano Conte, Quattropiani.
For lovers of archeology they are worth visiting: the castle, ancient acropolis of Lipari, the Archaeological Park, the Aeolian Archaeological Museum of exceptional value and the Contrada Diana archaeological park, rich in remains of ancient Roman houses: the whole history of the Aeolian Islands has passed through Lipari.
The most beautiful beach is Spiaggia Bianca which takes its name from the color of the pumice seabed. Beyond the rocks of the Formiche, the stacks of Pietra Menala and Pietra Lunga stand out, very popular destinations for divers.
Following the cliff there are numerous bays all worth visiting.
Volcano
It is only half a mile from Lipari and 4 are the volcanic buildings that characterize it, two of these are still in business today: Gran Cratere and Vulcanello.
Of the Aeolian Islands, Vulcano is the wildest, the one that when the light changes, change the appearance.
Vulcanello appears to the left of Porto Levante, promontory born from a violent submarine eruption. The bays of Porto Levante and Porto Ponente overlook the isthmus that separates Vulcanello from the island, the latter beach is very popular due to the very hot water due to submarine boiling, while Porto Levante is characterized by very fine black sand.
The coast is indented, and to take the boat tour you could start with P.te Nere le tre Dita where you pass in the middle with the boat, then clockwise you enter the Roja coast under the volcano, with white and yellow rocks. Towards P.ta La Luccia a network of caves opens up, the beaches of Cannitello follow, Pra'e l'ufali, Pra 'and donkey to Scario, all intact places characterized by transparent water.
Panarea
The island most frequented by "VIPs" is 8 miles from Lipari. There are three main centers: Saint Peter, Drauto and Ditella. Thermal springs are discovered among the luxuriant Mediterranean vegetation.
It is a bit of an archipelago in the archipelago as it is surrounded by small smaller islands: Basiluzzo, Spinazzola, Type it, Cooper, Black bone, Ants, Panarelli, Lisca Bianca, all a paradise for divers as their waters are clear and transparent.
The island is full of coves and while circumnavigating the island you must visit them all, the longest is Cala Junco.
Stromboli
It is far from Lipari 22 miles, it is surrounded by depths up to 1.200 mt on which stands the homonymous volcano, the Stromboli, which is the highest volcano to emerge in Europe.
The island can only be inhabited because the stream of fire pours onto the north-east side of the island.
Someone defines a trip to Stromboli as an inner journey. In any case it is all worth visiting, Ginostra deserves an excursion, south of the island.
The circumnavigation of the island could start from Fico Grande to reach Strombolicchio, a rock side 50 m and about half a mile away from the island. Along the island, after P.ta Labranzo, there are numerous beaches alternating with caves until you reach the area where the sciara di fuoco plunges into the sea. It is a wonderful sight, especially when viewed from the sea at night.
It is a training course first level basis for those who wish to actively collaborate at all times and learn the fundamental aspects of sailing on a sailing boat.
