They are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the seven pearls of Sicily, all with the exact volcanic origin, so similar yet different in their structure and morphology.

The Aeolian Islands are a rainbow of colours: the black of the sand at Vulcano, the white of the pumice at Lipari, the fiery red of the volcano at Stromboli, the lime white and blue of the sea at Panarea, the yellow of the broom at Filicudi, the purple of the heather at Alicudi, the green of the trees at Salina.

Vulcano

In Greek tradition, “Therasia” was the name of the island sacred to the god Vulcan, home of the forges of Hephaestus, the god of fire, technology and metallurgy.

Its beaches are unique: the Sabbie Nere (Black Sands) beach, which reminds visitors of the island’s volcanic origin; the Acquacalda beach, where underwater fumaroles emit such steam that this stretch of the sea becomes a natural whirlpool. Not far away, the volcanic lake has groundwater emissions with the presence of sulphur vapours, anhydrites, metal salts and natural radioactivity: the pregnant smell of sulphur can already be perceived in the distance, but the evocative landscape and the beneficial effects of the volcanic mud infuse a feeling of great well-being that makes the experience of immersion in the soil unique and not to be missed.

The icing on the cake is the marvellous trekking route that leads to the great “Cratere della Fossa”: admiring the breath-taking view from the edge of one of the most evocative craters in the world is truly magical.

Lipari

Lipari is the largest of the seven islands, daughters of Aeolus, the god of the winds. From a tourist point of view, it represents the right compromise between social life and natural beauty.

There are many scenic attractions: from the Faraglioni to Valle Muria, from the white beaches to the seafront at Canneto. The smaller villages of Acquacalda, Pianoconte and Quattropani are also fascinating, offering a unique panorama.

Worldly life revolves around the main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, which is pedestrianised along its entire length: picturesque alleyways, fashionable boutiques and shops selling typical products lead to the Marina Corta area, an ancient and characteristic fishermen’s harbour.

Salina

Salina is made up of three autonomous municipalities - Malfa, Leni and Santa Marina Salina - and numerous hamlets. It is situated on the slopes of two mountains: "Monte Fossa delle Felci", home to a beautiful fern wood that is now a protected nature reserve, and "Monte dei Porri".

It is undoubtedly the greenest island, rich in thick Mediterranean vegetation.

The most popular beaches are Santa Marina, Lingua, with its picturesque lake, and the romantic beach of Pollara, chosen by Massimo Troisi to film Il Postino.

Panarea

The smallest and oldest, Panarea, preserves the remains of a prehistoric village inhabited at "Capo Milazzese", perhaps the oldest settlement in the entire archipelago. It is characterised by splendid inlets formed by the many islets that have remained standing after the ancient collapse of part of the island. You will be enchanted by the Calajunco bay and Cala Degli Zimmari. While in high season, it is the island of fun and carefree living, due to its clubs and active social life, it changes its appearance in low season. It lets visitors enjoy its tranquillity and delicacy.

Stromboli

One of the world’s most spectacular active volcanoes, Stromboli is a popular destination for hikers even in winter thanks to the attraction of the paths leading to the top. Beaches of black sand and alleys typical of Aeolian architecture are the peculiarities of the perla nera, black pearl, which has always attracted lovers of unspoilt nature and total relaxation. “Iddu”, an incredible volcano overlooking the sea, is boiling, giving a suggestive and unique spectacle that reaches its peak at night, with explosions and launches of lapilli that in a thickly starry sky can be observed even from the sea. A mile from the island is Strombolicchio, a small, rugged and uninhabited volcanic island, which stands like a fortress and represents the northernmost point of the entire Sicilian region.

Alicudi

Formerly called Ericusa because of the heather it is covered with. This is a small and wild island, far from mass tourism and inhabited by only a few dozen people in winter. It offers breath-taking views and assures its visitors unspoilt nature, absolute relaxation and excellent cuisine.

Filicudi

Like Alicudi, Filicudi is more remote from mass tourism. Its tiny harbour offers enchanting views and idyllic peace even during the busiest periods. Its deep blue sea is the mirror of its soul: one of the fascinating attractions is the Grotta del Bue Marino (Sea Ox Cave), with its cobalt-coloured sea and rich, fishy seabed, which provides a backdrop to the wild, rugged nature that invites you to venture out along the small mule tracks that criss-cross the island.

Seven thousand-year-old islands where myth and history merge and overlap.