The smallest island of the Aeolian archipelago, with an area of only 3.4 sq km and 317 inhabitants, is one of the nicest because of its well-preserved nature and thanks to the heritage left behind by the civilizations that first established themselves on this island.
Panarea, once called Euonymos, was developed right from the Neolithic period, as have demonstrated archaeological digs. The settlement continued during the Bronze Age: traces of a village have been uncovered at Piano Quartara and a village dating back to 1400-1270 BC has been discovered at Punta Millazzese, an evocative promontory with its marvelous beach worthy of one of Homer’s epic.
Panarea is surrounded by a series of islets like Basiluzzo, Lisca Bianca, Dattilo, some of them barely bigger than a reef. These islands were once part of a same ensemble, which has been swallowed up by underwater volcanic eruptions. The high and jagged coasts steeply fall into the sea. The island’s population is divided in three little townships: Drauto, Idetella and St-Pierre. The houses are typical: whitened with chaux and small fenced courtyards.
At Panarea, it is possible to bathe in mud and natural hot water springs which are said to have therapeutic virtues. One can easily take a walk around the island in perfect harmony with nature by taking the small path that borders the coast. There again we recommend this itinerary during fall or spring. On Basiluzzo islet, archaeological excavations have uncovered ruins of ancient Roman buildings in opus reticulatum as well as very interesting mosaics.