Aeolian Islands
(Panarea - Filicudi - Alicudi - Lìpari - Salina - Vulcano - Stromboli)
Stunning cobalt-blue sea, wild, windswept mountains swathed in flowers and steaming volcanoes - these go someway to explaining why the Aeolians (Isole Eolie) are the European Holy Grail for island lovers. Part of a huge volcanic ridge, the seven Aeolian Islands represent the very pinnacle of a 3000m-high outcrop that was formed one million years ago. Created by successive explosions - first Panarea, Filicudi and Alicudi, then Lìpari and Salina, and finally the still-boiling Vulcano and Stromboli - the islands exhibit an extraordinary variety of landscape.
Hillsides of silver grey pumice and lush green vineyards give way to jagged veins of black obsidian, used to make the tools that provided the mainstay of the islands’ economy more than 5000 years ago. A wilderness of flowers and plants enriched by the volcanic soil, as well an abundance of sea life, makes these islands a paradise for naturalists and scuba divers alike. Recognising their unique volcanic characteristics, UNESCO declared the islands a World Heritage Site in 2000.
The Aeolians’ natural beauty and unpredictable nature have tempted and repelled people throughout the centuries. Myths ascribe the islands as the home of the god of the winds, Aeolus, and they were also thought to be home to the monster Polyphemus and the god of fire, Vulcan. Modern hedonists, including the international jet set and film stars - notably Robert de Niro and Madonna - arrive in droves in the summer to swim, hike, dive and party in this playground.
The best time to come is in May and early June or late September and October; prices soar in July and August, when the population doubles.
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