The Aeolian Islands

Since ancient times, these islands have been inhabited by Bronze Age settlers, Greeks, Romans, Normans, Arabs and the Spanish under the Bourbon kings. Each have left their mark and their legacy can be explored at various archeological sites and museums as well as experienced through the local Aeolian cuisine. Here is a tiny overview to whet your curiosity!

Though the archipelago shares common characteristics, each island heralds its own identity.

Lipari is the largest and governs the archipelago excluding Salina which is self-governing. It is the commercial heart of the islands and home to Italy’s most important archeological museum, the Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano.

The Spanish walls have incorporated the previous Norman towers, dating back to the 12th century. Within these walls, are the ruins of a Roman settlement as well as a Greek amphitheatre dating back to 4BC.

Salina is the greenest island renown for its vineyards and production of the sweet-passito style wine, Malvasia. The main entry to the island is via the port of Santa Marina Salina which was established by Venetian traders in the 16th century.

On Vulcano, tourists scale the hissing crater of its volcano and seek the healing promise of the volcanic mud baths. Stromboli attracts tourists from around the world to experience the frequent eruptions of ‘Iddu’ from the safety of a touring boat or by taking the two-hour trek to its peak.

Panarea has become known as the ‘glamour’ island attracting celebrities from around the globe. Though the Northern Italians prefer the solitude of Alicudi which can be enjoyed by climbing its thousands of stone steps before returning to dive in its divine waters.

And finally, there is Filicudi which houses the oldest Bronze Age settlement dating from 3600BC. Filicudi was also the first island to be emerged from the waters in the eruption that 1 million years ago created the Aeolian Islands.