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AEOLIAN ISLANDS
Hot spring manifestations
The Aeolian Archipelago is a centre of attraction not only for the variety of its natural beauties, but also for its hot springs of high therapeutic value. Such post-volcanic manifestations are encountered at Vulcano, Lipari and Panarea. At Lipari only there are Spa Baths (S. Calogero) now being restored; Vulcano should deserve to be supplied with modern equipments, withouth modifying the environment.
So far the waters and mud, exploited with primeval systems, have always given excellent results. As well as for articulation affections; the waters and mud of Vulcano prove most effective for neuralgia and neurites, affections of circulation, flebitis and varicose ulcers, diseases of the female genital organs and for dermatological affections.
For Vulcano, being a matter of natural volcanic mud with a high radon content and also hot springs, the criterium of choice from the point of view of the healing activity can be considered exclusive. The hot springs of S. Calogero, famous also during the Roman Empire, as we are told by Diodoro Siculo, have been exalted at all times. Pirro, Chirone, Corfi, Strarrulla, Mercalli and others have dealt with them in their writings and all have agreed in classifying them amongst the best in Italy.
They are salty-sulphate-bicarbonatesodium-hyperthermal (60 C). In addition these waters have been prescribed and commended by High Authorityes of Medical science such as Cardarelli, Tomaselli, Paolucci and D'Arrigo. But the best proof of their exceptional value is supplied each year by the immediate cure of invalids who before experimenting the Aeolian waters had tried in vain other hot spring installations.
Climatic Conditions
The climate of the Archipelago, owing to the poor precipitations, the mild temperature in Winter and cool in Summer is remarkably dry. The changes of temperature are never great. The medium temperatures range from 13°C in Winter (January) to 20°C in Spring (May) and to 27°C in Summer (July) and 21°C in Autumn (October). The average temperature for the year is between 20°C and 16°C.
Rainfall is not abundant (from 500 to 600 mm. annually), distributed over 50 to 100 rainy days with a maximum in Winter. The annual average relative humidity is 77% with minimum values in August (69%) and maximum in May (73%).
The predominant winds, in the annual average are the North-West ones "Maestrale", and the South-East ones "scirocco". The sky is blue duting 70% of the Summer days, 25% in Winter, 35% in Spring and 50% in Autumn.
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