I was lucky enough to recently travel to Italy and the Aeolian Islands, it's safe to say I had the time of my life and as I has such a great time I thought I'd share my experience with my readers. I know this isn't the normal financial post that I do, but what the heck, I had a great time and wanted to share. Hope you like it.
My rambling intro
Bubbling mud baths, steaming fumaroles and smouldering volcanoes are the mainstay of the exquisite Aeolian Islands of Sicily in Italy. If you’re visiting Italy, this is one destination that should be top on your list. The Aeolian is a group of Islands on the Mediterranean that includes the famous Salina, Lipari and Panarea. The islands have crystal clear water with lush greens that make for a fascinating and inspiring view. So I have to thank this company as without them I would not of been able to afford my trip.
Simple Payday
https://www.simplepayday.co.uk/
So onto the guide
Referred to as the Isole Eolie by Italians, here’s what you need to know about this beautiful destination.
The Islands
Lipari
This is the largest island and is most popular with tourists during summer. The Lipari has a small town, though it’s the largest in the three islands where you will find plenty of souvenir stands and restaurants. There are also plenty of hotels and apartments available on a budget. I blew the budget and stayed at
Therasia Resort
http://www.therasiaresort.it
That being said if you make arrangements well ahead of your trip you can save cash. This island also has the busiest port for ferry and hydrofoil connections.
Salina
This is the second largest island. It is also the greenest and arguably the most beautiful. It boasts expansive olive and grape vineyards as well as a natural preserve. The movie Il Postino (the Postman) was shot here but apparently didn’t do much to make it as popular as the Panarea and Lipari island in terms of tourist numbers.
Panarea
This is the smallest and most exclusive of the 3 islands. It is usually a preserve of high-end tourists as it is quite expensive to stay here. It is a stunning island with very lively nightlife. There are several bars and clubs where you can while away your nights. I tended to hangout at the Il Bar del Porto, this has got bad reviews on tripadvisor but I really don't know why.
Vulcano
This is a tiny Island that is awash with very marketable novelties. It boasts a smoldering volcano, bubbling mid-sea fumaroles where you can swim as well as warm mud baths. Unknown to many, this tiny Island gave us the name “volcano”. This is a largely because of the presence of several volcanoes in the island. While the island is beautiful and enjoyable there is not much in the way of hotels and restaurants.
Stromboli
Tourists come here as a day trip. They come to check out the dramatic, active volcano the Stromboli is known for. There is not much else to see here. As for the beaches, they are tiny coves of black sand that are tucked into lava crags along the coast.
Filicude
Filicude is simply a cluster of small villages with very little infrastructure. Tourists rarely visit, but you can always check it out if you have the time.
Alicudi
This is nothing but a mass of rock rising from the sea. It has only 100 residents.
What to Do
If you are in Italy for a while, you can take time to savour all that the Aeolian Islands have to offer. One thing you should not expect to see is beaches. They are relatively few and mostly rocky. During the months of June to September, the few sandy beaches available are full to capacity with sunbathers. To make the most of your trip, spend = your time exploring the stunning views of the islands.
Apart from checking out the volcanoes, visiting natural mud spas and enjoying thermal baths, you can also hire a boat. This is the best way to enjoy the crystal clear water and the sun. Don’t leave your camera behind as you will want to capture the fantastic views during your ride.
Your vacation in Italy won’t be complete until you’ve visited the Aeolian Islands.
My rambling intro
Bubbling mud baths, steaming fumaroles and smouldering volcanoes are the mainstay of the exquisite Aeolian Islands of Sicily in Italy. If you’re visiting Italy, this is one destination that should be top on your list. The Aeolian is a group of Islands on the Mediterranean that includes the famous Salina, Lipari and Panarea. The islands have crystal clear water with lush greens that make for a fascinating and inspiring view. So I have to thank this company as without them I would not of been able to afford my trip.
Simple Payday
https://www.simplepayday.co.uk/
So onto the guide
Referred to as the Isole Eolie by Italians, here’s what you need to know about this beautiful destination.
The Islands
Lipari
This is the largest island and is most popular with tourists during summer. The Lipari has a small town, though it’s the largest in the three islands where you will find plenty of souvenir stands and restaurants. There are also plenty of hotels and apartments available on a budget. I blew the budget and stayed at
Therasia Resort
http://www.therasiaresort.it
That being said if you make arrangements well ahead of your trip you can save cash. This island also has the busiest port for ferry and hydrofoil connections.
Salina
This is the second largest island. It is also the greenest and arguably the most beautiful. It boasts expansive olive and grape vineyards as well as a natural preserve. The movie Il Postino (the Postman) was shot here but apparently didn’t do much to make it as popular as the Panarea and Lipari island in terms of tourist numbers.
Panarea
This is the smallest and most exclusive of the 3 islands. It is usually a preserve of high-end tourists as it is quite expensive to stay here. It is a stunning island with very lively nightlife. There are several bars and clubs where you can while away your nights. I tended to hangout at the Il Bar del Porto, this has got bad reviews on tripadvisor but I really don't know why.
Vulcano
This is a tiny Island that is awash with very marketable novelties. It boasts a smoldering volcano, bubbling mid-sea fumaroles where you can swim as well as warm mud baths. Unknown to many, this tiny Island gave us the name “volcano”. This is a largely because of the presence of several volcanoes in the island. While the island is beautiful and enjoyable there is not much in the way of hotels and restaurants.
Stromboli
Tourists come here as a day trip. They come to check out the dramatic, active volcano the Stromboli is known for. There is not much else to see here. As for the beaches, they are tiny coves of black sand that are tucked into lava crags along the coast.
Filicude
Filicude is simply a cluster of small villages with very little infrastructure. Tourists rarely visit, but you can always check it out if you have the time.
Alicudi
This is nothing but a mass of rock rising from the sea. It has only 100 residents.
What to Do
If you are in Italy for a while, you can take time to savour all that the Aeolian Islands have to offer. One thing you should not expect to see is beaches. They are relatively few and mostly rocky. During the months of June to September, the few sandy beaches available are full to capacity with sunbathers. To make the most of your trip, spend = your time exploring the stunning views of the islands.
Apart from checking out the volcanoes, visiting natural mud spas and enjoying thermal baths, you can also hire a boat. This is the best way to enjoy the crystal clear water and the sun. Don’t leave your camera behind as you will want to capture the fantastic views during your ride.
Your vacation in Italy won’t be complete until you’ve visited the Aeolian Islands.