Island of Vulcano

Province: Messina

Municipality: Lípari

Area: 21sq.km/8sq. mi

Altitude: 499m/1,638ft.

Population: 467

Communications

Shipping links with Milazzo and Naples; hydrofoil to Milazzo.

Location and importance

Vulcano, the southernmost of the Aeolian Islands, is separated from its larger neighboring island of Lipari by a channel scarcely 1km/1,100yd wide, the Bocche di Vulcano. In ancient times the island was known as Hiera Hephaistou (Sanctuary of Hephaistos) as well as Therasia and Thermesa, and was the home of Aiolos, the Master of the Winds. Today it is as a popular holiday resort because of its bathing beaches and, above all, its volcanic phenomena.