Known as "the home of the winds", the islands of the Aeolian Archipelago now have few permanent inhabitants but are a favourite haunt in season of many tourists, drawn here by the myriad beaches and azure waters. Listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, the islands are all volcanoes, each of a different age and having unique characteristics. All, except two, are now extinct. The shortest route to the islands is by ferry or hydrofoil from Milazzo, but you can also sail from Palermo or Naples.
The oldest volcano of the islands is Lipari, once famous for processing pumice and talcum powder. There are many ruins left by the ancient civilizations, which, in turn, lived upon these islands. In the Archipelago's museum, sited here, there is an interesting collection, much of which has been discovered by underwater expeditions. There are five small towns - Canneto and Acquacalda on the coast, Pianoconte and Quattropani on the mountainside and Lipari in the Southeast. Here you will find churches and a cathedral to visit. Make the ascent to the summit of Mount Sant'Angelo for a breathtaking view of the island surrounded by water of pale, pale blue.
South of Lipari lies Vulcano, here volcanic activity still rumbles. The glow of the eruptions was thought by the Romans to come from Vulcan's forge within the volcano. The volcanic sands and rocks are all shades of grey, black, with splashes of vivid sulphur yellow and glowing orange. Civilization here is concentrated in the port and inland Vulcano Piano. Volcanologists and the more adventurous tourist can climb to the top of one of the three large craters, wending upwards through a haze of sulphur from the fumaroles. Climbers are rewarded with a magnificent panorama extending to the islands of Lipari, Salina, Panarea and Stromboli. To experience the volcano in a different way visit the famous mud baths known as Fango, or bathing in the warm sea, which can be too hot!
For a complete contrast sail Northwest of Lipari to Salina, named after the salt lake, Lingua. This island is covered in rich Mediterranean foliage, in particular the most beautiful strawberry tree woods and vineyards growing the Malvasia grapes from which the local wine is made. The translucent waters lap into the many bays. On the West side of the island the cliffs tower over perhaps the most famous bay "Pollara" used in scenes for the film "The Postman" directed by Michael Radford. Unfortunately the beach here is now eroded due to the number of motorboats visiting the bay. The two ports, Santa Marina and Rinella connect the island to the outside world. Inland there are four small towns, Santa Marina, Malfa, Lingua and Leni.
Panarea lies to the East of Salina. This small island, with its dramatic rock formations has an even smaller cluster of islands off its Eastern shore. The largest of this totally unspoilt group is Basiluzzo. Panarea itself has come to be known as the "jet set" island. The rich and famous can be seen in the shops, restaurants and bars which can be found in the main port San Pietro.
Perhaps the most famous of the islands is the still active volcano of Stromboli, which from time to time threatens not only its inhabitants but also those of the mainland. The beaches are the blackest of black and the waters very, very deep. This dramatic landscape inspired Rosellini's 1949 film "Stromboli" in which his lover, Ingrid Bergman starred. Now the island is popular with tourists, with shops and restaurants on the streets of Stromboli and Ginostra where once only farmers and fishermen walked.
The remaining large islands, Filicudi and Alicudi lie far to the West. So remote that there was no electricity here until 1986. The slightly less remote island is Filicudi, home of the Phoenicians. Ferns cling to the rocky slopes of the volcano crater which rises 774 metres above the port and the little villages Valdichiesa and Pecorini a Mare. Over 3000 visitors join the tiny group of inhabitants to enjoy the magnificent shores and the beauty of this island much of which has been designated a Regional Park.
The remotest, most romantic of all the islands Alicudi was first populated in the 17th century BC. Covered in wild flowers, including the heather which gives it its name, and host to many migrating birds Alicudi is a magnet for all those who love nature. The crater of Mount Filo dell'Arpa rises above, steep on the West but sloping on the East. Houses dot this gentler side, which descends to the rocky shores, where the beautiful clear water is home to multitude of sea creatures. No cars disturb this haven, there are just steps leading to the charming houses set amongst a profusion of succulent plants, prickly pear, capers, olive trees and grape vines and vivid with the colours of many-hued bouganvillea.
