Volcanoes of Sicily: Aeolian Islands and Etna

Your travel starts in Lipari, that can be reached by hydrophoil from Milazzo, connected to the Catania airport through train or bus. The white houses and crystal blue sea of the island will brighten your day: if you want to discover its artistic beauties, do not miss the San Bartolomeo Cathedral and the Norman Cloister, with its decorated capitals. By night you can join the lively nightlife of the island with a walk to Marina Corta, and taste some great fish accompanied by the tasty local capers.

You will stay in Lipari for four days: you can freely choose among the itineraries indicated in the days 2-4.

• A) The island of Lipari - the southern tip and Monte Guardia, 11 km

This itinerary leads to the southern tip of Lipari: you will climb the Monte Guardia to enjoy a beautiful view on the Volcano Island, named this way by the Ancient Greeks, who used to believe that the Island housed the God Vulcano's forges.

Distance: 11 km

Elevation gain: +470/-470 m

• B) The Island of Lipari - from Acquacalda to Canneto, 5 km

From Lipari you will reach the Acquacalda beach, on the northern shore of the island, with a short bus ride. You can stop there for a bath before starting your walk on a steep path winding on the side of a big pumice cave, almost touching Mount Pilato, admiring the wonderful view on the archipelago.

You will then descend towards the Canneto beach, from where you can take a bus back to Lipari.

Distance: 5 km

Elevation gain: +350/-350 m

From Lipari you can reach Quattropani with a short bus ride: after a visit to the church, which offers one of the best views on the island, you will start a varied walk leading along the coast through quiet old villages and fumaroles, with beautiful views on Salina and Filicudi. The walk ends at Terme di San Calogero, the oldest springs of the Mediterranean region.

Distance: 14 or 9 km

Elevation gain: +586/-950 m

A) the Volcano Island, 5,7 or 12 km

Vulcano is a small and spectacular island. Here you walk up through an almost lunar landscape to the “Gran Cratere” the great crater, yellowish from the sulfurous smoke constantly emitted. From the top you have exceptional 360° views of the island and the volcanic archipelago. The descent along green slopes offers amazing contrasts of colors with the blue sea and the dark grey rocks. You return to Lipari with the afternoon boat. 
If the walk to the summit is closed you can opt for another very panoramic walk from Capo Grillo back to Vulcano port with extraordinary views of the island.

Distance: 5,7 or 12 km

Elevation gain: +290/-290 m (optional +310/-370 m)

B) The Island of Salina, 7 or 9 km

In this trip you will visit Salina, the village where the film "The Postman" was shot. You can enjoy a short but challenging walk from the "semaforo" in the village of Porto Rinella, through mediterranean shrubland, rewarding yourself with panoramic views on Filicudi and Alicudi.

Distance: 7 or 9 km

Elevation gain: +430/-430 m

C) The Island of Panarea: loop walk, 7 km

Panarea is the furthest island reachable by hydrofoil ride from Lipari. The walk runs all around the island passing through the ridge of the ancient vulcano. From there you have a 360° views over the entire Eolie archipelago. Along the way it is possible to make a detour to the famous
prehistoric village.

Distance: 7 km

Elevation gain: +487/-487 m

 

 

Today you transfer to Stromboli, at the port your luggage will be taken to the hotel while you stroll through the narrow whitewashed streets to the hotel.
The walk on Stromboli is a one-of-a-kind and spectacular experience as this volcano is constantly erupting. 
This circular walk will lead you up to 272 m. a.s.l from where you can see the lava flow field called the “Sciara di Fuoco”: the walk is open to everyone and is normally always accessible.

Distance: 9 km

Elevation gain: +425/-425 m

Today you will reach Milazzo by hydrofoil, from Stromboli. From there, you will take a train or bus to Taormina, a lively town that you will be able to enjoy for the whole day.

There will definitely be no shortage of attractions: you can walk through the gardens of the Villa Comunale, visit the cathedral or the well preserved Greek Theatre. Even strolling through the narrow streets of the centre will reveal many surprises, many of which will delight your palate: we suggest you try local cuisine, a perfect mix between the Arab, French and Spanish culinary traditions.

After breakfast, you will reach Piano Provenzano with a transfer. From there, you will start walking through a mildly challenging itinerary that will take you to the gigantic, majestic Mount Etna. The walk, along the volcanic slopes, will at first take you through lush vegetation, then through old and new lava flows, before encountering lava caves. You will also have the chance to taste some local snacks.

In the afternoon, do not miss the unique Gole dell'Alcantara, with its bizarre rocky conformations, created by the encounter between lava and the ice-cold waters of the stream that flows within the gorge. You will get back to Taormina around half past six in the afternoon, in time to enjoy the last evening in town.

Distance: 10 km

Elevation gain: +450/-450 m

Our services end after breakfast.

For our trips, we always choose accommodation with private rooms and private bathrooms. In rare cases, shared accommodations or shared bathrooms may be provided, so we recommend carefully checking the inclusions section to understand the type of accommodation included in the trip you are interested in.  

We place great importance on the choice of accommodations and select hotels with care and attention. We understand how essential it is to rest well after a day of walking. We always prefer cozy and characteristic establishments, preferably family-run, that fully embody the spirit of the place and offer hospitality with courtesy and comfort.  

Where, due to the nature of the route, accommodation options are limited, we choose the one that best aligns with our standards.