About Panarea, Aeolian Islands
The smallest of the main Aeolian Islands, but arguably the prettiest, Panarea measures a mere 3km by 1.5km, its narrow lanes undisturbed by cars and a delightful air of tranquility pervading the place. Like all the Aeolians, Panarea is a volcano (an extinct one in this case), which rises to the high point of Punta del Corvo, some 421 above the sea. Settlement on the island dates back into prehistory, with archeological traces of the Myceneans before the Romans arrived around 250BC. The people of the island are largely centred on three villages on the eastern side, Drauto, Ditella and San Pietro, with boats docking at the latter.
This tiny population (some 300) buzzes about on scooters and motorised three-wheelers. Sights include the thermal springs at Punta di Peppe e Maria, much beloved by the Romans of course. There is scuba diving and organised trips out to the shipwreck between the little islets of Lisca Bianca and Bottaro. A 30-minute walk from San Pietro takes you to the isle’s one sandy beach. Close by is Punta Milazzese, where in 1948 a Bronze Age village (circa 14th century BC) was discovered, the 23 huts pointing to a Minoan influence. And though the main volcano is extinct, volcanic activity is still evidenced on the northern beach of Calacara, where steam sometimes escapes through one of the island’s fumaroles.
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