Page 196 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Sicily

194  SICIL Y AREA B Y AREA

Exploring the Aeolian Islands
The best starting point for a visit to the varied Aeolian Islands
is Lipari, because it is the largest of the islands and the boat
service is good. Here you can decide what type of holiday
you want – natural history excursions, including Vulcano and
Stromboli, the exclusive tourist resort at Panarea among
villas and yachts, or the timeless tranquillity of Alicudi. The summit of the Vulcano crater, an hour’s
climb from the base
Lipari the museum are devoted to Vulcano
Road map E1. * 11,000 (the prehistoric finds in Lipari. The Road map E1.
municipality of Lipari includes all the adjoining rooms have objects Close to Lipari is the aptly
other islands, except for Salina). from the same period, but from named island of Vulcano.
The main Aeolian island is not the other islands. Then there is a Dedicated to Vulcan, the Roman
large – a little less than 10 km large section featuring Classical god of fire and metalworking,
(6 miles) long and barely 5 km archaeo logical finds, some Homer described the island as
(3 miles) wide, cul minating in discovered under water. Part of the workshop of Hephaestus,
Monte Chirica, 602 m (1,974 ft) the museum has volcano-related the Greek god of fire. The only
high. The volcanic activity of exhibits, with interesting landing place is the Porto di
the past can be noted here detailed descriptions of the Levante, from which a paved
and there in the hot geological configuration road leads to the Faro Nuovo
springs and fumaroles. of each island. Three (new lighthouse). Vulcano
The town of Lipari further sights are the consists of three old craters.
has two landing Belvedere The first, in the south between
places: Sotto­ Quattrocchi Monte Aria and Monte
monastero for ferry viewpoint, the Saraceno, has been extinct for
boats and Marina ancient San Calogero centuries; the Gran Cratere, on
Corta for hydrofoils. thermal baths and the other hand, is still active,
Inevitably, this is the Acquacalda beach, the last eruption occurring in
busiest stretch of which was once used 1890. Vulcanello, the third
the seafront. as a harbour for the crater, is a promontory on the
The old Cathedral Ancient theatre mask, Museo ships that came northeastern tip of the island
is worth a visit. Built Archeologico Eoliano to load the local created almost 2,000 years ago
by the Normans in pumice stone. The by an eruption. The climb up to
the 11th century, it was rebuilt best way to get about is by the middle crater is particularly
after a barbarous pirate raid scooter or bicycle, both of interesting, and you can reach
completely destroyed the which can be rented in the the top in less than an hour.
town in 1544. Next door to town of Lipari. Once there, it is worthwhile
the Cathedral is the Museo going down the crater to the
Archeologico Eoliano, which + Museo Archeologico Eoliano Piano delle Fumarole. Bathing
takes up part of the old castle, Via Castello 2. Tel 090-988 01 74. and mud baths are available all
built by the Spanish (who Open 9am–1pm, 3–6pm Mon–Sat, year round at the spas near
incorporated the ancient 9am–1pm Sun & hols. & ∑ regione. Porto di Levante, while hot
towers and walls) in order to sicilia.it/beniculturali/museolipari springs heat the sea around
put an end to the constant the stack (faraglione).
pirate raids. The first rooms in
Salina
Road map E1. * 800.
The second-largest Aeolian
island is 7 km (4 miles) long,
5.5 km (3 miles) wide, and
962 m (3,155 ft) high at its
highest point, Monte Fossa
delle Felci. There are three
villages: Santa Maria di Salina,
Leni and Malfa. Santa Maria
overlooks the sea and is not far
from a beach; it is connected to
the other villages by an efficient
minibus service which runs
until late in the evening in the
The archaeological zone at Lipari, home to many different cultures summer. Salina is also the site of
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp204–5 and pp216–17

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