The most famous places in the archipelago to see
It is the largest island: its municipality gathers all the islands except the one of Salina. Interesting the Archaeological Museum, located in the Castle of Lipari, which stands in a large bay on the east coast, between the two inlets of Marina Lunga and Marina Corta, still today the best harbours. Stunning also the Greek acropolis and the Cathedral of Norman origin. Finally, do not miss a boat tour to admire the magnificent coves, such as that of Fico, and the beaches of Vinci, Valle Muria, Punta della Castagna and Capo Rosso.
The second largest island with the highest peaks in the archipelago hosts a beautiful forest of ferns (the Fossa delle Felci), overlooking wonderful beaches such as that of Pollara. Salina is also famous for having been the set of the film "Il Postino" by Massimo Troisi and for the renominated local granita.
According to Greek mythology, in Vulcano there were the forges of Hephaestus, God of fire and blacksmith. On the island you can observe the phenomena of volcanic origin: fumaroles, steam jets both on the crest and underwater, and sulphurous mud from the appreciated therapeutic properties.
Stromboli is the home of the most active of European volcanoes, with spectacular and frequent eruptions that can also be admired from the Osservatorio della Marina Militare, in Punta Labronzo. With a bit of luck, you can assist the Sciara del Fuoco: the lava flow going down to the sea. To visit there is the village of San Vincenzo where boats dock, with its characteristic white houses; the fraction of Ginostra perched on the rock and reachable only with a mule track; the scoglio dello Strombolicchio, surmounted by a large lighthouse and born from one of the oldest volcanic eruptions of the Aeolian Islands.
The most western islands of the archipelago, Alicudi and Filicudi, are characterized by dull volcanic craters, with fabulous wild environments and flourishing underwater seabeds. In Filicudi you can admire: the Faraglione La Canna (about 85 meters high), the Scoglio della Fortuna and the spectacular Grotta del Bue. The silent Alicudi (the circulation of cars is prohibited), is the "wildest" island and you can discover incredible Mediterranean sceneries, such as the Scoglio della Galera.
It is the smallest and lowest island of the Aeolian Islands (421 meters above sea level, its highest point, the Timpone del Corvo), but the oldest of all, and attracts many tourists for the preserved coasts, the underwater phenomena eruptions and the nightlife. The island forms a tiny archipelago together with the islets of Basiluzzo, Spinazzola, Lisca Bianca, Dattilo, Bottaro, Lisca Nera (of which little remains), the scogli of Panarelli and Formiche. The touristic harbour is in the district of San Pietro, with characteristic houses, and shops.
Country: Italy Region: Sicily Province: Messina Municipalities: Leni, Lipari, Malfa, Santa Marina Salina
We are used to think the Aeolian Islands as a typical summer destination for beach holidays. But in reality, the Aeolian Islands have their own particular beauty in every season.
The tourist season begins with Easter and ends on the second weekend of October.
Winter is the unusual season to visit the Aeolian Islands. It is instead difficult to find a hotel open and the choice of restaurants is very limited. But particularly for this reason coming to the Aeolian Islands in wintertime means to live an authentic experience and come into contact with the local reality.
For us the best time to visit the Aeolian Islands is from early April to mid-June and then from early September to mid-October.
Spring is certainly the best time to visit the Aeolian Islands. The climate is mild and with blossoming flowers. There are still not many tourists around and everything has just been polished after the winter break. You can go for walks and excursions by sea.
The months of September and October are a great time to visit the Aeolian Islands, you just need to have some luck with the weather to enjoy spectacular days. Towards mid-September the archipelago gets much quieter, but it's still easy to come across hot days where it's possible to swim or have a boat trip. Restaurants and hotels close for the winter break between 20 October and 20 November.
From June to September the Aeolian Islands bring out their sparkling soul. The top for a summer day? Definitely a boat trip with lunch in a seaside restaurant.
