Sicily, Active Volcanoes & Islands

Arrive in Catania Airport. Here you take a bus or a train to Milazzo or Messina where you board the hydrofoil boat to Lipari where you stay for 4 nights.

It is also possible to pre-book a private transfer from Catania airport to Milazzo/Messina. Lipari is the liveliest centre of the Eolian islands: you can visit the old fortress, stroll around the fish market or enjoy some good music in a bistro of Marina Vecchia.

For the next days you have a selection of walks and excursions you can do. You are free to choose which ones to do and in which order. 3 walks are on Lipari Island while the other two are on Vulcano and Salina islands

WALK A-The island of Lipari - the southern tip and Monte Guardia, 11 km / 7 mi

This varied walk on the south point of Lipari, with views on the Island of Vulcano, starts and ends at the Port. In the first part you walk to an astronomical observatory, overlooking Vulcano and the rugged cliffs called “faraglioni”. In the second part you descend to the old town centre of Lipari, with its historical and artistic beauties.

WALK B-The Island of Lipari - from Acquacalda to Canneto, 5.5 km / 3,5 mi

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.

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.

Challenge: 13,5 km, 330 m ascent / 700 m descent

WALK A - The Volcano Island, 6 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!

Challenge: 6 km / 4 mi , 290 m ascent / 290 m descent

WALK B -The Island of Lipari: Salina, 7,5 km / 4.5 mi

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.

Challenge: 7,5 km / 4.5 mi , 383 ascent / 617 m descent

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 very spectacular experience as this volcano is constantly erupting. The circular walk to 272 m. a.s.l from where you can see the lava flow field called the “Sciara di Fuoco”: this option is open to everyone, and is normally always accessible.

Challenge: 8.3 km / 5 mi, 325 m ascent, 325 m descent

Today you go from Stromboli to Milazzo by hydrofoil and then take the train or bus to Taormina.

You have the whole afternoon to explore on your own this beautiful and lively city. Visiting the Cathedral and the ancient Greek Theatre, built in the 3° century B.C. and wonderfully preserved. Quench your thirst with a frozen “granita”, a local specialty made up of shaved ice and syrup accompanied by a delicious brioche.

After breakfast you are transferred to Piano Provenzano, where an easy guided walking trip takes you up the big giant, the majestic Mount Etna. You will walk through lush vegetation, on old and new lava flows and enter a lava flow cave carved into the mountain. Included lunch is in a local winery serving locally sourced produces. The afternoon continues with a visit to unique Alcantara Gorge with it’s strange rock shapes formed as the ancient lava flow entered the freezing cold river. You return to Taormina around 6.30 pm where you can enjoy a last evening in town.

Challenge: 10 km / 6 mi , 450 ascent / 450 descent

NOTE:  The excursion to the Etna mountain is quite easy, it includes also the lunch; pick-up from the hotel in Taormina is at 9.00 am

The trip ends after breakfast unless you have booked other services.