tourist walking up to mount etna
tourist walking up to mount etna

Volcanoes of Sicily: Aeolian Islands and Etna

Level
2
Distance
51 km
Duration
8 days | 7 nights
period
Apr May Jun Jul Sep Oct
price from
€ 665
CO2 footprint
159 Kg/person
  1. Italy
  2.  | 
  3. Self-Guided
  4.  | 
  5. Tourcode ITSW051

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.

Highlights

  • 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.

Itinerary

Day 1

Lipari

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, selection of walks, 11,2 km or 5 km

The Island of Lipari, selection of walks, 11,2 km or 5 km
  • A) The island of Lipari - the southern tip and Monte Guardia, 11,2 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: 11,2km

Elevation gain: +350/-350 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

Day 3

The Island of Lipari, from Quattropani along the the west coast, 13,5 km

The Island of Lipari, from Quattropani along the the west coast, 13,5 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.

Distance: 13,5 km

Elevation gain: +330/-700 m

Day 4

The Volcano island or the Island of Salina, 5,7 km or 7,6 km

The Volcano island or the Island of Salina, 5,7 km or 7,6 km
  • A) the Volcano Island, 5,7 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!

    Distance: 5,7 km

    Elevation gain: +290/-290 m

  • 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.

Distance: 7,6 km

Elevation gain: +383/-617 m

Day 5

Stromboli and its volcano, 8,3 km

Stromboli and its volcano, 8,3 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.

Distance: 8,3 km

Elevation gain: +325/-325 m

Day 6

Taormina

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

Guided hiking tour on Mount Etna, 10 km

Guided hiking tour on Mount 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.

Distance: 10 km

Elevation gain: +450/-450 m

Day 8

Goodbye Taormina

Goodbye Taormina

Our services end after breakfast.

Details

Included


What is included

  • 7 Nights in double room in *** hotels with breakfast
  • luggage transportation from hotel to hotel
  • transfer from Stromboli harbour to the hotel and back
  • guided hiking tour on Mount Etna, with transfer from and to the hotel in Taormina
  • maps and detailed description of the itinerary in digital form, app
  • Medical and luggage travel insurance
  • 24h phone assistance

What is not included 

  • Transfers to the starting location and from the arriving location of the tour
  • lunches and dinners, if not otherwise stated
  • visits and entrance fees - tips
  • personal expense
  • possible sojourn taxes
  • everything that is not mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Optional Services

These services can be added to the ones included in the base price of the tour:

  • Single room supplement
  • cancellation insurance
  • Transfers to reach the starting location or to leave the arriving location of the tour, which will be quoted on request.
  • travel documentation in printed form (maps and detailed description of the itinerary), shipped to the first hotel

Accommodation


Hotel Oriente Lipari
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
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
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

What to bring


Clothing and other items
You will need your regular walking/cycling gear, including some sort of reflective garment. For the evenings, smart outdoor style trousers (or shorts) are invaluable, as are quick-dry t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town.

Take as little as possible to avoid potentially lugging a heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs at the end of the day. Please be aware that laundromats (“Laverie”) are not common in rural areas, so plan to do handwashing of small items.

Lightweight walking shoes/ trainers
For wearing around towns & villages. They can also be a back-up pair.

Socks & underwear
Take only good quality socks with quick-dry and insulating qualities. Road test them before you go on the trip. Take a suitable quantity of underwear as washing facilities are limited.

Warm jacket, hat, gloves
Bring a fleece, Polartec or warm layers for the evenings especially in spring or autumn; be sure it is totally suitable for your needs.
A fleece jacket which blocks the wind (Wind-stopper) is the most preferable. In the summer months a lightweight jacket is suitable for evenings.
If you are cycling/walking in mountainous or coastal areas, even in the height of summer, the weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly and you should be prepared for fog, mist, rain, snow or hail at any time. Always take an extra layer with you, as well as a warm hat and gloves.

Waterproof jacket & trousers
If you are caught in heavy rain, with good waterproof clothing you should remain dry. Remember that most garments will lose their properties over time. Few will remain waterproof for more than five years and many deteriorate in three years or less. We recommend a rain jacket with a good hood and collar and waterproof or thermal walking/cycling trousers or tights.

Dress code
In general, you should wear suitable clothing when entering a church (in many places, it is considered unacceptable to go inside wearing shorts or a tank-top). We suggest that women carry a shawl to cover up bear shoulders or low-cut tops. It also comes in handy when your shoulders get sunburned!

It is considered inappropriate for men to go without a shirt / T-shirt (other than at the beach).

Trekking poles (adjustable)
Highly recommended. A pair works best, depending on what you are comfortable with. If you suffer from back or knee pain this should be considered essential. Remember to practise walking with your pole(s) on different types of terrain in the months preceding your trip.

Walking boots
The importance of good footwear cannot be stressed enough. Your boots should be sturdy and of good enough quality to handle all types of terrain. Lightweight boots, (cordura/leather boots) which have Gore-Tex or sympatex water-proofing are most suitable for this trip. They should provide good ankle protection and be well broken in. Waxing leather boots regularly prolongs their life.

Walking tops & trousers
We recommend walking trousers and shorts and quick-dry wicking t-shirts. These can be washed easily and will dry overnight and still look good for sightseeing or having a drink in town. Wicking T-shirts are fast drying, keep moisture away from your skin and are available at outdoor stores. You should also bring one pair of loose-fitting trousers to wear in cities and for evenings out, etc. Shorts or zip-off trousers are useful in warmer weather.

Practical info

How to arrive


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.

Mobile App


Use the SloWays APP for iOS and Android smart phones in combination with the written documentation provided.

The App has the detailed tracks and maps that you can use offline and without roaming. Thanks to the phone’s internal GPS, you can check your exact position on the map, so you always know exactly where you are. It also helps you self-navigate you way while travelling. More information on how to use the App inside the roadbook documents.

The navigation features include:

  • Offline navigation. Mobile data not required after initial download
  • Accurate GPS tracks
  • Autorotation of the maps
  • Daily route summary and elevation chart
  • Panorama of the track and at street level
  • Alarm and vibration that alerts you in case you go off track.
  • Emergency SMS button with position coordinates
  • Possibility to record and take georeferenced photos of problems on route alerting fellow travelers
  • Hotel information
  • Points of interest along the way
  • Historical background

Wanderlust Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
Wanderlust
Nominee Best Specialist Tour Operator 2023
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Touroperating
S-Cape Countryside Travels srl
Borgo Allegri 16R
50122 Firenze FI
P. IVA 05227330486

 
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Touroperating S-Cape Countryside Travels srl Borgo Allegri 16R 50122 Firenze FI, Italy
VAT Nr 05227330486

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