They are seven sisters dotting the blue sea in front of the northeastern coast of Sicily. And they are rough and wild nature (the two most remote Filicudi and Alicudi), most domesticated by the people and visitors (Lipari ePanarea), shy and solitary (Salina) lives, as Vulcano and Stromboli, one could say with a methodical precision, snorts and enjoys admiration and fear of fiery stones that rise high into the sky.

The myth wants the abode of the god of wind, Aeolus, and perhaps even temporary landing place of the hero Odysseus in addition to the god, refugees wandering the island surrounded by walls of bronze (Lipari), also meets the monstrous Polyphemus and his companions, legendary shapers employed by the god of fire when the island volcano revives the name.

The history of these islands is lost in the mist of time when you create a crack in the Tyrrhenian Sea from which the magma rises and gives rise, between 3000 and 1000 m depth to a series of volcanic earth of which only a small part emerges. We are, according to the most recent theories, in the Pleistocene, just under a million years ago. The first to be formed were Panarea, Filicudi and Alicudi. The youngest islands are still active Vulcano and Stromboli. Eruptions have continued over the millennia and their different variety of phenomena: the formation of pumice stone, so light it floats on water, cast to the black obsidian glass, so sharp as to be used by ancient peoples for manufacture of sharp tools. The inhabitants, not very numerous and in some cases isolated from therest of the world for several months a year, living from fishing, agriculture (especially grape growing and harvesting of capers), quarrying pumice (as Lipari , although this is a dying trade), but above all, even for a few months, on tourism.Annulla modifiche

The sea is clear and warm, a cobalt blue crystal near the shore, the rocky shoreline nurtures a rich aquatic fauna: sea anemones, sponges, mussels, algae, crustaceans and molluscs as well ascountless fish, making it a paradise for beach lovers, divers, underwater fishing. Those who seek peace, free from all forms of worldliness, and can choose Alicudi Filicudi or Salma, the most populated, even visitors, but spartan. And also Lipari, Panarea and Vulcano, although the destination of an increasing number of tourists and so full of shops, restaurants, stalls and some club where you can spend the evening, remain a place for people who want a relaxing holiday.

Lipari.

And 'the island's main town. Arriving by sea sight, even from a distance, the upper part, the fortified city with behind (visible if you come from Marina Lunga) the former Franciscan convent, now Town Hall. At his feet are two bays.Marina Corta, watched from the church of the Anime del Purgatorio (once isolated on a rock then joined to the mainland) and the seventeenth-century Church of St. Joseph (which closes the bay to the south), and Marina Lunga, the largest passenger port. The final night of the feast of St. Bartholomew (August 24) Marina Corta is illuminated by a magnificent fireworks off from the sea. Behind it stretches the lower town with Corso Vittorio Emanuele, afternoon and evening walks lined with charming shops and restaurants.

Castello - It 's like vienechiamata the citadel, the ancient Greek acropolis before being surrounded by walls (XIII c.), Reinforced by the Spaniards of Charles V (XVI sec.) After the sacking of the pirate Barbarossa. It is best approached from piazza Mazzini. And 'the most ancient route: past the fortifications and the Greek tower (fourth century BC.) On which you set the medieval portcullis (XII-XIII c.), Lies the heart of the citadel. On the right the Church of St. Catherine, followed by a zone of archaeological excavations reveal superimposed layers of dwellings (huts), buildings and roads from various eras, the Bronze Age (Capo Graziano culture) through to Hellenistic and Roman periods; behind the church rise and the Immaculate Conception of Our settecentesca Chiesa. On the left, center, rises the cathedral dedicated to the patron of the Aeolian Islands, St. Bartholomew: medieval, was rebuilt during the Spanish, while the façade of the nineteenth century. The adjacent cloister is Norman. Opposite is a staircase that was the beginning of this century and to build it had to be "cut" the walls.

