SloWays • Sicily active volcanoes and islands

A travel across Sicily, a fascinating land with many colours: the intense whiteness of the fishing villages, the yellow of cultivated fields, the blue and green shades of the sea, the black lava of the Aeolian Islands and its active volcanoes.

Mount Etna, the ever present, awe-inspiring giant colours the mountain sides in red with its lava flows, painting a sight that is unique in the world. You will walk along the cliffs crest, admiring the view of little hamlets built like eagles' nests on the mountain slopes, discovering the traditions of a place where daily life still follows a slow rhythm, dictated by the flow of the seasons and ancient traditions.

Naturally, you will be able to taste Sicilian Cuisine, with its sharp flavours and the countless influences brought by the many peoples that have contributed to the rich history of this island.

The tips of Valentina:

Discover how the greek mythology explains the origin of Vulcano, the island of God Efesto;
Admire the lava flowing out of the Volcano, and search black fragments of Obsidian, the stone in which it turns into;
Try to recognize the locations of your favourite scenes visiting the island of the Troisi film "The Postman";
Spoil yourself with a thermal bath in the sulfurean water;
Enjoy an "aperitivo" in IX Settembre square, in the heart of Taormina.

Route

Day 1: Lipari

Day 2: The Island of Lipari

Day 3: The Island of Lipari - from Quattropani along the the west coast, 15 km

Day 4: The Island of Lipari and Vulcano

Day 5: Stromboli and its volcano, 8,3 - 14 km

Day 6: Taormina

Day 7: Monte Etna, 10 km

Day 8: Goodbye Taormina

Day 1: Lipari

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.

Day 2: The Island of Lipari

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.

The Island of Lipari - from Acquacalda to Canneto, 5,5 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.

Day 3: The Island of Lipari - from Quattropani along the the west coast, 15 km

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.

Day 4: The Island of Lipari and Vulcano

The Island of Lipari: the Volcano Island, 7 km

A walk on the Volcano Island, where you will be able to walk to the "Great Crater": notice the yellowish colour, originated by the sulfurous smoke that it emits, and enjoy a wonderful view on the whole arcipelago. After the walk, spoil yourself with a sulfurous mud bath!

The Island of Lipari: Salina, 7,6 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.

Day 5: Stromboli and its volcano, 8,3 - 14 km

This walk, among the most beautiful of the whole trip, leads to the Volcano of Stromboli. The active volcano can be reached in several ways: you can take the public day boat or book a private one to Stromboli, where you will be able to admire the impressing "Sciara del Fuoco", the volcano eruption. If you wish, a volcanologist guide will escort you to the top of the mountain, 900 meters on the sea level, through a five hour walk limited to 80 people at a time.

The walk to the top of the mountain can be cancelled or limited at short notice due to the vulcano activity and weather. For this reason, we suggest doing the tour as early as possible during the week, to avoid rapid changes originated by the sea conditions. In any case there is no public light in Stromboli, and you should remember to take a flashlight with you.

Day 6: Taormina

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.

Day 7: Monte Etna, 10 km

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.

Day 8: Goodbye Taormina

Our services end after breakfast.

accommodation

Nights in double room in **/*** hotels , B&B and agriturismi with breakfast

Hotel Oriente - Lipari

Hotel Oriente is centrally located in Lipari, 300 meters from harbour of Lipari. Rooms are spacious, bright and quiet with air conditioning, TV, free Wifi and ample panoramic balcony. Breakfast is rich with savoury and sweet dishes.

www.hotelorientelipari.com

Villaggio Stromboli - Stromboli

Hotel Villaggio Stromboli is located on Stromboli Island a few steps from the beach and 400 mettres from the city center. Some rooms overlook the sea and Strombolicchio and are well-furnished, clean and comfortable with satellite TV, ceiling fan, air conditioning, free Wifi. It has a restaurant with terraces overlook the sea.

www.villaggiostromboli.it

Hotel Pensione Svizzera - Taormina

The Hotel is located in Via Pirandello the most central panoramic road of Taormina, 5 minutes by foot from the city center and the cable car that brings you to Lido Mazzarò, one of the most renowned beach of the city. Rooms are well-finished, welcoming and clean. Breakfast is rich, served on the terrace.

www.pensionesvizzera.com

practical info

From Catania airport (CTA), you can get to Milazzo by direct bus. As an alternative, you can take a train from Catania railway station to either Milazzo or Messina.

From both Milazzo and Messina, you can reach Lipari by hydrofoil. Check times on www.eng.libertylines.it/schedules-fares.php.

On departure, you can get from Taormina to either Messina (direct) or Milazzo (change in Messina) by train.

Train timetables available on www.trenitalia.com.