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Introduction
Named after Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds, the Aeolian Islands are one of Italy's best kept secrets. The group is made up of seven volcanic islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea: Lipari, Panarea, Stromboli, Vulcano, Salina, Filicudi and Alicudi. Each island has a slightly different character. Lipari, for instance, the main transport hub, is the busiest while smoking Stromboli is one of Europe's most active volcanoes. Panarea is chic and exclusive, Vulcano is noted for its mud baths, while Salina is quiet and green. A holiday on the Aeolian Islands is ideal for anyone wanting a stylish hideaway in the sun, clear seas and dramatic scenery.
Who goes there?
The Aeolian Islands are particularly popular with wealthy Italians, and a fashionable international set of models and business magnates - especially in high summer when they come here on their yachts. The islands also attract visitors from northern European countries like Germany and Austria, who come to walk, relax and bath in the volcanic mud baths.
Where in the world?
The Aeolian Islands are off the northeast coast of Sicily, just to the west of the toe of Italy's ‘boot'. Lipari, the main transport hub, is a 42km (26 miles) ferry journey from Milazzo - the closest ferry port on Sicily.
The islands are surrounded by the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea and make a striking sight, especially Stromboli - the island furthest from Sicily, which is topped with a plume of volcanic smoke. The landscape is bold and harsh in places. Lipari, the largest and most visited island, has a craggy coastline.
The islands are surrounded by the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea and make a striking sight, especially Stromboli - the island furthest from Sicily, which is topped with a plume of volcanic smoke. The landscape is bold and harsh in places. Lipari, the largest and most visited island, has a craggy coastline.
Beach
Being volcanic, the Aeolian Islands are not noted for their beaches. Lipari has the most popular sandy beach of all the Aeolian Islands, Spiaggia Bianca (the White Beach), which is near the village of Canneto. Stromboli has beaches around Ficogrande and Piscita, and there is a black sand beach at Gelso, on Vulcano. The quietest beaches are on remote Filicui and Alicudi.
Beyond the beach
Lipari Town, the island's main hub, is a picturesque place to stroll and has an ancient fortress. The Museo Eoliano (Via del Castello) inside the citadel is filled with archaeological finds from the island. Lava from Stromboli's ever erupting volcano, can be seen from a boat trip round the island, while experienced walkers can hike (with a local guide) up to the crater (depending on conditions at the time). On Vulcano, you can take one of the famous outdoor mud baths, just a short distance from the ferry landing. The islands are also very popular with divers and snorkellers.
Family fun
The Aeolian Islands are not particularly geared towards those seeking a family holiday and attractions here are all low key. However children should enjoy a boat trip to see the eruptions from Stromboli, which continually spurts forth smoke and lava. They can swim in clear seas to their hearts' content, and will enjoy island hopping trips.
Retail therapy
The Aeolian Islands are small and shopping opportunities are more limited than on islands such as Capri. Panarea, the island that attracts the most fashionable crowd, has plenty of boutiques in the main town San Pietro, while Lipari Town also has shops selling everything from handcrafts to local foods. A good gift to take home would be the widely available sweet local wine - Malvasia.
A night on the town
The best place for nightlife is exclusive Panarea which attracts a wealthy crowd who wish to see and be seen. There are plenty of trendy bars around the port, and the Hotel Raya (Via San Pietro) is a popular spot for evening drinks. On Lipari, it is Lipari Town where most of the nighttime action takes place, mainly in bars, some of which have live music. There is also a club, Turmalin (Piazza Municipio), open in summer.
Eating out
There are plenty of restaurants dotted around the islands. Food can be expensive though, and sometimes the best value option is pizza. Dishes to look for on the islands include fish, such as swordfish, frequently cooked with capers, pasta with anchovies or spaghetti with cuttlefish ink. On Lipari, try restaurant Filippino (Piazza Mazzini Lipari), and on chic Panarea it is worth trying Da Pino (via San Pietro).
Getting around
There are regular ferry and hydrofoil services between the islands, and it is also possible to go on boat excursions to get the best from each island. You can also rent boats to explore by yourself. Buses operate on Lipari to the island's main beaches, and you can also hire scooters and bicycles. Electric carts and scooters are the main mode of transport on Panarea.
Exploring further afield
Most visitors spend their time on the islands that are closest to Sicily and the mainland coast. However the more remote islands Filicudi and Alicudi offer a quiet, and largely undeveloped, retreat. Or to really get away from it all, visit the hamlet of Ginostra on Stromboli. It has the smallest port in the world, can only be reached by boat, and has no running water or electricity.
Splashing out
Treat yourself to a stay at the celebrities' favourite hotel the Hotel Raya (Via San Pietro) (website: www.hotelraya.it) on exclusive Panarea. Many of the rooms have terraces that look across to Stromboli.
Flying in
Catania airport (Fontanarossa) CTA
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