Aeolian Archaeological Museum - It 'housed in different buildings and is divided into sections that trace the history of the islands from the Prehistoric to the Classic. There are also special sections devoted to marine archeology and volcanology. Most of the relics are from excavations conducted since 1949.At the entrance of each room are explanatory panels of two different types: a. greater detail, is aimed at those who intend to make a visit very thorough, the other in red, provides essential hints to understand the various cultures that have lived.The section on Lipari Prehistory begins with a room dedicated to obsidian, glassy volcanic rock precious, extremely hard and sharp, though still fragile, and widely used and exported in Antiquity for making tools. The Capo Graziano culture (1800-1400 BC, from the name of a site Filicudi) and the ensuing Capo Milazzo (Panarea) marked a period of great prosperity for the islands (room V and VI) that is manifested by an increase in population and development of trade. This is demonstrated by large Mycenean vases here probably as a currency for raw materials. The following period (IX-XIII century BC), said Ausonius, after the people who (according to Diodorus Siculus) came from the Italian mainland, is characterized by various criteria: there are many one-handled bowls with shaped appendages horns (presumably to ward off evil spirits) and, later, take the form of stylized animal heads (rooms VII-IX).From Room 10 is devoted to the greek and roman. After a period of neglect, the acropolis of Lipari was colonized by people from Knidos and Rhodes (VI sec. BC). The lid of Bothros (votive pit) of Aeolus. complemented by a stone lion-cum-handle (Room X). The cult of Aeolus seems to be the meeting point between the residents and colonizers. In the glass-cases contain the "offerings" found in the pit.In buildings opposite contain rooms devoted to the prehistory of the smaller islands and volcanic (building at left) that traces the geological history of the islands through boards, diagrams and scale models.The visit continues in the building north of the cathedral (the number of halls is inverted in the first three: it goes from 18 to 17 to 16. He continues in ascending order). Particularly interesting is the reconstruction of Bronze Age burial: cremation (twelfth century BC.) With urns covered with bowls and placed inside small pits dug in the ground (room XVII) or burial (fourteenth century BC. ) in large pithoi (jars) underground (the bodies were buried in a crouching position). Commercial vessels that surprises by storms, they tried to take shelter near the coasts of the islands along their direction of Cape Graziano (Filicudi) and the area of ​​the Ants (the rocks outcropping just widen of Panarea), two points where it was insidious easy to make shipwreck. Here the cargo was recovered a dozen commercial vessels, consisting mainly of jars of different kinds of which the museum has a vast collection (see Marine Archaeology section). Among the grave goods of the VI-IV century. a.C. Lipari emerge singular clay figurines (Room XXI), run rough, but interesting because they show some domestic tasks: a mother who washes the child, a woman intent on making soup in a bowl and another grinds grain a mortar on the edge of which perches a cat. Between the beautiful crater with red figures, made in Sicily or in the rest of Italy, emerges one (360 BC) from the subject: a naked acrobat balances in a hand-stand before Dionysus and two comic actors with exaggerated characterization. Behind the group, in two panels, the faces of two other actors. In the same glass are three vases by the painter of Adrastus including the last show: the porch of the palace of Argos, in a very dramatic scene, fight Tydeus and Polynices, the son of Oedipus in exile from Thebes. The cult of Dionysus, god of wine, but also theater and "bliss" otherworldly (for those initiated into its mysteries) explains the presence, among the grave goods and votive wells. statuettes of actors and theatrical masks of which the museum has a unique collection of rich, varied and ancient (Room XXIII). The last part of the museum is devoted to Lipari's Hellenistic and Roman (it shows a considerable amount of oil lamps stamped with different decorations) with a few words to the Norman, Spanish, Renaissance and Baroque (especially ceramics). Archaeological Park - In the bottom of the citadel on the right. Are aligned numerous ancient sarcophagi. From the terrace you can enjoy a lovely view of the church of the Anime del Purgatorio, jutting into the sea opposite Marina Corta horizon, Vulcan.

Giro dell'isola 
Circuito di 27 km. Partire da Lipari città in direzione di Canneto, a nord.

Canneto - This small village lies within a loop is the privileged point of departure for its white beaches, visible from Canneto reached on foot via a trail. The whiteness of the sand. but above the sea, revealing the presence of pumice. Also from Canneto, the port you can reach the pumice quarries near Porticello. Two of the simplest means: the most picturesque and traditional, is to go by boat with one of the many fishermen who buzz in the port, the other is the bus.

Cave di Pomice a Porticello -In this beautiful bay are located several factories, now in disuse except the last one at the bottom (north), extraction of pumice stone. The processing waste have been the white slopes of fine sand, made ​​more compact by time, which overlook the sea. On the shore. small fragments of black obsidian. The show is very compelling: the sea of ​​blue, as clear as glass (for deposits of pumice on the bottom) are ghostly still the old bridges that were once used for loading pumice onto boats. One of the bathers' favorite pastimes is to climb the white mounds and cover the body of dust to smooth their skin. The keenest kids can then emulate the episode of Kaos (by film-makers Taviani brothers), who hurled themselves down the slope, straight into the sea (however, about a meter away). The road offers striking views of the white pumice slopes of Campo Bianco, illuminated by the sun for a moment seems to be in the high mountains, in front of a snowfield. Just beyond, dallaFossa the Rocche Rosse, where the most impressive flow of obsidian. Beyond Acquacalda is Puntazze. which offers a beautiful view spanning five islands: from left to right Alicudi, Filicudi, Salina, Panarea and Stromboli.

