Unusual Place to Hike - The Aeolian Islands

foren83 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 17:26:00 GMT

The Aeolian Islands, also known as Lipari Islands, are an archipelago of volcanic origin, found in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Messina, north coast of Sicily.

[The Stromboli Crater - Courtesy of Sicily Tours Non-Profit Association]

They include two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Vulcano.

The archipelago consists of the following islands:

     * Alicudi
     * Filicudi
     * Lipari
     * Panarea with the islets of basaltic Basiluzzo, Dattilo and Lisca Bianca.
     * Salina
     * Stromboli (with the nearby rock of Strombolicchio)
     * Volcano

As a popular tourist destination, they attract up to 200,000 visitors yearly.

[Alicudi]

The Aeolian islands have been labeled World Heritage Site by UNESCO for volcanic phenomena, but this appointment is likely to be withdrawn.

The Sromboli island (a popular Hiking destination) is characterized by the presence of continues eruptions of the Stromboli volcano.

The lava flows in the "sciara fire" a hill where lava flows directly in the sea.

It is the only Aeolian island of which is from about two millennia in a state eruptive permanent.

[Climbing the Stromboli Volcano]

The steep trail that climbs up the highest points of observation is a route through the nature of the Mediterranean, between plants, birds and reptiles that have always found on the ideal conditions for living.

The steep valleys, sometimes enveloped by fog, make it even more surreal landscape. The climbing night, often dangerous if you are not guided by experts, repays the effort with his performance: the fire ignites the sky reflecting in the sea, who welcomes the scorching heat of the earth.

The black volcanic sand accompanies the descent to the country, while the gaze sweeps toward the mainland and off Sicily.

There is a project to create a National Park to preserve its natural life and protect the volcano.

Hiking and Trekking holidays in Tuscany, Italy

foren83 — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 17:05:00 GMT

[The Dome of Pisa - Credit Tuscany Walking.org]

Don't lose to see:

The Via Francigena, a great path for bikers and hikers. It's an ancient road used by merchants, prelates, soldiers and pilgrims that linked North of Europe with Rome and Jerusalem.
The city of Pisa and the leaning tower.
The city of Florence and its historical center, the cradle of Italian culture.
The City of Siena and its shell-shaped square "Piazza del Campo". It's famous for hosting the Palio horse race (held in July 2 and August 16).
The Chianti region, the ideal place for cyclists, between the hills of Siena and Florence.
The Apennines, a mostly green and wooded mountain chain.

Suggested ideas and itineraries: (Courtesy of Walking in Italy nonprofit association)

[Florence Dome]

Here a list of active travel ideas to visit Tuscany

[Guided or Self Guided] The Chianti region: From Florence to Siena
[Guided or Self Guided] Siena and Val D'Orcia
[Self Guided] Via Romea, the pilgrim's way
[Self Guided] Vandelli, the Dukes road

All my hiking

Unusual Place to Hike - The Aeolian Islands

Hiking and Trekking holidays in Tuscany, Italy