of Sicilia close to the Messina Strait. Seven islands are part of the Aeolien islands and are
spread from North to South over a distance of about 60km. The most northern islands is the
Stromboli one of the few volcanoes that is permanently active. In fact every 20 minutes the
volcano project some lava in the air. During the day it is just a dark cloud but during the night it
can be beautifull as the lava is orange. While we were there the volcano was not very active on
our first visit but later on our second visit it was again active with beautifull eruptions at night.
The second volcanic island is Vulcano. This one is located south and it is very easy to climb to the
summit of the crater. After climbing, for about 90 minutes, to reach 400 meters altitude you
arrive at the crater of the volcano. The volcano is considered inactive. However on the borders
you have some sulfurous smokethat is comming from the volcano. Those fumes are very hot and
toxic and remind us that the volcano is in fact still active. All along the exhaust openings you
have some beautifull sulfur deposits. If you take a look of the sea you have a spectacular view of
the islands but you can also see, if the sky is clear, the Etna that dominates Sicilia.
If you go back to the port of Vulcano you can have a dip in some sulfurous mud. A good shower is
highly recommemded after this mud bath.The other islands are all different and if you have
time a one day visit to the island of Lipari and Salinas are certainly worth. We did particularely
liked Salinas as it has been very well preserved. The island is full of little houses with little
gardens. There are nearly no cars on the island. To visit the eolien islands it is very easy as many
ferries are connecing the islands with Sicilia.