SICILIAN
ISLANDS
Sicily
comprises a number of satellite islands and archipelagoes of high
tourism importance.
The
Stagnone Lagoon
The
Stagnone Lagoon covers an area of 2,000 hectars between Punta San
Teodoro and Capo Lilibeo. It consists of a small archipelago composed
of four islands, namely Longa, Scuola, Mozia (or San Pantaleo) and
Santa Maria. In 1984, in order to preserve its precious ecosystem,
the lagoon was designated as a Natural Reserve.
Mozia
Mozia,
set off Marsala’ s Stagnone Bay, was inhabited by the ancient
Phoenicians. With its characteristic salt-pans and wind mills, the
island is a major goal of tourists. Besides its naturalistic riches,
the island is an equally renowned archaeological site, with the
Tofet, a place where Phoenicians buried children, and the archaeological
museum.
Pantelleria
Pantelleria,
in the Trapani district, is among Sicilian major tourist destinations.
It is well-famous for its dammusi, naturalistic riches and sites,
like the Montagna Grande (Grand Mountain), pine woods, the Gibele
volcano, the favare and several archaeologic sites, like the Monastero
catacombs and the abandoned village of Mueggen.
It
is a volcanic island rather closer to the African coast (37 km from
Tunis) than Sicily’s (47km). The last eruption dates as far
back as 9,000 years while sysmic’s dates back to the late-1800s.
The sole active volcanic activity is due to the so-called Stufe
or Bagni Asciutti hot springs and the favare, mini-geysers that
puff boiling hot steams. The main one, known as the Favara Grande,
stands down the slopes of the Grand Mountain.
The
dammuso, from Arabic for ‘vaulted structure’, is a typical
10th century building with arch openings, stone walls and a dome-shaped
roof serving to collect rain. The walls’ considerable thickness
insulates the rooms, keeping them cool in the hot summer.
Pantelleria
boasts remotest origins: relics of lava stone artefacts from the
Phoenecian Age are scattered across the Island; among these are
the noted Sesi – tombs where the important members of the
community were buried, made from lava stone blocks – and the
ruins of a pre-historic village.
Visitors
may take splendid excursions on horseback along the island naturalistic
spots and boating tours of the many bays and bathing spots. The
Ballata dei Turchi, the Tracino, the Formaggio are just a few names.
The
island is especially beautiful in the spring and autumn when the
climate and a slower flow of tourists afford a more relaxing vacation,
away from mass tourism.
Ustica
Ustica,
belonging to the Palermo province, has such attractive and renowned
natural bays as the Cala Santa Maria, the Bastione Monte Guardia
dei Turchi, the Cala del Camposanto, the Punta dell’Omo morto.
As much impressive spots are provided by the natural caves of the
Grotta Azzurra and the Pastizza. The only village on the island,
mainly living on fishing and tourism, and the fine Bourbon tower
are other major features of this enchanting place.
Ustica
is an oasis of peace and tranquillity, unspoilt by mass tourism,
hence affording an extremely relaxing holiday amidst historical
and naturalistic attractions. Diving is most recommended.
The
island boasts an important history; it was inhabited by the Phoenicians
and the Romans, the latter calling it Ustum, meaning “burnt”.
Since 1986, it has been a marine protected reserve.
Aeolian
Islands
The
Aeolian Islands, within the Messina province, are situated off Milazzo
coast. These seven volcanic islands are a favorite destination for
tourists from across the world. Their uncontaminated landscape marked
by striking colour contrasts is host to a wide range of wildlife
including several kinds of migratory birds and rare sea-gulls.
As
other Sicilian archipelagoes, the Aeolian is one of remotest roots,
the earliest settlements here going as back away as 4,000 years.
It seems that the main Lipari has accommodated some Greek colonies.
There is a fine and well-known museum tracing, through a rich display
of artefacts, the islands’ history starting from the very
Paleolithic age when the islands are reckoned to have emerged from
the sea. Today, tourism constitutes the islands’ main income.
The
cone-shaped Alicudi, the farthest island – along with Filicudi
– from Milazzo coast, has characteristic lava stone houses
and a richest flora mostly composed of prickly pear, caper and broom.
It is endowed with some beautiful beaches, crystal-like waters and
very interesting architectural sites, such as the churches of the
Carmine and St. Bartholomew, the Montagna, being a settlement dating
back to the 18th century, and the village of Castello, set on a
hill sloping down to the sea.
The neighboring Filicudi is also very attractive. Remnants on the
island provide evidence for human presence there since Antiquity:
the ruins of a pre-historic village dating back to the Bronze Age
and the sites of Rocca Ciauli, the Montagnola, Capo Graziano, Monte
Guardia.
