Aeolian Islands: how to get there, places of interest, reviews

There is one wonderful place in Italy, which can rightly be considered a true paradise on earth - these are the Aeolian Islands, or, as they are also called, the Eolian Islands. They are located near Sicily and are washed by the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. This unusual archipelago offers visitors a virtually untouched nature, stunning landscapes and panoramas of amazing beauty. These volcanic islands majestically rise above the sea waters and remind their people of that old time when everything here was dominated by the God of wind Aeolus.

Description

The Aeolian Islands (Italy) are a volcanic archipelago, home to a total of about 10,000 people. In ancient times, they were called Aeolian, because myths and legends said that the god Aeol lived here, who helped the wandering Odyssey find the way home.

The archipelago consists of seven large islands. These are: Salina, Filicudi, Panarea, Lipari, Alikudi, Stromboli and Vulcano. The last two have on their territory active volcanoes, which erupt in hot lava every fifteen minutes for 2000 years. All these islands attract hundreds of tourists and travelers with their landscapes, coast with black volcanic sand, mud hot and thermal springs, amazing turquoise sea and healing air.

Due to its natural beauties this archipelago is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Aeolian Islands for the whole year visits more than two hundred thousand tourists, thanks to which the economy is formed in these places. At the service of tourists there are many boats and ferries. They can take from the mainland to the islands, which are different from each other, each of them is unique in its own way.

Pearls of the archipelago

The largest and most populated island is Lipari. On its territory is the city's sonnet, that's why it is the political center. In addition, the tourist infrastructure is quite well developed here, and the best berths of the archipelago are built. The relief of this island consists of mountains and rocks, and territorially it lies between two bays. Lipari is popular with tourists due to its luxurious beaches, impressive and mysterious caves, the clearest sea and lots of entertainment.

Wild and stern Stromboli attracts travelers thanks to volcanic activity, which is in constant activity. From afar you can see how the cone that is erupting hot lava smokes on its territory. This island is also called the "black giant" of the archipelago. Here, even in the last century, the film of the famous Italian director Roberto Rossellini was shot, thanks to which Stromboli became even more famous among tourists.

Another island with an active volcano is Vulcano. It is only twenty kilometers from Milazzo, which makes it more accessible from all the others for visits. On its territory you can see unique fumaroles of volcanic origin, which also have medicinal properties.

Favorites of tourists

Aeolian islands like to visit families with children. Salina is the most suitable for such a holiday. Here is a magnificent fern forest and majestic twin mountains. In addition, this island is famous for its wonderful beaches and reigning silence. Tourist service in Salina is at the highest level, as there are comfortable hotels, shops with everything you need, and all kinds of entertainment are available.

Panarea is the smallest and less exalted island of this archipelago, but the most ancient. Tourists, coming here, can fully enjoy the active nightlife, and in the daytime - the cleanest coasts and frequent underwater eruptions. In winter, Panarea is practically an uninhabited island, as its territory is inhabited by no more than three hundred people. But in the summer season this island becomes the most attractive and desirable resort for many travelers.

Tourists who came to Alikudi can find here the complete absence of any civilization. On the territory of this island there is not one institution, but only craters of extinct volcanoes, the remains of sunken ships and a pristinely beautiful nature. Even at the peak of the tourist season it is very difficult to find someone who can take tourists there on an excursion. Therefore, here you will not find crowds of travelers and the accompanying armies of guides.

Filicudi is the same refuge of wildlife as the previous island of the archipelago. It is ideal for those who seek peace and quiet. The most suitable season for his visit is spring. Just at this time, many flowers and trees blossom here, turning this place into a real paradise.

Climatic conditions

In principle, the Aeolian (Lipari) islands can be visited at any time of the year, since there is practically no rainfall, the sun is constantly shining. The climate on the archipelago is mild, Mediterranean.

In May, you can already swim safely, as water in late spring warms up to +18 degrees Celsius, in the summer months - up to +27 heat, and begins to cool down only in late October. The average daily air temperature in the spring reaches a mark of +23 degrees, and in July it increases to +35. In the autumn, it is also still warm here, since in the beginning of November the temperature of the islands is +25 degrees. In the winter, slight precipitation begins to fall here, and the air warms up only to +10 degrees Celsius. Therefore, to fully enjoy the excursions and stay on the beach, it is best to choose the spring or summer.

What to see?

Attracting tourists not only with their beautiful landscapes and the cleanest coastline of the Aeolian Islands. The sights, located almost on each of them, also cause great interest among travelers.

For example, in the territory of Lipari there is a church of the Virgin Mary of Snow, amazing tourists with its incredible architecture. It was built several centuries ago on the site of an even more ancient temple and consecrated in honor of the Madonna Annunziata. On the same island still stands the ancient Spanish castle, on the territory of which are the ruins of the Norman abbey. Not far from this place you can still find the museum of archeology and the temple of San Bartolomeo, which is the main attraction of Lipari. The cathedral was built in the eleventh century and keeps a statue of St. Bartholomew in its walls. On the same island there are two more amphitheatres. They offer an amazing panorama of the port, the San Bartolomeo temple, the fortress and the sea spaces surrounding the island.

In addition, in an amazingly beautiful place, not far from Panarea, there is an unusual cave for lovers, with which is connected an interesting and touching legend. Since ancient times there is such a myth that if a couple of people who love each other kiss inside this cave, they will stay together until the end of their days. However, this natural attraction attracts tourists. It has the appearance of an unusually beautiful combination of rocks and sea, which has azure color.

What can I do?

More Aeolian Islands attract fans of water dives. Each of them can offer something unusual and interesting to the attention of tourists. Off the coast of Panarea, for example, you can enjoy the spectacle of micro-eruptions of an underwater volcano, as well as explore the remains of sunken ships. There is also a wonderful diving center on Filikudi. On all islands sailing is still well developed .

You can also go for a walk on the yacht, which provides a unique opportunity to slowly enjoy the amazing bays and beautiful beaches. Also, many tourists recommend visiting the observation deck, which is located in the village of Kuatropani. From its territory offers a stunning view of all the Aeolian Islands. The photos taken in this place show that such an amazing panorama, as there, is hardly anywhere else you can see.

The impression of tourists

Thanks to this combination of nature, mild climatic conditions and many attractions, the Aeolian Islands are very popular with holidaymakers. Reviews about them are all positive.

People are attracted to the uniqueness of this archipelago, as well as the turquoise sea waters surrounding it from all sides. Travelers who have visited these islands say that the paradise on earth can look so. In addition to beautiful scenery, tourists remain impressed after visiting the historical and architectural monuments of the Eolian archipelago. And even though this holiday can not be called cheap, people go to these places massively.

Price of the tour

Prices for tours to the Aeolian Islands at the height of the season start from $ 1,400 for two for seven days of rest in a three-star hotel. At the same time, the price includes flights and meals on an all-inclusive basis. If you get on a burning tour, you can save up to $ 400. Also, many tourists use the "early booking" service.

There is also the opportunity to purchase a tour to Sicily for two weeks, which already includes a stay for two days on one of the islands of the Eolian archipelago. In this case, the tour can cost from $ 670 per person.

How to get there?

Unfortunately, there are no airports in the territory of the Aeolian Islands. How to get there, can tell any local resident. You can swim there by ferry or boat departing from the port of Milazzo, as well as Palermo, Messina, Naples and Reggio di Calabria.

Also, you can still use the helicopter, which carries out flights to the archipelago.

Those who have seen these islands at least once in their life will never forget them thanks to amazing panoramas, virgin nature and incredibly beautiful beaches.