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One of my most passionate recommendations to anyone coming to Sicily is a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Aeolian Islands. This stunning volcanic archipelago is strung between the foreboding geological giants of Etna and Vesuvius. It looks like a film set and its breadth of history and mythology easily does that beauty justice. Lipari Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and its pastel-coloured main town goes by the same name. Its wild, rocky coastline is astonishingly beautiful and, while it's not a secret by any means (during summer its population almost doubles), it has retained a kind of naiveté, which adds to its authentic charm. The Citadel Lipari's main point of reference is its impressive citadel, which looms large over the town's two marinas. Constructed to protect Lipari from pirates who arrived to plunder the rich reserves of obsidian and pumice in the volcanic landscape, the citadel was largely destroyed by the Roman Emperor, Barbarossa. In the 1500s, it was rebuilt by the Spanish, who added the Cattedral di San Bartholemeo to replace the former Norman church devastated by Barbarossa. There are also a number of other smaller churches to explore – although they're mostly ruins. Museo Archeologico Eoliano A visit to the archaeological museum allows you to contextualise the history of Lipari and its collection includes many artefacts unearthed in and around the citadel. In Palazzo Vescovile you can see pieces from Roman times, along with fascinating exhibits from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages; in the annex are relics from the prehistoric times discovered throughout the Aeolian Islands; the Epigraphic section displays Greek and Roman tombs; and the classical rooms contain burial urns and pieces from the necropolis. A short walk away, in the Parco Archeologico Contrada Diana, you can see parts of the ancient 4th century Greek walls, along with the tombstones of the necropolis and the ruins of Roman houses. Explore the Beautiful Beaches No matter how invested you become in the fascinating history of Lipari, you can't pass up the chance to enjoy the island's stunning beaches. Just beyond the town is the lovely village of Canneto, which has an excellent swimming beach, while Porticello and Spiaggia are another two of the most popular. Probably the most lovely is the beach of Di Vinci – the only way there is to trek through fields or hire a boat, but the effort is well worth it. There are a number of outstanding diving spots off Lipari where you can enjoy a close encounter with the abundant underwater life, including at Secca del Bagno and Castagna. Views, Volcanoes and Thermal Baths Quattrocci is an excellent lookout from where you'll get sweeping views over the ocean and out to the neighbouring island of Vulcano. On the way back you can stop off at the thermal baths of San Calogero, which have been in use since Roman times – reaching temperatures up to 60 degrees. If you've got an interest in learning more about seismic activity, you can also visit the observatory, just south of Lipari, which tracks movement in the Mediterranean. The Best Accommodation in the Aeolian Islands If you're planning to visit Lipari I can recommend two places that really stand out for their facilities, location and fabulous views. Hotel Rocce Azurre: Just 10 minutes from the centre of town, this charming hotel has magical views and a warm, unpretentious ambience. It has lovely rooms and a stunning terrace on which you can enjoy cocktails over the ocean at sunset. Mea: From its elevated position, Mea feels like its own little whitewashed corner of the universe. The exotic Moorish décor and achingly beautiful views add to the stylish, genteel atmosphere. John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury holidays in the Aeolian Islands and all over Sicily, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Croatia and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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