Aeolian Islands

The Aeolian Islands are a volcanic-in-origin archipelago located just a few miles off the northern coast of

Sicily

in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Renowned for perfect weather, this group of rugged islands includes Stromboli, one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, one that's erupted almost continuously for the last 2,000 years. And yet, over 500 brave souls still live on this time bomb.

The islands are easily reached by ferry or hydrofoil from ports throughout the central

Mediterranean,

and believe it or not, people journey to Stromboli to eat a pizza, cooked in ovens heated by the volcano.

"Oh waiter, I'll have a large lava pizza special, and would you please put some extra danger on it. Grazie!"

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The Stromboli active volcano

A shot of Panarea Island at sunset in the Aeolians