Lipari, Aeolian Islands, Italy

Lipari

Sometimes called the Aeolian Islands (as the domain of Aeolus, god of the winds), the Lipari Islands are a volcanic archipelago visible from Sicily's eastern Tyrrhenian coast, easily accessible by ferry or hydrofoil from Milazzo and also Messina. The principal islands are Lipari, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi, Stromboli, Panarea and Vulcano. Here you'll find beautiful scenery, volcanoes, castles, thermal resorts, water sports, good fishing and, of course, some great beaches. Do expect crowds in Summer months, and seasonal schedules for hotels and restaurants (which may be closed in Winter).

Lipari, as we've observed, is the largest island and in summer, the most crowded. Dominated by Mount Chirica, Lipari has an area of almost 37 square kilometers. It's almost 10 kilometers in length and about 5 kilometers wide. Lipari's natural ground water sources haven't been fully been utilized; freshwater arrives by ship from Sicily, which is about an hour away depending on which transport service you use. From a historical point of view, Lipari is the most interesting of the islands, though Summer visitors come mostly for the beaches. The main locality, called Lipari, is a charming town that boasts a largely reconstructed Norman-era church and a fine archeological museum nearby, though the archeological park is more interesting. The oldest part of the castle was built in Greek times, but the thirteenth-century walls that dominate the structure are naturally more evident. Following the assault of the Turks, the larger walls were built, and these constitute the fortress's present appearance. There are remains of several towers and other medieval structures on Lipari, and also some Greek and Roman ruins visible in the Diana District Archeological Park. The large Ponente Beach is the island's greatest natural attraction today.

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