Stufe di S. Calogero - Just past Pianoconte, take a road on the right. And 'hot springs known since ancient times for its therapeutic waters. Among the remains of ancient buildings (alongside a modern spa, unfortunately closed), there was a stove dome that recent studies trace the Mycenaean era. This is likely the oldest thermal and indeed the only Hellenistic building, still used today by people who follow a "cure-it-yourself" smearing of water that reaches the source, the temperature of 60 ° C.

Quattrocchi -This lookout offers one of the most beautiful panorama in the foreground with the tip of James, followed by the tip of Perciato. Behind the stacks and in the background, the island of Vulcano. Once in the vicinity of Lipari, one can enjoy a beautiful view over the city.

Giro dell'isola in barca -Departures from Marina Corta. Visitors will discover the rugged coastline, dotted with arches, cliffs and crags.

Vulcano.

In this island. of 21 square kilometers, Greek mythology placed the forge of Hephaestus, god of fire and blacksmith who had the assistance of the Cyclops. But andthe name of the Roman god, Vulcan, which was given to the island. And that is where the term is derived volcanism. The island is in fact its existence to the fusion of four volcanoes of which the largest and most active volcano is the Pit, that dominates its 391 m. of reddish stone. It combines the smallest Vulcanello (123 m), emerged to form a small, round the peninsula to the north in 183 BC To the particular form of volcanic activity, characterized by acid wash and a series of explosions in which the cap is thrown upward, followed by large boulders incandescent, has been given the name of activities Vulcan. Although the last eruption in 1890, the volcano has never ceased to give signs of its activity and even today, such phenomenons: fumaroles, steam jets and submarines on the ridge and the presence of sulphurous mud appreciated therapeutic properties . The shoreline is much jagged sometimes resembling tentacles plunging into the sea, the colors ranging from red to yellow ocher and the lonely and desolate places give the island an aspect of ominous and fierce beauty.

Porto di Levante e Porto di Ponente . Between the two ports extending the island's main town, Porto di Levante. It 'a village full of shops and featuring contemporary sculptures in stone lava (Hephaestus and the Pandora's box to the port, the rest of Aeolus in the main square).

Salita al cratere - 2h ca AR.From the end of the commercial road that branches off from Porto di Levante. The path, a path that goes to various curves along the mountainside, offering stunning views over the archipelago in the foreground Vulcanello peninsula, opposite is Lipari, Salina, left, with a characteristic profile with two mountains in the distance and Filicudi (particularly clear in the days you also see Alicudi) right Panarea, with its isles, and Stromboli in the background. About halfway is an area of ​​red earth, cut with deep furrows, and seems to be landed on Mars. The higher up and the smell of sulfur is strong, combined with occasional clouds of steam. At the top of the show is gorgeous: the great abyss of the Fossa Crater southern rim blurred by clouds of boiling sulphurous vapors which, with a whistle that seems to come directly from the center of the earth, resulting from the split surface, the rock is stained yellow ocher and red and condense into delicate crystals while still hot. They are known as fumaroles. The tour of the crater (30 mm approx) you will discover the southern part of the island and in the climax. to enjoy one of the most beautiful panorama.

Le spiagge. Two are located in the main town: the black beaches (Porto di Ponente) calls for the color of the sand of volcanic origin, are in a beautiful bay, sadly, too crowded, the beach of the fumaroles and is bathed by waters heated by bubbling sulphurous steam that can be very hot (be careful of being scalded). The secluded and less frequented Gelso beach is located on the opposite side of the island and is accessible by sea, by bus leaving from the port of Levante (check time very short) or along the Provincial road Porto Levante to Vulcano Piano which forks for Gelso and Capo Grillo.

Escursione alla grotta del Cavallo ed alla piscina dl Venere. Departure by boat from the black sand beaches. It circumnavigates Vulcanello, the Valley of the Monsters, before the most indented part of the coast to reach this beautiful cave got its name from the presence (now just a memory) of seahorses On the left is the pool of Venus, from pool shallow and crystal clear where you can swim unforgettable (who want to stay a few hours can go with one of the first excursions - which run fairly regularly throughout the day - and come back with one of the last: the fisherman).

I fanghi. They are one of the peculiarities of Vulcan. Leaving the port on the right, behind a rock with incredible colors (shades ranging from yellow to red), a natural pool of sulphurous mud renowned for their therapeutic properties.

