Sicily is an Italy Region unique for the concentration of beauty and history, and is in a remote corner that we propose a round of 4 days,
a wonderful mtb tour of the Aeolian Islands
MYTHS AND LEGENDS
The islands are known as early as 4000 BC for the presence of obsidian, a natural glass that forms very sharp for fast cooling of the lava, and which was used to fabricate tips and knives by the people of the time. The islands take their name from the god Aeolus, king of the winds. According to Greek mythology, the Prince Aeolus took refuge on these islands and gave them the name, thanks to his reputation as a trainer of the winds. He lived in Lipari and could predict the weather by observing the shape of the clouds puffing from an active volcano, probably the Stromboli. Thanks to this ability, which is decisive for the Islanders, who were mostly fishermen and needed to know the likely evolution of meteorological events, Aeolus gained great popularity in the archipelago, according to one theory, from what was a simple greek prince, skilled in predicting the weather by the clouds, fueled the myth of the god Aeolus, instead able to command the winds.
LIPARI
Our tour kicks off Lipari, the largest of the islands.
The old town is dominated by the castle perched on a headland and its construction dates back to ancient times, with a tower, part of the Greek fortifications of the IV-III century BC, with the thirteenth century medieval towers and curtain walls of the Spanish era.
Overall it hosted the regional Aeolian Archeological Museum, one of the most important in the Mediterranean, which we will visit in the fourth and final day of the tour. The main street is dell’sola Corso Vittorio Emanuele, known by the inhabitants simply as “The Bachelor.” The most characteristic and historically the most popular, however, is Via Garibaldi, from which radiate numerous alleys that make it more impressive. It connects the castle with Ugo Piazza S. Onofrio, called “Marina Corta.”
Cycling along approximately 45 km during the day, we will discover unspoilt areas on technical routes through the unexplored dirt roads and green areas of the island: climbing in Monte S. Angelo (one of the highest points of the island 600 meters above sea level ), visit the kaolin quarries, now disused, used in Greek;
along the path we will follow the walls of the quarry, in a ‘still active fumarolic area, which shows how the island is still affected by volcanic activity.
VULCANO
The second day after departing from the island of Lipari and having admired while browsing on board our boat, the famous “Faraglioni” and a fascinating rugged coastline with cliffs and sea, we arrive on the island of Vulcano, the southernmost of the islands.
Will ride for about 40 km to the discovery of the most exclusive places: natural hot springs, fumaroles, steam jets, tuff. There will be a background unspoiled, breathtaking views. Driving along the spectacular dirt roads of the island, we will do the bathrooms on the beaches of black volcanic sand and let our bikes, we will begin to walk for the ascent to the volcano until it reaches the mouth placed 386 meters, from here we will enjoy incomparable landscapes.
Although the last eruption occurred in 1888 – 1890, the volcano never ceased to give proof of its vitality, and even today, such phenomenons: fumaroles, steam jets is on the crest of that submarine. And it is precisely the presence of these phenomena that allows you to enjoy the sulphurous mud appreciated therapeutic properties.
In the evening, dine under the mouth of the volcano, in a typical Aeolian archipelago, enjoying the “bread cunzato”, the “focaccia Messina” and other dishes, of course, accompanied by local wine and Malvasia delle Lipari, and after spending a night in happiness, head back to Lipari admiring the sea at night lit by the stars.
SALINA
On the third day departing from the island of Lipari on board the boat, we will sail north from admiring the sea coast “Canneto” and Pumice quarries that diving into the sea forming the white sand beach that makes the crystal clear sea.
Once on the island of Salina, the second largest of the Aeolian archipelago, there awaits an intense climb the mountain “Trench Ferns” (962 meters above sea level, the highest point of the islands) along the ascension will find vast expanses of green and once you got to the top we will have the chance to see all seven magical Aeolian Islands. To drop us a wonderful journey awaits mtb with technical descents in magnificent dirt.
Salina is the most fertile island of the Aeolian islands and rich in water, are grown quality grapes from which we get the “Malvasia delle Lipari,” a sweet wine, and capers that are exported all over the world and that we will to taste. The day continues with the circumnavigation of the island to discover the many villages of Salina, we will make a stop in the “Bay of Pollara,” one of the most enchanting places to make a magnificent bathroom (if weather permits) and then we will go to visit in ‘now mythical abode of “Il Postino”, the last film of the great Troisi. Last stop of the day will be the fraction of the “Language”, where we will stop at the largest natural lake from which salt was extracted, hence the name Salina, then finished the day with a legendary Sicilian granita and fall, after traveling about 60 km throughout the day, for a well earned rest in a boat to Lipari
The fourth day I spend in Lipari, with our bike will travel about 35 km along the waterfront of the village of “Canneto” will cross the characteristic fishing villages on the island. We will hike through the old alleys of the historical center, rediscovering scents and sensations of the old traditions Aeolian, and then make a lovely visit inside the castle of Lipari, with a visit to the Regional Archaeological Museum Aeolian.
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or write a mail eolienbike@tiscali.it
Giordano Roverato