Aeolian Islands, walk among wonderful volcanoes in the Mediterranean Sea
5-9 days
About this Tour
Day 1: Lipari island
In the morning meeting with the guide and private transfer to Milazzo where we reach the main island of the Aeolian Islands by hydrofoil. We land in Lipari, where we stay two nights near the historical port, to fully enjoy the facets of the ancient village. With a private minibus we begin the visit of the island to discover particular rocks such as obsidian, kaolin and pumice. With an interesting walk along a wild small valley, we go to observe rocks that are evidence of violent volcanic eruptions to finally reach the beautiful and largest beach on the west coast. After a nice swim we return to Lipari on foot along an ancient route between the villages of the island. Welcome dinner and overnight stay. HB
Day 2: Vulcano and the breath of Hephaestus
A private boat takes us to the nearby island of Vulcano, the journey is quite short but enriched by the view of the southern cliffs of the island of Lipari and the stacks that emerge in the stretch of sea between the two islands. Once we arrive in Vulcano, the acrid smell of sulfur welcomes us and, with its almost 400 meters of height, the mass of the most recent crater on the island called La Fossa, the destination of our excursion, stands out. From the top the view is magnificent, to the north the Aeolian archipelago and to the south the northern coast of Sicily with Etna, all framed by the yellow sulfur encrustations and the copious exhalations of volcanic gases, considered by mythology to be the breath of Hephaestus. Before returning to Lipari with our boat we have a few hours available for a swim or to wander around the small island. Depending on the time of return, possibility of visiting the castle of Lipari and the interesting archaeological museum. Night in B&B and dinner on your own. BB
Day 3: Filicudi, prehistoric villages and dolphins
In the morning we move with a private boat and with our luggage towards Filicudi. Once landed on the island we face a beautiful excursion that takes us to the top of an ancient volcano, on whose slopes we go to visit the remains of a prehistoric village from the Bronze Age. After a nice swim in the sea on one of the most beautiful beaches on the island we continue our excursion along an ancient road used by the locals until we reach a small port where we embark again towards Alicudi, the most remote and wild island of the archipelago. Along the way the view of the coast of Filicudi takes your breath away, we pass near cliffs with caves and stacks and in the stretch of open sea between the two islands it is not uncommon to spot dolphins playing in the wake of the boat or sea turtles. We reach our B&B where we will spend two nights, while the luggage is transported by mules. In this remote island, where there are no roads, there are not even restaurants, but kind inhabitants who will welcome us into their homes and where we can dine with fresh fish and typical products (Dinner on your own). BB.
Day 4: Alicudi the wildest island in Italy
Today we go up the island along steep stone steps. After passing a small district, with various stops to appreciate a completely unique landscape, we arrive at large terraces surrounded by ancient dry stone walls and the typical "mannare", the traditional shelters for livestock and agricultural tools. One of the highest points of the island is called Filo dell'Arpa, where "arpa" is the dialect term for the buzzard, one of the birds of prey that is not uncommon to spot while circling above the islands. We return to the village to enjoy the tranquility and to have some free time available. Dinner on your own in the homes of the inhabitants as the previous day. BB
Day 5: Salina, the green pearl
We leave Alicudi and its magical atmosphere and board a hydrofoil to Salina, the green and lush pearl of the archipelago. As soon as we land, we settle into the hotel where we will stay for two nights. In the afternoon, with a simple walk, we reach the delightful village of Lingua near the coastal lake, which in the past served as a salt pan, and which now hosts numerous species of migratory birds. Salina is the island famous for the typical Aeolian wine, Malvasia, which we taste both in dry and sweet versions during a tasting in the late afternoon in one of the most famous wineries on the island. After this pleasant experience, we return to the hotel by minibus for dinner. Night in hotel and dinner on your own. BB
Day 6: The woods and the caldera of the island
With a short journey we reach the saddle that divides the two volcanic cones that form the island of Salina, and from here, with a nice walk we reach the top of one of the two cones with its extraordinary panorama. We descend with a circular route until we reach the beach surrounded by cliffs overlooking the sea. Here the access point for swimming is rocky but once you enter the water the seabed is splendid and the panorama all around is very suggestive given that we are inside a volcanic caldera produced by an explosive eruption that occurred approximately 13,000 years ago. In the late afternoon we return to the hotel. Night in the hotel and dinner on your own. BB
Day 7: Stromboli the lighthouse of the Mediterranean
A boat ride takes us to Stromboli and from the deck we can enjoy beautiful views of the island of Panarea, and the nearby Scoglio di Basiluzzo, a remnant of a volcanic explosion. We settle into a small family-run hotel and begin to appreciate the island’s unique atmosphere. In the afternoon, we explore the slopes of the large active volcano along a scenic trail toward the coast and nearby islands. Arriving at the scenic spot allows us to admire a beautiful sunset over the Sciara del Fuoco and then enjoy, from an optimal position, the continuous eruptions of magma that give rise to explosions with the launch of incandescent lapilli and volcanic bombs: a truly unforgettable spectacle! Night in B&B and dinner on your own. BB
Day 8: The hidden corners of Panarea
Early in the morning we move to the nearby island of Panarea, a tourist island but one that holds surprises. From the small port begins our beautiful walking route that with a circular tour takes us first to the highest point and then to the beautiful Cala Junco through the wildest and most remote places of this small island. After a nice swim, we cross the districts of Panarea with their white houses and cared for in every detail, we return to the port and embark again for Stromboli. Night in B&B and dinner on your own. BB
Day 9: Return flight
In the morning we take one of the first hydrofoils to Milazzo and from there we continue by private minibus to Catania. Return flight or possibility of extending the stay in Sicily, or continuing the adventure with Italian Outdoor around the giant Etna.
Highlights
- Visit the 4 main islands of this volcanic archipelago: Lipari, Salina, Vulcano and Stromboli, with daily eruptions (5 days).
- Is possible to visit also the wildest part of the archipelago with Alicudi and Filicudi, the timeless islands and beautiful Panarea island (9 days).
- Daily hike visiting the geological wonders with an expert geologist-volcanologist. Possibility of snorkeling and kayak.
- Discovering the old traditions of the Islands: wineries, gastronomy and fish markets.
Suggested Season
Spring and Autumn
Suggested Airport
Catania