37 STAY Therasia Resort Sea & Spa A stylish luxury resort sprawled over the rugged cliffs of Vulcano island with its own private spa and a one-star Michelin restaurant, Il Cappero. The property adopts an eco-design philosophy by adapting common spaces into the natural landscape – the cascading sun decks offer an exceptional view as you make your way down the cliff to the water. Most rooms boast a private sun terrace. www.therasiaresort.it Capofaro An establishment on Salina island with a narrative that is tied to the history of the locality, from the fertile grape-growing land to the nineteenth- century lighthouse. Run by the Tasca d’Almerita family, rooms are available both in the main building and within the lighthouse itself. Guests can immerse in the island life by trying their hands at working in the vineyard or visiting the in-house Marina and Malvasia Micromuseum. www.capofaro.it FOR THE AVERAGE VISITOR, IT TAKES A FLIGHT, a scenic two-hour drive, and an hour or so on the hydrofoil to get to these islands. The actual journey of course includes hours of waiting in between connections, accident-prone highways and a dash of southern Italian laid-back vibes that could prolong the entire process altogether. It is no wonder then that the Aeolian Islands, though magical with abreathtakingly gorgeous landscape, has stayed under-the-radar away from the throngs of tourists heading to Sicily every summer. But as you are about to surrender to traveling fatigue, gratification and awe hit you the moment you step off the hydrofoil onto shore. The locals speak of a folklore that the seven volcanic islands that make up the Aeolian archipelago are demigod sisters descended from the mythical figure, Gea. The beauty of the sisters manifests in the geographical landscapes of the islands formed by years of volcanic activity. Rugged, steep cliffs with vegetation of agaves and prickly pears, jagged coasts from cracks and hardened lava formations, black sandy beaches and hot springs give character to the seven islands of Panarea, Stromboli, Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Alicudi and Filicudi. Cluttered around the north-east sea of Sicily, the islands enjoy clear blue waters and splendid weather all-year long. Set up base in any of the larger islands of Lipari, Salina or Vulcano and hop on and off boats to explore the rest. By Debrina Aliyah Seven Wonders The Aeolian archipelago off the Sicilian coast is notoriously difficult to reach, but the seven islands charm those who do. Boat trips offer a chance to see geographical formations around the islands. WANDERLUST PHOTO COURTESY OF TWENTY30FORTY WANDERLUST Raya Hotel A rustic retreat on the island of Panarea with natural forming pools irrigated by hyperthermal and hypotonic waters of volcanic origins. Its holistic wellness approach extends to the signature restaurant where only organic local produce is used. www.hotelraya.it EAT Il Diavolo dei Polli Its name literally meaning “ The Devil of Chickens ” belies the main offering of the kitchen: seafood so fresh that they are best served raw, which is the signature antipasti dish on the menu. It is best to have a chat with the staff and let them tell you the catch of the day and how grandma in the kitchen wants to cook it. Alternatively, give the one item that has been on the menu since the restaurant opened decades ago a try, the Roast Chicken. Via Cardo, Vulcano. +39 0909853034. Trattoria Cucinotta This cozy little trattoria occupies a traditional white- CLOCKWISE FROM TOP : Lipari is one of the busier islands among the seven,Traditional Sicilian sweets for breakfast. PLACES QATAR 38 T QATAR: THE NEW YORK TIMES STYLE MAGAZINE The Aeolian Regional archaelogical museum on Lipari is housed in an old castle on a cliff, The island is covered in vegetation of agaves and prickly pears. washed rock house overlooking the waters of Salina island. Traditional Sicilian fare is the focus here with lots of hearty appetizers and seafood- based pastas. Be sure to try the stuffed sardines – a local favorite. Via Risorgimento 66, Salina. +39 090 984 3475. Ristorante La Sirena Charming and most definitely off the beaten track, this is probably the only place to get a decent bite on the island of Filicudi. It makes for a good excuse to do a quick pit stop to visit one of the smallest and furthest Aeolian islands. Fresh seafood and simple cooking for a fuss-free dining experience. Località Pecorini, Filicudi, +39 090 988 9997. EXPLORE Boat Trips Sail the days away on island-hopping tours and soak in the sights of little grottos, bays and caves that are unique to these volcanic landscapes. The crystal-clear water is also perfect for both snorkelling and diving – most boat trips are tailored for individual preferences. A highly recommended must-do is the night boat trip that takes you out to the still-active crater on Stromboli where the volcanic eruptions create a spectacle of red fireworks against the pitch dark sky. www.dimensionesicilia.com PHOTO COURTESY OF TWENTY30FORTY 39 Hiking Dormant craters, cones and ranges make the perfect setting for hikers of all levels to admire the views and sceneries across all the islands. For sweeping views of Malvesian vineyards and the surrounding seascape, climb Salina’s highest peak, Fossa delle Felci, that takes you mountainside through green forestry right up to the peak. For a more amateur- friendly hike, take a gradual climb up Fossa di Vulcano that will take you about two to three hours. www.ilvulcanoapiedi.it Mud Baths Apart from Stromboli, Vulcano is the only other island with active volcanic activity though on a more mellow scale. The constantly smouldering volcano gives rise to bubbling fumaroles and black sandy beaches. Immerse in the mud baths for its purifying properties but be sure to take precautions against the sulphur stink afterward. Fanghi di Vulcano, Via Riccardo Conti 20. The cascading cliffs of Therasia Resort Sea & Spa. PHOTO COURTESY OF TWENTY30FORTY PLACES QATAR WANDERLUST 40 T QATAR: THE NEW YORK TIMES STYLE MAGAZINE