June 17 Lipari, Marina Corta

We had arrived at the Aeolian islands. This archipelago has been on my wish list for over 10 years because it is volcanic - we finally made it! We spent four beautiful nights on the island of Lipari, the biggest of the islands. From our base there, we explored the island and travelled to other islands in this archipelago of seven main islands. 

Today we went on a guided walking tour of the little old port of Marina Corta and the surrounding village with its narrow streets and a site with partially-excavated ancient Roman baths. From there we climbed up to Castello di Lipari, located on a huge volcanic rock that juts out into the sea rising to a height of about 50m they say, but it seemed much higher than that when we climbed it. M more of that later but for now enjoy a stroll through this delightful village. 

Many houses had plastic bags hanging outside containing scraps
for people with gardens or raising animals to collect.

In the piazza stands Saint Bartholomew Chapel dedicated to lost seamen

Marina Corta with a wee chapel for the seamen on the wharf

At Marina Corta stands a small chapel so seamen could get a blessing before they went out to sea and offers thanks when they got back safely

An island of churches.

The colours were vibrant and enticing

A delicious shelf of liqueurs along with capers which grow everywhere

Moor's head vases. The Moor's head was severed by a jealous lover and used to grow basil

We passed a wee van selling fresh herbs and vegetables. This gardeners produce had almost sold out

Long legs come in handy on the steep paths! Note the ceramic topped wall

Creative fasions

'Very narrow streets'

This staircase was gorgeous with bright ceramic fish on the risers

Intriguing laneways

The walls of these buildings were painted with doors, windows and balconies. The images brightened  the square.  

Strange blowsy exotic flowers dripping over a wall

The Romans were here for 5-600 years from around 260 BC.R: a small piece of mosaic uncovered. 

We saw few windows as they let in the heat. The families live on their open-air terraces.
Most houses had a sign outside often in ceramics with their name and an image.

We were about to climb to that citadel overlooking this gorgeous wee harbour