June 16 From Palermo to the Aeolian Islands via Cefalù

 Last night we met our tour director and our fellow travellers and walked together to a local restaurant for dinner.  This morning we drove across northern Sicily to reach Milazzo in order to catch an inter-island hydrofoil which would take us to the island of Lipari, one of the Aeolian Islands.  

The land was rugged and the road passed through many tunnels

Cefalu is set on a rocky headland

We stopped on the way at the delightful historic town of Cefalù which encircles a large Norman cathedral. We had a peek inside the cathedral but then set off to wander the narrow streets looking for the Mediaeval wash house - lavatoio - which is fed by a natural spring. It was quite spectacular. 

We almost missed the entrance to the ancient 'wash house'

It reminded me of Roman baths (which is not surprising). Clever flushing pools for washing

It was delightful wandering the narrow streets discovering all manner of tiny hole-in-the wall places. Here and there we saw the three-legged what looked to me like a jester - a trinacria, or triangle, from the Greek name for Sicily, Trinacria. It represents the island's three corners: Peloro (northeast), Passero (southeast), and Lilibeo (west).  But come enjoy a stroll with me. 

I just love these miniscule trucks

 A Trinacria above the entrance

I was intrigued by the terracotta drain pipes

Prepared for all weather

We went looking for the beach and eventually we poked into a archway and there it was. Then a spot of lunch and a cool drink in the central square.  What an intriguing place.

The strangest entrance to a beach I have ever seen.

Back on the bus we finally arrived at the ferry port of Milazzo and stood in line for ages in the hot sun waiting for the ferry. The joys of travel! Anyway after a zippy hydrofoil ride we reached Lipari where a small fleet of taxis whisked us off to our hotel which was perched right on the rocky seashore. Quite picturesque. Drinks on the rooftop terrace were followed by dinner again in the openair overlooking a heavenly stretch of Tyrrhenian Sea. 

Lipari in the distance

View from our window

Beautiful spot to eat breakfast and dinner

It is just so Mediterranean!