Efestiadi
A Natural Heritage, Ulysses’ HavenThe archipelago, composed of seven stunning islands — Lipari, Panarea, Vulcano, Stromboli, Salina, Alicudi, and Filicudi—is defined by its unspoiled nature.
The Aeolian Islands are the legendary Aeolia, the mythical home of Aeolus, the god of the winds, Hephaestus, the god of fire, and the legendary Cyclopes. A land of myths and legends, where the hero Ulysses once set foot.
Today, the islands are one of the 59 Italian sites listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their extraordinary natural heritage. The Aeolians are captivating islands, boasting a natural environment rich in flora and fauna, with breathtaking beaches, coves, caves, inlets, sea stacks, and an incredible variety of marine life.
Visiting them is a truly unique experience.
Salina
Salina is located at the heart of the Aeolian Archipelago and is the second-largest island after Lipari. Thanks to its advantageous position, it is the greenest and most water-rich of the islands. Salina is highly appreciated by long-term visitors, offering the perfect mix of relaxation, comfort, and vibrant social life.
Panarea
Panarea, the red carpet of the Aeolian Islands, is one of the most sought-after destinations in global tourism.
Its beaches and crystal-clear waters make it ideal for a nature-filled getaway, but as the sun sets, the island transforms into a glamorous lounge. With seaside aperitifs, lively nightlife, and renowned clubs, Panarea becomes the ultimate chic destination.
Stromboli
Stromboli, located at the northernmost point of the archipelago, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The near-total absence of roads makes it one of the wildest islands in the Aeolians.
On its southern coast lies Ginostra, a secluded village accessible only by sea. Just 1.6 kilometers from Stromboli rises a small islet, Strombolicchio, home to nothing but a solitary lighthouse.
Vulcano
Vulcano is one of the smallest islands in the Aeolian Archipelago, a Mediterranean gem that embodies a perfect balance between nature and human settlement in an authentic setting.
Volcanic phenomena are prominently present, from steam jets emerging from the land’s surface to underwater vents and thermal springs.
Alicudi
Alicudi is the westernmost island of the Archipelago, covering an area of just 5 square kilometers.
It is the most untouched of the Aeolian Islands: there are no roads, so movement is either on foot or on muleback.
Alicudi is a magical place, perfect for finding relaxation and peace in direct contact with nature.
Filicudi
Filicudi is the geologically oldest island in the Archipelago.
It is perfect for nature lovers and can be easily explored on foot along its ancient mule tracks.
The Aeolian Islands
The Aeolian Islands have a distinctive identity: they are the peaks of an underwater mountain chain, all of volcanic origin. The oldest islands, Alicudi and Filicudi, are around one million years old, while the youngest are the active ones: Vulcano and Stromboli, at approximately one hundred thousand years old.
They form the visible part of a submerged mountain range that stretches linearly for about 87 kilometers, from the northeasternmost point (Stromboli) to the westernmost point (Alicudi).
Yesterday…
During the Paleolithic era, volcanic activity was so intense that it made any form of life impossible. Even today, some volcanic phenomena can still be admired, such as underwater hot springs and therapeutic thermal muds.
The territory became inhabited only during the Neolithic period, precisely on the plain where Tenuta di Castellaro now stands. This era marked a time of extraordinary prosperity thanks to the exploitation of obsidian, the hardest and sharpest stone known to humanity.
…Today
In ancient times, agriculture was the primary source of food for the Aeolians, made possible by the fertile volcanic soils.
To preserve tradition and enhance the territory, in recent years, several families, together with the Slow Food community of Lipari, have reclaimed abandoned and uncultivated land. They have revived the ancient cultivation of Aeolian heritage grains, which have now become key players in Sicily’s “Resilient Crops” initiative.
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