The islands belong to a chain of volcanos, which stretches from the Vesuvius in Naples to the Etna. They emerged from the ocean in three phases. In the first phase, the islands Filicudi, Salina and parts of Lipari and Alicudi appeared. During the second phase, further parts of these islands formed and in the last phase, the still active volcanic islands Vulcano and Stromboli emerged. The first traces of human settlement reach back to the 5th millennium B.C.!

The largest islands Lipari and Salina

Lipari is the tallest and most densely settled of the islands but has preserved its natural and wild untouched landscapes. It dazzles with wonderful beaches, bays and coastlines and picturesque villages, and offers amazing panoramic views of the neighbouring islands swimming in the azure ocean. In the eponymous capital of the island, especially the archaeological museum Museo Eolio Archeologico is worth a visit. It is one of the most beautiful museums in Italy and lies near the old castle from the Spanish time, which thrones with its mighty walls up on a lava rock.

The island Salina is the second largest island and is fertile, green and rich in water. Both volcanic mountains are not active any more. The coastline is mainly characterized by craggy and steep cliffs and offers just a few sandy beaches. Therefore, the tourist industry is not the main income of the inhabitants. The island is famous for the thriving capers and the sweet Malvasia wine, which is cultivated in the vineyards of Vadichiesa.

The active volcanic islands Vulcano and Stromboli

The island Vulcano is the closest to Sicily and famous for its curative mud baths. The crater of the Vulcano is constantly releasing smoke, it steams and bubbles everywhere on the island and it smells like sulphur.