the surroundings of messina

Isole Eolie

The Eolie Islands or Eolie Archipelagus is a set of seven islands of volcanic origin in the North of Sicily, belonging to the province of Messina, located in the Tirreno Sea.

The Islands are: Lipari (the main island), Salina, Stromboli, Vulcano, Alicudi, Filicudi and Panarea. There are also a series of smaller islands and rocks.

The islands features two active volcanoes: Stromboli and Vulcano.

Taormina

Taormina is probably the most famous touristic center of Sicily. The small town is located on a high hill on the coast south of Messina and during its history has followed the events of the overall island. Its been a Greek city, later occupied by the Romans and the Arabs, always playing an important role thanks to its strategic position. It has been the last Sicilian town occupied by the Arabs, managing to resist to the Arabic siege for 62 years. After the Normans and the French, the Spanish crown of the Borbones in the XVIII and XIX century changed completely the history of the city, building a new, more comfortable way to reach the city. Especially during the XIX century the city suddenly became one of the most famous international tourist location and part of the Grand Tour made by the rich and noble European personalities in Italy, as part of their education.

Castelmola

Castelmola is a small village located above Taormina and mostly famous for its closeness to the touristic town. Castelmola, due to its position, has historically just been a military location, as testified by the rests of the Norman castle on the top of the mountain.

Milazzo

Milazzo is a small town in the province of Messina mainly famous to be the best way to get the ferryboat to the Eolie Islands.