The seven Aeolian Islands are situated off the north-eastern coast of Sicily.
The Greek mythology ascribes the islands to Aeolus, and suggest that Odysseus temporarily sheltered there during his travels. There he would met cyclops Polyphemus.
They vary in character from being rough and untamed places (like the two most remote islands Filicudi and Alicudi), to being tempered by residents and visitors (Lipari and Panarea), to introverted and solitary (Salina), or lively (Vulcano and Stromboli) which, with timely precision one might say, puff out smoke before relishing the attention paid to them as they toss small incandescent lumps of stone high into the air.

Lipari is the main island and the biggest as well. Every island has its own peculiarities, so it is really worth to be visited. Lipari offers a great choice of accomodations, restaurants and nightlife. Panarea is quite exclusive and elegant. Vulcano's fame is due to its natural mud Spas. Stromboli, with its active volcano, offers every night an amazing eruption. Alicudi, Filicudi and Salina are the less known by the tourism and preserve their original wilderness. Alicudi and Filicudi are the ideal resorts to find relax and quietness.

The sea is clear and warm, its color ranging from cobalt blue to crystal near the shore; the rocky shoreline nurtures a rich variety of aquatic flora and fauna: sea anemones, sponges, shell-fish, seaweed, crustaceans and molluscs as well as countless species of fish, making it a paradise for bathers, snorkellers, divers and spear-gun-fishing enthusiasts alike.

Those who seek peace and quiet, far removed from the trappings of worldly life, may choose to go to Alicudi and Filicudi, or Salina, which although more populated and crowded by visitors, is still unspoilt. The same goes for Lipari, Panarea and Vulcano, drawing an ever-increasing number of tourists every year but still providing the ideal context for a perfect holiday.