The beautiful, rugged AEOLIAN ISLANDS are a volcanic archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the coast of Sicily. The islands are one of the most traditional areas of Italy, and their history mirrors that of Sicily and nearby Calabria.
Despite being the largest of the Aeolian Islands, LIPARI, has a population of only 9,000. Wherever you go on Lipari, there are breathtaking views of the sea and the other nearby islands.
The charming town of Lipari has plenty of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars centred round the attractive port, about 10 minutes walk from the hotel. Lipari also has a superb archaeological museum and some notable buildings including the church of Anime del Purgatorio and the 11th Century cathedral. Other sights include the Neolithic Village and the Greek-Roman necropolis at Contrada Diana which offers a fascinating uninterrupted record from Neolithic times.
On the day after you arrive you will have a leisurely orientation walk around Lipari Town. Lunch will be included at one of the local restaurants followed by a coach trip around the whole island.
One of the most active volcanoes in the world is STROMBOLI and is best observed at sunset from the safety of a boat. Almost daily the volcano issues a spectacular light and fire display as lava flows down the Sciara del Fuoco into the sea, with stones and ashes spewing upwards into the sky.
Our excursion to Stromboli by boat leaves after lunch, with a leisurely cruise, first visiting Panarea with its natural beauty and picturesque, whitewashed houses and then on to Stromboli for dinner (not included) at a restaurant on the island and an opportunity, hopefully, to observe Stromboli’s amazing display.
A full day excursion is included to the second largest Aeolian Island, SALINA, which is the most cultivated of the islands and has a landscape of olive groves and vines producing grapes for the unique aromatic Malvasia wine.
Optional boat trips are available and you may also like to hire a car for the day to explore the island of Lipari independently.
VULCANO as its name suggests has a volcanic history and an exceptional landscape as a result, including two craters. Volcanic activity has been reported since ancient times and is still evident today. Underwater jets of gas bubble up through the sea, which is now considered to be therapeutic, as are the mud baths.
Other islands worth visiting are FILICUDI, famed for its stunning coastal scenery and beautiful grottoes, and ALICUDI, least populated and notable for the abundance of wild heather. The uninhabited dramatic west coastline has enormous sheer rocks rising to an extinct volcanic peak, and beautiful grottoes.