Alcuni consigli per una corretta fangoterapia.
Suitable for rheumatic, skin problems and oily acne and psoriasis. Controlndlcazioni: tumors, pregnancy, fever, stroke, osteoporosis, gastrointestinal disorders. uncompensated diabetes and hyperthyroidism. : Short immersions (never over 20 minutes), during the cooler hours, followed by a hot shower. Do not apply on the eyes. In case of contact wash with fresh water. For any ailments, you should consult your doctor.

La Valle del Mostri - A Vulcanello. We recommend that the excursion at sunrise or sunset when the twilight makes it more fascinating and enigmatic forms evoked from the rocks. And 'the name given to a slope of black sand, dotted here and there, volcanic rocks whose shapes suggest a provocative profiles of prehistoric animals, monsters or exhibitions (among others a bear standing on its hind legs and a crouching lion).

Capo Grillo - About 10 km with departure from Porto Levante. The road, leading to Vulcano Piano and beyond the head, enjoying views of Lipari and the large crater. From the promontory, across the archipelago.

Stromboli.

Volcanic island of a sombre, unnerving beauty, emerges from the sea with its craggy peaks and steep and inhospitable coast. The almost total lack of roads, its harsh beauty, but also, and above all, the volcano, which makes its presence felt with outbursts of fire and brimstone, have a strange and unusual visitor attraction. Rossellini's film Stromboli, land of God (1950) which highlights the difficulty of living in a land so hard, the island remains one of the most interesting and fascinating.

Quando andare e come attrezzarsi

The vision of the eruptions is especially impressive at night: recommended to hike in the afternoon and returning late at night (do not forget a flashlight) or the following morning. The hike to the summit of the volcano takes about three hours of walking uphill and two downhill and not particularly difficult, but is recommended for good walkers. The trip should not be underestimated, however, especially in rare cases of bad weather. At Stromboli the possibility of Local authorized guides. For the ascent, we recommend the normal hiking equipment, hiking boots are preferable to sneakers. It 'also need to carry a torch, a pair of long pants and a spare T-shirt, and if overnight, a sleeping bag. Do not forget a jacket or jumper for the top, where the temperature can drop. The excursion can be undertaken all year round, the best period is late spring when the weather is mild and temperatures are not too high. Even the summer excursion, especially at night is nice.

Due i paesi che si trovano sull'isola: on the north-eastern slopes, covered with a green coat, square white houses stand out of St. Vincent (where it docks) that extends to the north by St. Bartolo, while south-west is Ginostra, thirty houses clinging to the rock, isolation (there are no roads, only a trail that winds along the hillside) and connected to the rest of the world only by sea (and not for the whole year) through the smallest port in the world. To the north, the stretch that separates the two countries, is the most impressive side, arid and rugged, with the lava of fire, lava path chosen by every time the volcano decides to erupt.

Faced with S. Vincenzo is the tiny island of Strombolicchio, on a rocky outcrop topped by a lighthouse and a strange shape in which it seemed as the head of a horse.

Il cratere. The hike to the crater of Stromboli is a unique and fascinating that you can admire a breathtaking natural phenomenon. Through a journey of rare beauty, with unforgettable views, we arrive in front of one of the few active volcanoes in the world. The crater is formed by a group of five mouths. The persistent explosive activity is directly observable from a few hundred meters away: a series of thunderous explosions that cast glowing lava into the air forming a sight that makes one forget the fatigue of the journey just completed.

Ascesa al vulcano .5 hours trip. From the ferry to St. Vincenzo we head towards the town, going up the road that leads to S. Bartolo. In short, the typical white houses and take a trail (signs), originally paved with lava rock and then, after a few bends, dirt. In twenty minutes there is an observatory at Punta Labronzo (refreshment and observation ofcraters) the actual climb. It now points directly to the summit, along a beautiful trail surrounded by lush vegetation: the route climbs with moderate climb along hairpin bends and comes out at the end oftrail, on a pulpit (be careful!) which offers a wonderful view of the Sciara del Fuoco, the great black slope where rolling blocks of lava from the crater to the sea. Abandoned the easy trail, you climb a steep path cut deeply into the ground. This real trench, excavated by water erosion, to reach a short reddish lava that takes some 'attention and facilitate the use of hands for the climb. At the end of the climb is easy to open, to the left, a beautiful view over the village and Strombolicchio. nearly 700 feet below. At this point, the path climbs up a vast ridge to the summit, steep and sandy soil. Level with craters the first viewing points, formed by low stone walls of protection in a semicircle, in which you can arrange to observe the eruptions. From this height will appear between the clouds of vapor, the craters; A final section of the ridge, you reach the top which is the point of view closer to the mouths. With a favorable wind at this point the vision is unique and unforgettable show: High and frightening explosions follow each other rhythmically staining red with the black of night.

