Aeolian Islands
The seven tiny islands that make up the Aeolian archipelago are still relatively unknown to non Italians. Named after Aeolus the god of wind, they are all unique and with their own individual allure, however, their combined beauty has made them a UNESCO world heritage site since 2000. Tiny isolated beaches accessible only by boat, active volcanoes that light up the night sky with showers of diamond-like embers comparable only to the jewels that drip off the glamorous Milanese fashion crowd and Sicilian aristocrats that flock there in August.
With only 10,000 permanent residents scattered throughout the islands, the character of each one varies enormously depending on the season. April and May are magical, the islands are covered in a carpet of wild flowers, there are few visitors, just locals emerging from their winter hibernation and preparing the islands for the onslaught of visitors (over 200,000) that arrive from June onwards. The islands are bursting at the seams in July and August and a yacht is often the most civilized way of exploring unless you yearn for the poolside scene at the Hotel Raya. The gin clear waters are still invitingly warm in September and October. The rest of the year is more risky as the hydrofoils to and from the mainland are frequently cancelled due to rough seas and you can end up staying a little longer than you had hoped.
Please contact rosamund@bellinitravel.com or telephone +44 (0)20 7602 7602 for more information.
