Rent boat to Aeolian Islands!
Spectacular sceneries, sandy beaches, colours, exhilarating flavours and fragrances have always made the Aeolian Islands a much sought after place by the ancient gods. Today, although the Islands are symbol of tourism, they still respect the past, fashionable but at the same time a place where one can listen to or be culled by the sound of the sea or the rustling of the breeze among the sails and the trees. There are seven Islands that make up the archipelago: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi. They extend over an area of approximately 45 miles from East to West and 30 miles from North to South; they are all of volcanic origin, some with craters still in activity.
Lipari
The main island, certainly the richest in history, inhabited since the
Palaeolithic Age. The most striking feature of the ancient remains is
certainly the castle, dating back to the VI century and situated on the
ancient acropolis. Today, the castle houses the "Aeolian Archeological
Museum" which relates the History of the Islands from prehistoric
times to the Middle Ages. Characteristic of the Island are: the pumice-stone
quarries of Porticello, which render the beach and surrounding waters
a peculiar white colour; the Faraglioni to the south off Vulcano; the
lively square of Marina Corta; Sottomonastero, or Marina Lunga, a landing
place with a quay reserved for boats in transit. The tourist port of "Pignataro"
is situated to the extreme north of the inlet. It is protected by an outer
quay with bollards and rings.
Vulcano
The island of thermal springs and mud-bathing, a destination of sport enthusiasts who can appreciate and enjoy the beauty of its waters together with that of the volcano, from which there are breathtaking sights, for example, the view of the surrounding islands and the isthmus connecting Vulcano to Vulcanello. The island offers a variety of sceneries but access to the most beautiful spots are to be reached by sea: La Grotta del Cavallo, the pool of Venere, the beaches to the South and the numerous caves to the West.
Stromboli
Stromboli is one of the two active volcanoes in Italy. The marine scenery of the island is full of grottos, among which "Eolo Grotto". Two characteristic features of the island are: "Strombolicchio" where the cliffs to the north rise steeply to 56 meters above the Tyrrhenian Sea and "Sciara del Fuoco" where the vertical precipice descends down to the sea bringing with it its incandescent material. The latter is better seen by night and can be reached only by sea. Situated around the sandy point "Lena", there is a small village which can be reached by landing at Ficogrande or San Vincenzo which form a single dwelling place. On the opposite side of the island: Ginostra, which has electricity for very short time.
Salina
This Island with its steep rugged coastline is the most unspoilt of the Islands. It is formed by two extinct volcanoes: "Monte Fossa delle Felci and "Monte dei Porri" which give it an aspect for which the ancient name of Island was derived: "Dydime" or rather twins. Salina is named after the salt-works to the South-east, beyond cape "Lingua". The island is formed of numerous small natural bays, among which, Pollara, with its beaches and deserted fishermen's cottages, very picturesque at sunset; Rinella with its black-coloured grottos , which has been transformed into a small port. The very first tourist port of the Aeolian Islands was realized at Santa Marina Salina.
Panarea
Limpid waters, craggy cliffs and fascinating seabeds make Panarea a much
sought after place for sub aquatic sports. Young and lively tourists are
attracted not only by the beauty of Panarea but by the vivacious nightlife.
By day one can visit the Bronze Age village located on the promontory
of cape Milazzese where the cliffs form a splendid calanque: Cala Junco,
which is one of the most beautiful places of all the Islands.
Alicudi e Filicudi
Ideal places for those seeking pure nature and calm. Its ancient name was Phoenicusa since it is covered with ferns. Filicudi can be reached from the port to the East or from the village of Pecorini which lies to the south and where there is a landing-stage. The most beautiful parts can be discovered only by sailing: the faraglione "La canna", the small island of "Montenassari" and the "Giafante", the rocky cliffs of good fortune and the enchanting "Bue Marino" grotto. Alicudi is quieter still and not so easily accessible and for which it is usually excluded from the itineraries. Mooring has recently been facilitated by the landing-place of Palomba. The contrast between land and sea is really fascinating.