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Sabrina Friedman, Staff Writer
The Aeolian Sea gives way to a glittering volcanic archipelago containing
six equally fascinating islands, all of which any tourist would be ecstatic
to explore. Also known as the Lipari Islands, they are located just north of
Milazzo. All the islands are contained within a small area located only a
short ferry ride from Sicily's eastern Tyrrhenian coast.
Alicudi and Filicudi, to the west, seem to be the Italian versions of the
Hawaiian island Lana'i - each beautiful and unspoiled, both rather
unpopulated and undeveloped. Lipari and Vulcano are separated by a mere half
mile of water. The water in between the islands is renowned for its
naturally occurring hot muds, whose therapeutic properties are offered in
the form of baths in every beauty spot and resort on the islands. Salina,
the second largest island, is famous for its rich Aeolian wine, Malvasia,
and is arguably the most popular vacation venue. Only six miles northeast of
Salina is the miniscule, intricate island of Panarea. Avoid this island in
August unless you want to join the invasion of the ' beautiful people' from
Milan and Rome who arrive in droves each and every day. If you're looking
for action but don't want to fight hoards of tourists, check out Stromboli,
complete with an active volcano which erupts approximately every 47 minutes.
Both volcanoes on Stromboli and on appropriately-named Vulcano erupt fairly
frequently. Terrain-wise, these two islands are fairly rugged, with deep
caverns, steep cliffs, and astronomical views. The most fun to be had on
these two islands are the night treks to the volcanoes' summits. It's an
incredible experience, but be warned: There are trek guides for a reason. Utilize them. Not even residents make the trek alone.
These islands offer exclusive tourist resorts, rugged architecture,
spectacular scenery, fertile vineyards, and even solitude for those who
desperately seek a release from the crowds of society in amongst the breezy
waves of the Isole Eoli. You'll find castles, thermal resorts, water sports,
good fishing and, obviously, some out-of-this-world beaches, where even a
heavy breeze doesn't stir the densely packed sand.
Ironically, the islands were named by ancient Greeks who believed the
islands were the home of the God of Wind, Aeolus. Homer also wrote of the
islands in the poetic, classic literary manifesto "The Odyssey." The history
of the Lipari Islands parallels the dense histories of Sicily and 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.
The history of the island is fascinating, and it's fun to read up before
your trip to get a better feel for the historical value of each site you
visit. You can do some reading before your trip about the
islands here.
The Lipari Islands offer a little of everything for everyone, providing the
opportunity for a fantastic vacation for even the most selective relaxation
connoisseur. Take a moment to explore these fascinating islands. Then hop on
a plane and get there. You won't be disappointed.
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