Luxury villas for rent in Sicily

The Aeolian islands derive their name from Aeolus, the Greek god of the winds who, according to Homer, had his kingdom here. It is an archipelago full of contrasts and surprises.
There are active volcanoes, bizarre rocky islets and coastlines thrown up by volcanic explosions and sculpted by wind and sea, as well as luxurious vegetation, prehistoric villages and, on display in the prestigious Museo Eoliano on Lipari, many archaeological treasures.
The Aeolian islands have strong traditions and ways of life. Many people fish, if not for a living, at least for the family table, and have small holding where they grow fruit and vegetables. In autumn grapes and olives are harvested – again, mostly for family consumption, although there are prestigious wine makers on Salina – while the main commercial crop is the caper, a flower bud preserved under salt, which is harvested in May and June.
Twin-peaked Salina (27 sq km) is the second biggest island of the archipelago, and it is known as the green island due to its lush vegetation. Visitors to Salina are enchanted by its lush vegetation and magnificent, everchanging landscapes, which can be explored on a well-maintained road network and numerous hiking trails.
In the summer, while other islands in the Archipelago are overwhelmed by tourists, Salina maintains a relatively calm atmosphere, and has been spared the uncontrolled construction of hotels and apartment complexes.
While the other six main islands (Lipari, Vulcano, Stromboli, Filicudi, Alicudi, and Panarea) are under the administration of the town of Lipari, Salina has three individual municipalities: S. Marina Salina, Malfa, and Leni. Some 2500 people live on the island, which has so far managed to escape from the mass tourism.
Leni, on the south west side of the island, consists of the two villages of Valdichiesa, 300 m up hill and Rinella, by the sea, where there is a small port.
The other municipality is Malfa, set on the north side, with the two villages of Pollara and Capo Faro.
The main port is at Santa Marina, the third municipality. Lingua is a 3 kilometre walk or drive away. with a small salt lake once used for the salt production.
Villa Le Giare is just 2km from the main port of Santa Marina. A bus connects all the villages, but visitors can also hire a car, a scooter or a bicycle.
Hikers can walk up to the forests of Monte Fossa delle Felci (one of the first natural parks created in Sicily) and the neighbour Monte dei Porri, with breathtaking panoramic views over the sea and the other islands of the archipelago.
One of the most beautiful places to visit is Pollara, where the film Il Postino - the Postman - was shot. The white houses of its less than 60 inhabitants lie scattered on the gently sloping floor of a spent volcanic crater.
Close by is Punta Perciato, a huge arch of lava eroded by the sea.

From Milazzo (the nearest harbor to the Aeolian islands, on the north coast of Sicily): There are several trips a day all the year around.
From Reggio Calabria and Messina: there are several hydrofoil trips a day all the year around, with some stops in the other islands.
By ferry, with Siremar, twice a week in the winter and up to 6 trips in the summer; by hydrofoil, Ustica Lines, once or twice a day, only in the summer (10 June/20 Sept.), stopping in Lipari.
From Palermo: Hydrofoils Ustica Lines, all the year around, with a trip every two days in the winter and two trips every day in the summer.