Isole Eolie

The Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands) consist of seven islands off the northern coast of Sicily that are known for their worth for vulcanology. These islands are Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi and Panarea.

Especially Vulcano and Stromboli stand out, as both have lent their names to types of eruptions (Vulcanian and Strombolian). The Aeolian Islands are also among the earliest studied for their volcanic features (since the 18th century).

Year	Decision	Comments
2000	Inscribed	Reasons for inscription
1999	Referred	Bureau - "The volcanic landforms of the site represent classic features in the continuing study of volcanology worldwide" but needs better definition/protection

Visit April 2006

There are basically two options to get a glimpse of the Aeolian Islands in one day: join one of the mini cruises that take in most of them, or organize a trip yourself to one of the closest islands to the mainland (Vulcano or Lipari). I opted for the last possibility, and checked in at 9.30 a.m. in the rather scruffy city of Milazzo for the hydrofoil to Vulcano.

There's no sign, but the smell tells you that you've arrived: Vulcano = sulphur. I choose this island because it could give me the opportunity to observe a sleeping vulcano from close range. There's not much else to see, besides wonderful views on some of the other islands.

The climb to the crater takes about one hour. There's little shade and the first half hour is very tiring because of the steepness and the lush sand one has to wade through. Once at the top, not the crater but the fumaroles catch the attention: cracks in the ground that let off a sulphurous steam. Other visitors even brought gasmasks to be able to withstand the smoke of these fumaroles! I just stood watching from a careful distance, enjoying this natural spectactle. I walked on the edge of the crater too, you can even follow a trail that leads to the bottom of the crater.

More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery

Reviews

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I have visited the Aeolian islands in a group tour of 8 days. (Mt.Etna+Aeolian islands)

We started from Milazzo (Messina) and arrive in Lipari.
I visited Lipari, Vulcano, Salina and Stromboli.

The things i like too much were:
- No people pollution
- You can walk only by feet of bicycle
- True sea life with the Fishermen in the port of Lipari
- Great seafood
- Nocturnal excursion to see the Strombolian activity of the Volcano Stromboly.

Must to visit sights are the "Terme di San Caloggero", the archeological museum of Lipari, the thermal waters of Vulcano and "Spiaggia sabbie nere" (black sand beach) in Vulcano.

Alicudi and Filicudi are too isolate and Panarea is full of VIPs

If i can suggest some useful resources about the Aeolian islands here what i've found:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeolian_Islands
http://wikitravel.org/en/Aeolian_Islands
http://www.volcanoetna.com/en/reviews/mediterranean-adventures-travel.html
http://www.ct.ingv.it/Ufso/Default.asp?Pagina=DettagliTelecamere.htm

Thank you
Best regards

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