Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea just north of the Italian island of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands are an archipelago formed by volcanic activity. The Aeolian Islands are part of Italy and commonly accessed via Sicily. There are seven main Aeolian Islands, which have a combined total of over 1,200 square kilometers (463 square miles) of land. There are also several smaller islets in the archipelago. The main islands in the archipelago are Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Alicudi. Two active volcanoes are located in the Aeolian Islands: Stromboli and Vulcano.

Panarea is the smallest island in the group and is popular due to the Hotel Raya. Sip in your favorite drink at the terrace of the hotel and dance to the tunes played at the disco (only in August). The second smallest island of the group is Alicudi. It is the most isolated island with a few shops and a few houses, making it a perfect destination for people seeking complete relaxation and peace.

The main island of the group is Lipari, which serves as a transportation hub and base for visitors to the islands. Vulcano is home to the volcano named Vulcano, and is a popular destination for beach vacations and mud baths. Stromboli, though most remote, is a popular spot to visit for its regularly active volcano. The other islands offer scenic nature and great views of the volcanoes.

The Aeolian Islands remain relatively undeveloped because of an intentional restriction placed on new buildings in an effort to preserve the islands’ natural state. However, there are a few hotels and internet cafes in Lipari Town.

Besides the stunning views, you can enjoy swimming in the azure waters of the sea or walking around the sea coast.

Aeolian Islands Map

Facts about Aeolian Islands

• The Aeolian Islands were formed over 260,000 years ago.
• The volcanic activity in the islands is caused by the edge of the African continental shelf moving towards Europe.
• The islands were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.
• Read: Facts about Italy….

Where is Aeolian Islands?

The Aeolian Islands are located just above the Italian island of Sicily, to the west of the Italian peninsula. The Islands are within the Tyrrhenian Sea, which is part of the Mediterranean. The islands are commonly accessed via boat from nearby Sicily or southern Italy.

Best time to visit Aeolian Islands

The Aeolian Islands have become a popular tourist destination, therefore summer months are often crowded, but the weather is great. Off-season prices are usually lower, while the weather is still mild on the islands.

More on Aeolian Islands

Nearby Attractions:Museum Archeologico Eoliano Lipari, Villa Enrica, and Panarea Prehistoric Village.

Don’t miss Italy major attractions:  Leaning Tower of Pisa, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Colosseum, Rome, Portofino, Uffizi Gallery, Pompeii.

Pompeii, Italy – If you want to travel back 2,000 years, come to Pompeii. This largest archeological site in Europe is where history resides. The well-preserved ruins of the once prosperous city are a testimony to the yesteryear glories and a window to the ancient ways of life in Italy. The charm of this heritage site lingers long after you have paid a visit.

History

Pompeii belonged to the ancient Greeks, who first settled here in the 8^th century B.C. However, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 buried the city under a thick sheet of volcanic ashes. The site was rediscovered by a delegation of archeologists in 1748 and found most parts of the city virtually intact. UNESCO designated Pompeii as a World Heritage Site in 1997.

Things to Do in Pompeii

The premier archeological site is the place to get familiar with the ancient Italian way of living. It’s a rare visit to centuries-old homes, shops, temples, amphitheaters and more.

Do visit Mount Vesuvius, Europe’s only active volcano that invites you to hike and reach the 3,900-ft-high summit. The aerial view of the Bay of Naples from the summit is fascinating.

Nearby Attractions

When you have a happening city like Naples in close vicinity, then you are up for having some really good time hanging around. Enter Naples and you will have a number of famous destinations at your disposal such as the Naples National Archeological Museum, Naples Cathedral, San Francesco di Paola, Castel Nuovo, Royal Palace of Naples, Catacombs of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso, and Teatro di San Carlo (Royal Theatre of Saint Charles).

Where is Pompeii?

Pompeii is close to the Bay of Naples in the Province of Naples in South-western Italy.

How to Reach Pompeii?

 By Air – The Naples International Airport is the nearest one from Pompeii. It takes a half-an-hour drive from the airport to cover a distance of around 30 km.

 By Train – Circumvesuviana di Napoli is the nearest railway station from Pompeii, which is located at a distance of 25.5 km. The railway route connects Pompeii with Circumvesuviana and Sorrento.

 By Road – The Naples Metropolitan City is a mere 25.6 km from Pompeii and requires a half-an-hour drive from there. Pompeii is also well connected by road to some of the other major cities of the region.

Accommodations

There are several hotels near Pompeii to choose from. Pompeii Resort, Hotel Forum, Hotel Palma, and Hotel Maiuri take care of the needs of those who won’t mind shelling out more in return of luxury. Accommodations such as Hotel Iside, Hotel Diana, Hotel Degli Amici, Hotel Del Sole, Hotel Visagi, Hotel Giovanna, and Santa Caterina are the best options for the economy travelers to choose from.

Restaurants

Although there are very few restaurants near Pompeii, they do provide great food. The President and Ristorante Lucullus offer sumptuous Italian dishes and delicacies. If you want to try pizzas, head to Ristorante & Pizzeria da Gigino. The Melius, a gourmet deli, offers you plenty to choose from and satisfy your taste buds. Local delicacies such as Soppressata Cilentana (smoked salami from Cilento), Gragnano pasta, mozzarella di bufala, and Amalfi Coast marmalades are some of the best you can get in the country. If you head northwards to the city of Naples, more options open up.

Best Time to Visit

April to October is the best time to visit Pompeii as the weather remains quite pleasant during this period.

Things to Remember

Operating Hours

08:30 to 19:30 (April-October). No entry after 18:00

08:30 to 17:00 (November-March). No entry after 15:30

Entry Tickets

Adults – €11

EU citizens under 18 and over 65 years – Entry Free

Facts About Pompeii

• Pompeii was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
• The city is spread over an area of 98 hectares.
• The ruins of Pompeii are the largest archeological site in Europe.
• This tourist destination attracts over 2.5 million visitors from around the world every year.
• As per the historians, the destroyer of Ancient Pompeii – Mount Vesuvius – has seen more than 50 eruptions over the centuries.
• The archeological excavations of Pompeii are still going on even after three centuries have passed since it was re-discovered.
• Find out facts about Italy here….

Image Credit: Kim Traynor

Don’t miss Italy major attractions:  Leaning Tower of Pisa, Amalfi Coast, Venice, Colosseum, Rome, Portofino, Uffizi Gallery, Pompeii.