by: Corry Seibert
Alan & Kathy in Rome
Summer is a spectacular time for traveling in Italy. From the exquisite historical architecture of Rome, to the maze-like canals of Venice, to the colorful and charming villages of Cinque Terre, Italy is a veritable wonderland of sites and activities.
This week, with the help of RealTravelers and contributing writer and travel expert, Michelle Finkelstein, we bring you exciting itineraries from Italy. RealTraveler Kneerk has been studying in Italy, and shares a fantastic itinerary including trips toFlorence, Bologna, and more. CanadianTraveler200 saw the leaning tower in Pisa, and Mt. Vesuvius in Pompei. Check out her inspiring itinerary, Prego Italia!.
Michelle spent a week in the magnificent Aeolian Islands, “a group of seven isles off the north coast of Sicily,” and compiled a both adventurous and relaxing list of suggestions meant to inspire travelers planning a trip here:
Italy’s Aeolian Islands: a One-week Itinerary:
2 Nights: Panarea
For years, jet-setting Italians have come to hip Panarea, the smallest of the Isole Eolie, to relax, mingle and party. In recent years, from mid-July through August multitudes of vacationers from all over Europe and even some well-heeled Americans, descend on the island, giving it the title ‘St Tropez off Sicily’. While this is perhaps overreaching, it is a stylish and more affordable destination to get your Mediterranean-hip on. It is also incredibly beautiful, with secluded coves, clear, turquoise water and a landscape featuring prickly pears, agaves and ancient olive trees.
To Do on Panarea:
- Hire a boat to take you around the island with a stop at Cala Junco Bay, a gorgeous beach enclosed by volcanic basalt reefs.
- From here, hike to the village of Punta Milazzese, a Bronze Age archaeological site consisting of 23 oval stone huts overlooking the sea.
- Dinner on the terrace at the trendy Da Pina (reservations essential in the summer)
1-2 Nights: Stromboli
The farthest of the Aeolian Islands from Sicily, the main attraction on Stromboli is the active volcano, and hiking to the cone with a guide is a true adventure. The volcano recently erupted in February and March 2007, with glowing lava rocks and ash spewing into the air and a fast-flowing lava surge coursing into the sea down the Sciara del Fuoco (‘Stream of Fire’), a large horseshoe-shaped depression on the northwestern side of the cone. While a major eruption can of course not be guaranteed, you can still see the incandescent rock pyrotechnics at night. If you don’t wish to hike the volcano, a stay on Stromboli isn’t necessary as evening boat excursions from Panarea and other islands are possible.
To Do on Stromboli:
- A daytime hike to the Gran Cratere of the volcano. Be sure to hire a guide
- A nighttime boat ride to see the natural fireworks created by the great volcano
2 Nights: Salina
Salina, also called the ‘Garden Island’, is a nature reserve, the location of the 1994 movie ‘Il Postino’ and is known for its delicious Malvasia wine, produced in both red and white varieties. The island is a perfect spot from which to explore the westernmost and least developed islands of Alicudi and Filcudi.
To Do on Salina:
- Hike on one of the island’s many trails where you’ll see wild flowers, vineyards, and lemon, caper and olive trees.
- Spend the day at the volcanic black sand Pollara Beach
- Snorkel in the dark blue waters to see sea urchin and octopus.
- Swim around Perciato di Pollara, a natural stone arch extending from a cliff into the sea
- Daytrip to the tiny Alicudi and Filicudi islands. These pedestrian-only islands feature rugged beauty, whitewashed houses and now-extinct volcanoes. Heather-covered Alicudi has no roads (donkey trails traverse the island), while green Filicudi boasts lovely grottos, (Bue Marino is the most picturesque) and rocky outcrops off the western tip. (more…)
Enjoy more suggestions by Michelle in her travel itinerary, Aeolian Islands, Italy: a One-week Itinerary. Italy offers so much; check out these other itineraries by RealTravelers and more useful links to help plan your trip:
Itineraries:
Trip to Italy, plus… by babeck
Rome, Athens, and More by Kerry Jones
Getaway in Europe by Sean n Giselle
Introduction to Greece and Italy by Toni & Dwayne
Useful Links:
Italy Travel Guide
Florence Travel Guide
Milan Travel Guide
Vatican City Travel Guide |
