This group of islands was formed by volcanic activity that started more than 400 thousand years ago and is still ongoing today. They are a Unesco World Heritage Site because “they continue to provide a rich field of on-going geological processes in the development of landforms.”. Besides the stunning rocky formations and the active volcanoes, the Aeolian Islands count a number of endemic species of both plants and animals and an outstanding blue sea with crystal-clear water.
The Ancient Greeks once inhabited these islands and were fascinated enough by them to locate here various episodes of their mythology and epic poems. Aeolus, the god of the winds, lived here, as well as Hephaestus, the god of fire. Which makes perfect sense.
Most of the islands have a strict policy against building from scratch. Old houses can be restored but only using the local traditional architectural style, which is as Mediterranean as it gets, preserving the outstanding beauty of the scenery with a few rustic whitewashed square houses amidst the green of the land and the blue of the sea.
It must be mentioned that the Aeolian Islands are also an absolute paradise for foodies. The sea provides fresh fish and the volcanic soil produces unbelievably tasty produce and extremely interesting wines. From gourmet restaurants to easy-going snack bars, you will find a number of delicious interpretations of the local specialties that make the stay here just unforgettable.