Malfa
Malfa | |
---|---|
Comune | |
Comune di Malfa | |
Malfa | |
Coordinates: 38°35′N 14°50′E / 38.583°N 14.833°ECoordinates: 38°35′N 14°50′E / 38.583°N 14.833°E | |
Country | Italy |
Region | Isole Eolie Sicily |
Province | Province of Messina (ME) |
Area | |
• Total | 8.9 km2 (3.4 sq mi) |
Population (Dec. 2004) | |
• Total | 871 |
• Density | 98/km2 (250/sq mi) |
Time zone | CET (UTC+1) |
• Summer (DST) | CEST (UTC+2) |
Postal code | 98050 |
Dialing code | 090 |
Malfa is a comune (municipality) on the island of Salina, one of the islands of Isole Eolie also known in the English language as Aeolian Islands, in the Province of Messina in the Italian region Sicily, located about 140 km northeast of Palermo and about 80 km northwest of Messina. [1]
Malfa derived its name from Amalfi (near Naples). In the 12th century some families established their lives in Malfa on the island of Salina.
The island of Salina is one of seven the Eolian islands. Salina is also the greenest of the seven islands. The main economic activities are agriculture, tourism and fishing. Cultivated products are grapes, capers, olives, figs and pricklypears.
Malfa is famous for producing and exporting the sweet white wine, Malvasia. The fertile soil produces tons of capers for export.
Malfa celebrates the festival of San Lorenzo (Patron Saint of Malfa) on August 10 each year, with a street parade, music and fireworks.
As of September 2011, Malfa has a population of 943 and an area of 8.9 km².[2]
All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.</ref> Many tourists from mainland Italy and foreign countries, especially Australia, visit Malfa during the Summer months. There are various small hotels and B&Bs.
During the last century, many Malfitani migrated to mostly Australia and a lesser degree to the USA. The Italian and Australian flags can be seen waving in the wind at the Malfa Municipal Office.
Malfa borders the following municipalities: Leni, Santa Marina Salina.
The other six Aeolian Islands are Lipari, Stromboli, Vulcano, Panarea, Filicudi and Alicudi. The islands were formed millions of years ago by a volcanic eruption. The last eruption took place in 10,000 BC from a crater near the village.