Etna & the Aeolian Islands

Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian islands and is reached by hydrophoil from Milazzo, connected to Catania airport through train or bus. The ancient fortified walls of Lipari Town rise majestically among the green hills, high above the crystal blue Mediterranean waters. Within the town walls you will find the San Bartolomeo Cathedral and a world class archaeological museum, whose rooms contain a vast array of artefacts documenting the island’s long, dramatic and varied history. By night you can enjoy 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 listed below. You can easily travel between the islands by hydrofoil.

The island of Lipari – the southern tip and Monte Guardia
Distance: 11 km | Ascent: 470 m | Descent: 470 m | Time: 5 hrs approx.

This itinerary leads to the southern tip of Lipari. Starting and ending at the port, your route takes you via Monte Guardia to enjoy a beautiful view of Vulcano – the tiny island that gave us the word ‘volcano’. It was given its name by the Ancient Greeks, who used to believe that the Island housed the God Vulcano’s forges. You finish by descending to the old town centre of Lipari, wih its many historical and artistic treasures.

The Island of Lipari – from Acquacalda to Canneto
Distance: 5.5 km | Ascent: 350 m | Descent: 350 m | Time: 2 hrs approx.

Begin with a short bus ride to Acquacalda beach, on the northern shore of the island. You will walk from one beach to another, through the evergreen vegetation of the Mediterranean scrub. The path winds along the side of a large cave before reaching a panoramic point at 346 m. Take in the wonderful views of the archipelago before descending to Canneto, where you can take a refreshing dip before catching the local bus back to Lipari.

The Island of Lipari – from Quattropani along the west coast
Distance: 14 km | Ascent: 586 m | Descent: 950 m | Time: 5 hrs approx.

Or

Distance: 9 km | Ascent: 255 m | Descent: 581 m | Time: 4 hrs approx.

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 along the west coast through quiet old villages and among steaming volcanic fumaroles, with beautiful views of the nearby islands of Salina and Filicudi. You can refresh yourself at the Terme di San Calogero, one of the oldest thermal baths in the entire Mediterranean region, before walking back to Lipari.

Walk on Vulcano Island
Distance: 6 km | Ascent: 290 m | Descent: 290 m | Time: 2½ hrs approx.

A walk on the tiny island of Vulcano, where you will be able to walk to the “Great Crater”, through an almost lunar landscape. Notice the yellowish colour, caused by the sulfurous smoke emitting from the crater, and enjoy a wonderful 360-degree view of the whole archipelago. After the walk, spoil yourself with a sulphurous thermal mud bath! You return to Lipari with the afternoon boat.

If the summit walk is closed then you can opt for another very panoramic walk from Capo Grillo back to Vulcano port with extraordinary views of the island (12 km).

Walk on Salina Island
Distance: 8 km | Ascent: 383 m | Descent: 617 m | Time: 3 hrs approx.

The greenest and perhaps the prettiest of the Aeolian islands, with a magical and timeless atmosphere. In this trip you will visit the charming village of Pollara, famous as the village where the film “Il Postino” was shot. The island is dotted with vineyards producing Malvasia, a sweet, fragrant white wine.

You can enjoy a short but challenging walk from the “semaforo” in the village of Porto Rinella, rewarding yourself with amazing panoramic views of the off-shore islands of Filicudi and Alicudi.

Overnight: Lipari

Distance: 8 km | Ascent: 325 m | Descent: 325 m | Time: 2½ hrs approx.

Today you transfer to the tiny volcanic island of Stromboli. Upon arrival at the port, your luggage will be taken to the hotel while you stroll the narrow, whitewashed streets of Stromboli town.

The ancient Romans called Sromboli the “lighthouse of the Mediterranean” because every night lava erupts from the picture-perfect volcano cone and streams down into the sea. On today’s walk you will have the opportunity to witness this truly mesmerising sight.

This circular walk takes you up to 272m above sea level, from where you will have a great view of the lava flow, called the “Sciara di Fuoco”. This walk is open to everyone and is almost always accessible.

Overnight: Stromboli

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

A day spent in Taormina is a delight, with the undoubted highlight being the outstanding remains of its classical Greek Theatre, which is truly an archaeological wonder. The delightful gardens of the Villa Comunale are also well worth a visit. Even strolling through the narrow streets of the centre will reveal many surprises, many of which will delight your palate: the local cuisine is a perfect mix of Arab, French and Spanish culinary traditions.

Overnight: Taormina

Distance: 10 km | Ascent: 450 m | Descent: 450 m | Time: 4½ – 5 hrs approx.

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Piano Provenzano. Your walk from there is a mildly challenging itinerary that will take you to the gigantic, majestic Mount Etna. Your route, along the volcanic slopes, will at first take you through lush vegetation, then through ancient and new lava flows, before encountering a lava flow cave which is carved into the mountain. Included in today’s trip is lunch in a local winery serving locally sourced produce.

In the afternoon, you will visit the unique Alcantara Gorge, with its bizarre rock formations that are created when the hot lava meets 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 your last evening in town.

Overnight: Taormina

The trip ends after breakfast unless you have booked other services. You can take the train or bus to Catania for your flight home.