Escursione notturna in barca -And 'perhaps the best way to appreciate all the different aspects of this island. Impressive steep Sciara del Fuoco (see above) and at night, volcanic eruptions that stand out with amazing regularity lapilli fiery red against the black sky, creating a magnificent fireworks natural emissions (which appear gray in the daytime).

Salina.

From the characteristic profile with two mountains (hence its old name, Didyme, twins). The island is a solitary and quiet, ideal for those who want to spend a holiday at one with nature. Originally six volcanoes that formed four have disappeared over time. The island owes its name to saline (a pond), now abandoned, at Lingua, a tiny village on the south coast. The capers and grapes to produce the famous Malvasia delle Lipari are two typical products of this island. There are two landing stages: Santa Maria Salina and the little Rinella di Leni (where is also a campsite which is crowded the week of August).

Escursioni via terra -By car or moped (car on the island. Check with the locals). There is also a service autobusi whose schedules are available at the port of Santa Maria Sailna. A panoramic road offering many vlste on the rugged coast can reach the various hamlets. From Santa Maria Salina, the island's capital, you climb, north, and past Capo Faro way to Malfa. Continue along the coastal road overlooking the tip of Perciato, natural but visible from the sea or from Pollara beach, just beyond, where the beach is more beautiful and charming island. Before going down is recommended to peek through the vegetation to see the house (no approach) where he was shot the film "Il Postino": this is where the meetings between Neruda (Philippe Noiret) and the postman (Massimo Troisi).

Spiaggia di Pollara -There are two paths that lead to the beautiful bay: one leads to a small anchorage with a miniature shoreline of rocks. The other, however, comes in a wide beach overshadowed by a striking white semicircular wall, a remnant of a crater. Returning to Malfa, a fork can go back onto a road that enters and leads to Valdichiesa, with the Shrine of Our Lady of Terzito, goals - for pilgrims, and Rinella with Leni.

Escursione alla Fossa delle Felci - the taller of the two mountains in Salina , with a beautiful forest of ferns (the Pit of Ferns), now a protected nature reserve, accessible by a path (2 h at about ft) from the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Terzito to Valdichiesa. Another possible route starts from Santa Maria Salina.

Il famoso Malvasia delle Lipari -a sweet wine (the grapes that have been left wither on the vine before being picked), amber color. The flavor is sweet and aromatic flavor makes it an excellent dessert wine. There are various types of Malvasia. The Doc, produced only on the islands, must label the ntera name "Malvasia delle Lipari".

Panarea.

The smallest of the Aeolian culminates in Punta del Corvo (420 m), Mount on its western flank plunging steeply into the sea. The eastern side has gentler slopes ending in a tall black lava coastline at the foot of which there are beaches with pebbles, behind the towns. A south-east, near Punta Milazzo, there are the remains of a prehistoric village dominate the fine bay of Cala Junco. Islets and reefs are located around the island including the fearsome ants, just emerging, and for this cause of many shipwrecks in antiquity.

Filicudi.

Steep slopes, rocky coasts, mostly basalt, features of this small island formed by a group of craters, the tallest of which is the Fossa delle Felci (773 m). Three hamlets with a total population of 250 inhabitants about. From the landing stage, Filicudi Porto, you can easily reach the prehistoric village located on the promontory of Capo Graziano (40 mm AR ca), where still the remains of about 25 huts, mostly oval in shape. The settlement dates back to the Bronze Age, here transferred from another site on the sea, then it could be better defended against possible attacks (see the Archaeological Museum of Lipari, where lie the relics discovered). From the top you can enjoy a beautiful vlsta the bay, the Fossa of Ferns and Alicudi (in the distance on the left). If approaching by sea must stop the wide Grotta del Bue Marino. Not far away stands the highest in the sea volcanic rock that its shape is called the Barrel.

Alicudi.

The most isolated of the Aeolian Islands, a round cone covered with heather (hence the old name Ericusa) where there are no more than 140 people, it lost the mist of time. Only one village, a few pastel-colored houses scattered at the foot of the mountain that culminates with the Wire Harp, which offers a beautiful view (the trail branches off from the Church of San Bartolo and climbs through terraced crops. journey time: about hours and 3/4 AR at a brisk pace).