aeolian islands

Stromboli

Stromboli is the most active of all the Mediterranean volcanoes. The northwest coastline of the island is known as 'Sciara del Fuoco' as it is here the lava flows tend to reach the sea in huge mists of water.

The crater of the volcano 'Serra Vancura' stands at 926 meters above sea level and the local guides suggest a climb to the summit at night.

The inhabitants, of course, live on the other side and the slopes of the volcano are covered by vines, olive trees and capers.

Stromboli has a little brother. He is called 'Strombolicchio ' and is located less than 2 kilometers north east of the main island towering 43 meters above sea level.

Salina

Salina boats the highest point of the Aeolian islands with Monte Fossa delle Felci towering over Mediterranean at almost 1000 meters above sea level.

The cultivated fields are fed by natural springs of fresh water which allow marvellous Malvasia grapes to grow as well as capers and cacti. By contrast a salt water lake near Punta Lingua gives the island its name.

There are sulphuric emissions emerging from the seabed around 200 meters from Rinella beach. These huge bubbles are called 'sconcassi' and are known to kill fish.

The little house at Pollara is featured in the film 'Il Postino' with the late Massimo Troisi.

Filicudi

Filicudi is one of the smallest islands of the Aeolian Archipelago.

It is surrounded by rocks with the huge natural obelisk 'Canna' at 85 meters in height being the most impressive. But the small Elephant island and Fortune Cliffs are worth a close up look.

Our sailing boat will get you close the Grotto of Bue Marino or 'Cave of the Sea Ox' with its fantastic refracting light show.

Lipari

The island of Lipari, and the town of the same name, are the main centres of the Aeolian Island Archipelago in Sicily.

Guy de Maupassant described Lipari as tiny with a few white houses at the foot of a large green hill. Nothing much has changed really and today tourism is basically the only earner following the end of pumice and obsidian exportation near Canneto.

Do visit the important Museo Archeologico Eoliano and park which preserves many of the relics from the ancient civilisation of the zone and the castle built by the Spanish following the raids of Barbarossa.

Not forgetting a sail to to the 'Faraglioni'. These are large rocks protruding out of the sea. Any bigger and they should become Aeolian islands in their own right.

Vulcano

Vulcano is the Aeolian Island nearest to 'mainland' Sicily.

It is separated from Lipari by a sea channel just 1.6 kilometers wide, itself known as Bocche di Vulcano. Legend states it was here Efesto, the God of fire, used to have his hideaway.

Points of interest on the island include the peninsular of Vulcancello which splits both Porto di Levante and Porto di Ponente and their fabulous beaches.

Ponente is formed of black volcanic sand while the Levante is beautifully golden.

The last eruption on the island was in 1890 but underwater activity is active enough to provide therapeutic hot springs and natural mud baths near Baia di Levante.

Panarea

The most polished of the Aeolian Islands is the smallest, Panarea that attracts many tourists from around the globe.

From here you can see the many dramatic rock formations and manicured streets. The main village boasts clusters of white houses along the island.

Many of Italy's rich possess holiday homes in Panarea and in the summer months many luxury yachts are docked at the small harbour.

The island has one of the most important archaeological sites and not to mention beautiful views.

The volcano rises from a depth of more than 1200 m below sea level.

This picturesque island encompasses the small islands of Basiluzzo, Dattilo, Lisca Bianca.

The highest peak of Panarea is called Pizzo del Corvo, which rises nearly 450 m above sea level.

View the itinerary.

Book the Aeolian Island's Week Cruise.