Two
villages have grown on the island, namely Valdichiesa and Zucco
Grande. The wild nature, along with the sea and the beautiful shore,
have made the island a favorite destination of summer tourists.
Not to miss is the boating tour of the island, enabling visitors
to enjoy every natural side of this magic place.
Stromboli,
especially renowned for its active volcano, is a popular tourism
destination. It is particularly impressive at sunset when its landscape
puts on incredibly beautiful colours.
Salina,
with its richest flora and its distinctive two-humped profile –
consisting of its two peaks Monte dei Porri and Fossa delle Felci,
is the second largest of the Aeolian Islands. It derives its name
from an old salt mine there located. Today, Salina is a well-famous
tourism – notably summer – resort combining historical
– the Santuario della Madonna del Terzito and the Santa Marina
district with several caves of Saracen origin – naturalistic
– the Pollara Bay, the Lupo Valley – and bathing spots.
Vulcano
is the southernmost of the Aeolian islands and the closest to the
Sicilian mainland.
It
results from the fusion of four volcanoes. The main crater, the
Cavallo and the Gelso caves, being nicest bathing spots are most
attractive.
Lipari
is the largest and by far the most popular of the Aeolian islands;
the visitors can enjoy numerous attractions, finest sand beaches
and the charming town’s old centre. The Castle overlooking
the sea and housing the Archaeological Museum, the Norman Cathedral,
the Greek amphitheatre and a number of villages, such as Canneto,
with its nice sand beach, and Acquacalda are worth a visit.
Like
other islands in the archipelago, Lipari is one of archaeological
interest, with relics ranging in date from the 17th to the 2nd century
BC. Outstanding are the most ancient San Calogero Thermes –
going as back away as the 17th century BC –, a necropolis
with tombs dating from the 5th century BC and the ruins of two sanctuaries
dedicated to Demetra and Kore, dating back to around 470 BC. Also
worth-seeing are the Monastero di San Bartolomeo restored at the
behest of Norman Count Roger, the Rocche Rosse crater, the pumice
quarry and the old kaolin mines.
The
island of Panarea is especially appreciated by Italian and International
VIPs. Outstanding are the Cala Junco green bay and the ruins of
a prehistoric village dating back to the Bronze Age.
The
Pelagian Islands
This
beautiful archipelago is made up of the renowned Lampedusa, Lampione
and Linosa islands; and belongs to the Agrigento province.
The
Islands are at a considerable distance from the mainland, what has
helped preserving their primeval environment.
Lampedusa,
by far the most famous island in the Archipelago, is home to archaeologic
remnants from Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Arab ages. It is endowed
with beautiful naturalistic sites; worth-mentioning are the Cala
Spugne, the Cala Maluk and the Rabbit island. The island has a richest
vegetation and wildlife and unique landscapes. Its geological features
are very much alike the Northern coast of Africa. Boating tours
of the coast and its finest sand beaches are highly recommended.
The Santuario della Madonna di Lampedusa or Porto Salvo, a church
whose origin goes back to the Age of the Crusades, is worth-seeing.
Linosa,
known as the “black pearl of Sicily” due to its volcanic
origin, has uncontaminated environments and sea-beds with plenty
of grottoes, caves and wildlife. The island is a paradise for snokelers
and divers. Its vegetation is magnificent. The island origins go
back to the Roman and Arabian dominations.
Lampione,
also known as Scola dei Portolani, is a smallest desert island closest
to Lampedusa.
The
Egadi Islands
The
Egadi Archipelago lies a few miles off Trapani shore and comprises
the three main islands of Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo, plus
a a number of tiny islands among which stand Asinelli and Formica,
home to remains of a tuna-fishery and a lighthouse.
On
Marettimo, there are remains of ancient Roman settlements, namely
the grand Grotta del Cammello (Camel Grotto) and the rocky peak
of Punta Troia, where lie the ruins of an ancient Aragonese castle.
The island is endowed with splendid naturalistic riches, uncontaminated
sea-beds, like that by the Cala Bianca, the Bombarda grottoes and
several interesting hilly areas like Pizzo Falcone and Pizzo Capraro.
Favignana
is the major and the most frequented island of the Archipelago.
It has a hilly profile, a rich vegetation, mainly Mediterranean,
amazing coastal strips like Cala Rossa, and spots as the Bue Marino
grotto, Punta Fanfalo, Cala Grande and others.
Levanzo,
with its characteristic small bays, grottoes and prehistoric remnants,
is a beautiful island in the Egadi archipelago. Its former names
Phorbantia and the Arabic Al Yabisah (meaning “dry”,
due to lack of fresh water springs on the island) provide evidence
for its remote roots.
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