Our Wakes: 2017

The Aeolian Islands (July & Augustus 2017)

One of the most visited sites in Sicilia is the Etna followed by the Eolien islands located north of Sicilia close to the Messina strait. Seven islands are part of the Eolien islands and are spread from North to South over a distance of about 60km. The most northern islands is the Stromboli one of the few volcanoes that are permanently active. In fact every 20 minutes the volcano project some lava in the air. During the day it is just a dark cloud but during the night it can be beautifull as the lava is orange. While we were there the volcano was not very active on our first visit but later it was again active with beautifull eruptions at night. and we did not see the projections at night. The second volcanic island is Vulcano. This one is located south and it is very easy to climb to the summit of the crater. After climbing, for about 90 minutes, the 400 meters of the volcano you arrive at the summit that is inactive. However on the borders you have some sulfurous smoke that is comming from the volcano. Those fumes are very hot and toxic and remînd us that the volcano is still active. All along the exhaust openings you have some beautifull sulfur deposits. If you take a look of the sea you have a spectacular view of the islands but you can also see, if the sky is clear, the Etna that dominates Sicilia . If you go back to the port of the island you can have a dip in some sulfurous mud. A good shower is highly recommemded after this mud bath. The other islands are all different and if you have time a one day visit for the island of Lipari and Salinas are certainly worth. We did particularely liked Salinas as it has been very well preserved. The island is full of little houses with little gardens. There are nearly no cars on the island. To visit the eolien islands it is very easy as many ferries are connecing the islands with Sicilia.