About Sicily

Sailing Region: Aeolian Archipelago

Rising out of the cobalt blue seas off Sicily’s northeastern coast, the Unesco-protected Aeolian Islands (Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi) are a little piece of paradise, a magical outdoor playground offering thrills and spills at every turn. Stunning waters provide sport for swimmers, sailors and divers while trekkers can climb hissing volcanoes and gourmets can sup on honey-sweet Malvasia wine along with fresh fish and local capers, peppers and tomatoes.

Unique beauty, fascinating geophysical characteristics (two of the islands are active volcanoes!), a wealth of history, a myriad of Greek myths and legends, wonderful sea-swimming, great beaches, stunning views, mountain and coastal walks galore, mouthwatering cuisine… Despite all this, the Aeolian Islands remain fairly unknown out of Italy and are surprisingly unspoiled outside the peak weeks of August.

Stromboli, a small island north of Sicily, is one of the most active volcanoes in the world and famous for its normally small, but regular explosions throwing out glowing lava from several vents inside its summit crater. This activity has been going on for at least 20.000 years, therefore the island was named by sailors `the lighthouse of the Mediterranean`.

Interesting Facts:

• The islands are grouped together as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Stromboli has had one continuous eruption that has last for almost 20,000 years!!!!
• All the 7 islands have a combined total of over 1,200 square kilometers of land.
• The Aeolian Islands remain relatively undeveloped because of an intentional restriction placed on new buildings in an effort to preserve the islands’ natural state.
• Euro is the currency used.
• The islands are named after the demigod of the winds Aeolus.
• Aeolian Islands are in the Tyrrhenian sea
• The local population does not exceed 10.000 in total on all the islands combined.