Guaranteed emotions on Sicily’s three active volcanoes: Etna, Vulcano, and Stromboli. A timeless journey across lunar landscapes, the sea of the Aeolian Islands, and deserts of ash and lava. The Aeolian archipelago is made up of 7 islands: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Alicudi.
All islands are unique and offer contrasting landscapes. From the black beaches of Vulcano and Stromboli to the pumice sands of Lipari; from Stromboli’s eruptions to Vulcano’s fumaroles. The sea, boiling due to underwater fumaroles, dominates the archipelago. Etna, at 3350 m altitude, is the highest active volcano in Europe, overlooking all of Eastern Sicily.
8 days / 7 nights
Period: April to October
Arrival in Catania, hotel accommodation in the city center. Catania is a Baroque city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. At 7 pm, meeting with the guide at the hotel for a briefing on the trip program. Dinner and overnight in Catania.
Vulcano (3h walk, +390 m / -390 m elevation).
Transfer to Milazzo (1h30) and ferry (1h) to Vulcano, famous for thermal muds and gas fumaroles. Excursion to the Vulcano crater. In the afternoon, free time on the beaches and thermal springs. Hydrofoil to Lipari. Dinner and overnight in Lipari.
Lipari (3h walk, +250 m / -250 m elevation).
Excursion on the south side of Lipari, among vineyards and terraces overlooking the sea. Breathtaking views of Vulcano and northern Sicily. Free afternoon to visit Lipari and its Archaeological Museum. Dinner and overnight in Lipari.
Stromboli (4h walk, +400 m / -400 m elevation).
Hydrofoil to Stromboli (1h), hotel check-in, and sunset excursion to Sciara del Fuoco for a first encounter with Stromboli’s volcanic activity. Dinner at a pizzeria and overnight in Stromboli.
Stromboli (5h walk, +924 m / -924 m elevation).
Morning free. Afternoon guided volcano excursion to Stromboli’s summit to safely admire its night-time explosive activity. Picnic dinner during the excursion. Return to hotel and overnight.
South Etna (3h walk, +150 m / -150 m elevation).
Hydrofoil to Milazzo (2h). Transfer to Etna’s south side. Hotel accommodation at 1900 m. Afternoon excursion to Valle del Bove, a huge caldera, for a first approach to the great volcano. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Catania (6h walk, +1000 m / -1000 m elevation).
Full day exploring Etna. Excursion up to 2900 m. Discover craters formed during the 2001 eruption. Stunning panorama of Sicily’s Ionian coast. Return to hotel on foot. Along the descent, view Valle del Bove, an impressive volcanic caldera. At 5 pm private transfer from Etna to hotel in Catania city center. Overnight in Catania.
Central Craters Option: depending on weather and volcano activity, possibility to hike to Etna’s summit (3350 m) with a volcanologist (€60/person). Reach 2900 m with cable car and jeep, then walk to the summit of the central craters. Return on foot to 1900 m.
Public bus transfer from hotel to Catania airport.
Level: medium difficulty itinerary, 3–6 hours of walking per day. Some stages have significant elevation changes, so good physical condition and prior trekking experience are recommended. Temperatures on Stromboli and Etna can be very low even in summer, so proper clothing is needed.
Departure: April to October
Accommodation: double/triple rooms with breakfast. 1 night in B&B in Milazzo, 2 nights in family-run guesthouse in Lipari, 2 nights in hotel** in Stromboli, 1 night in hotel*** with dinner on Etna, 1 night in hotel** in Catania
Luggage: max 15 kg suitcase plus 40L trekking backpack. Some short transfers (bus and hydrofoil) required; use soft bags or rolling suitcases.
Equipment: trekking shoes, swimsuit, sweater or fleece, hat and gloves, windbreaker, sunscreen, headlamp, multi-tool, trekking poles, sunglasses.
