Filicudi – Aeolian islands
by f.ajello
Filicudi is a small island, and we advise you not to bring a car. Other scooters may be rented on site. Motor boats can be rented in the island for tours around the island.
The Aeolian islands derive their name from Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds who, according to Homer, had his kingdom here. It is an archipelago full of contrasts and surprises.
There are active volcanoes, bizarre rocky islets and coastlines thrown up by volcanic explosions and sculpted by wind and sea, as well as luxurious vegetation, prehistoric villages and, on display in the prestigious Museo Eoliano on Lipari, many archaeological treasures.
The Aeolian islands have strong traditions and ways of life. Many people fish, if not for a living, at least for the family table, and have small holding where they grow fruit and vegetables. In autumn grapes and olives are harvested – again, mostly for family consumption, although there are prestigious wine makers on Salina – while the main commercial crop is the caper, a flower bud preserved under salt, which is harvested in May and June.
The Aeolians are kind and warm people and they will receive you with full heart.
Spring arrives early on FILICUDI, when the island can seem to explode with multicoloured flowers. This is a perfect time to explore the island on foot, along narrow mountain paths, where donkeys are still the main means of transport.
Capers and vineyards, olive and carob trees give a strong character to the landscape, which is dominated by craggy red rocks.
The sea can change from green to blue to violet. Perhaps the most striking natural phenomena is La Canna, a 70 meter high phallic rock surrounded by splashing waves.
The lack of lights on the island makes Filicudi is the perfect place to skywatch at night.
Questo articolo è stato pubblicato il giovedì, 15 dicembre 2011 alle 16:24 e classificato in sicily. È possibile seguire tutte le repliche a questo articolo tramite il feed RSS 2.0. Puoi lasciare un commento, oppure fare il trackback dal tuo sito.