Volcanic hiking in the Aeolian Islands in Sicily
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationItaly / Sicily
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AgeFrom 18 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions119.21 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
Italian
In a few words
In the heart of the Aeolian Islands archipelago, this trip immerses you in a world shaped by mythological winds and volcanic landscapes . It is on Lipari , the main island steeped in legends, that this journey between history and nature begins, following in the footsteps of Ulysses and the god Aeolus.
For one week, enjoy a series of superb coastal hikes through a mosaic of wild coves , rugged headlands , and volcanic landscapes . Each island reveals a unique character, from its black earth and crystal-clear waters to its spectacular seascapes. This program prioritizes a balanced pace , allowing you to explore the seven islands in depth without rushing.
The deliberate choice to exclude Mount Etna ensures a smoother and more authentic experience, focused on the natural and cultural richness of the archipelago. For curious travelers, climbing Mount Etna remains an option as a separate extension .
A journey between mythology , hiking and island discovery , ideal for exploring a preserved territory where the elements still dictate the tempo.
The highlights
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Volcanic hikes in the heart of the wild and unspoiled Aeolian Islands
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A complete exploration of the 7 islands, including coves, panoramic views and crystal-clear waters
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Swimming is possible every day.
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
Physical level:
2 easy stars, for a fit walker who engages in varied and regular physical activity.
3 to 5 hours of walking per day, 350m to 500m of elevation gain per day.
Technical level:
Some steep slopes and difficulties related to weather conditions (heat).
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average daily elevation gain: 292 m
- Average daily descent: 292 m
Management
French
Italian
The trip is supervised by a qualified mountain guide.
The swimming activities mentioned in the program are optional and undertaken at the participants' own risk during free time. They are not supervised by the guide.
Program
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Paris (or province) - Catania - Milazzo
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Flight from Paris (or other French provinces) to Catania, optional.
Upon arrival at Catania airport, you will be met by the shuttle driver at the time indicated in your confirmation email. You will then be transferred to the port of Milazzo (1 hour 45 minutes) in a shuttle booked by us (this is a public transfer, but it can be privatized depending on the number of participants arriving at the same time). You will meet your tour leader at the hotel in Milazzo at 7:00 PM. From the shuttle stop in Milazzo, it is a 600-meter walk (approximately 8 minutes) to reach the hotel.
Day 1 -
Milazzo - Lipari Island - Quattropiani - San Calogero Thermal Baths - Lipari
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Crossing from Milazzo to the island of Lipari (1 hour), the main town of the archipelago and also the most lively.
Private transfer (20 min) to the village of Quattropiani for a hike through olive groves and caper fields. Along the way, we'll admire the San Calogero thermal baths, the oldest in the Mediterranean, dating back to Greek times. Return to Lipari and check-in at the hotel for 5 nights.
Day 2 -
Lipari - Island of Panarea - Island of Stromboli - Lipari
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Board a private boat (30 min) to the island of Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolian Islands. A short hike to the village on the Capo Milazzo promontory and a swim in the beautiful Cala Junco bay. A short hike through centuries-old olive groves, along mule tracks between terraces and stone walls.
We continue our day on the island of Stromboli (1 hour by private boat). We explore the village of San Vincenzo with its whitewashed houses contrasting with the sand and black rocks. We then board the boat which takes us to the famous "Sciara del Fuoco" (Flame of Fire) beneath Stromboli's active craters. A hike is planned at the foot of the volcano, up to 400 meters, the maximum permitted altitude. Beyond that, an official guide would be required, but the route would only add 100 meters, offering too little reward to justify going further, considering what we already see from the boat and during this hike.
Dinner (cold) on board, sunset and observation of rhythmic eruptions with often beautiful lava flows clearly visible from the sea. Return to Lipari by private boat (1 hour 15 minutes).
Day 3 -
Lipari - Islands of Alicudi and Filicudi - Lipari
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Boarding from the port of Lipari on a private boat (1 hour 15 minute transfer) to Alicudi. A short stroll on this charming, timeless island before returning to the port of Alicudi for a picnic lunch. The journey continues to the wild and mysterious island of Filicudi, with a short hike to the prehistoric village of Capo Graziano. Return (1 hour transfer) to Lipari in the late afternoon.
Day 4 -
Lipari Island - Salina Island - Lipari
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 350 m
- Negative elevation 350 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Boarding for the island of Salina, known as the green island (30 min, by public boat). It is home to the highest point of the Aeolian Islands.
Hike to Malfa, starting from the village of Rinella along ancient paths through olive and caper groves to the Val di Chiesa sanctuary. Public bus transfer (20 min) to Pollara, one of the main filming locations for the movie "Il Postino". After a picnic lunch and a swim, private taxi transfer to Santa Marina before taking the public boat back to Lipari (30 min).
Day 5 -
Lipari - Vulcano Island - Lipari
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 500 m
- Negative elevation 500 m
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
From the port of Lipari, a private boat will take you to the island of Vulcano (10 minutes each way). Explore the large crater "Fossa di Vulcano" and its fumaroles. After the boat trip, enjoy free time and a swim in the warm, bubbling waters heated by the volcano.
Day 6 -
Lipari Island - Milazzo
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
A circular hike in Lipari along coastal paths and polychrome cliffs offers superb views of the Faraglioni, veritable volcanic chimneys in the open sea. From the geophysical observatory, we can admire the island of Vulcano and its famous fumaroles. In the late afternoon, a one-hour public boat trip and overnight stay in Milazzo. Dinner is at your own expense (our guide will reserve a restaurant for the group; optional).
Day 7 -
Milazzo - Catania - Paris (or province)
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Catania airport by public bus (1 hour 45 minutes) after breakfast (depending on your flight schedule). Flight to Paris (or other French cities) is optional.
Day 8
Note
We focus on this part of Sicily, intentionally omitting Mount Etna from the itinerary. This is a deliberate choice, as Etna is easily accessible locally and can be booked independently as an extension (local guides are readily available, and the tourist office can provide contact information for local agencies; expect to pay around €100 per person, and bookings can be made on-site without any availability issues). This results in a 100% Aeolian Islands experience, rather than a combined trip with the mainland, which sometimes reduces the islands to just a few days, resulting in a rushed and therefore rushed stay. See also our Transfers section, which explains why we avoid adding excessive logistics to a trip where travel could quickly become overwhelming.
This trip lasts 8 days. We chose this duration to better enjoy this magnificent place, exploring all 7 of the Aeolian Islands. Transfers to reach the Aeolian Islands are long and expensive. We opted for a comprehensive exploration, given that access isn't the easiest. "If we're going, we might as well experience it fully."
Access to the volcanoes, and in particular to the Vulcano crater on day 6, may be prohibited depending on the current volcanic activity. In this case, an alternative hike of equivalent interest will be offered to your guide.
Accommodation
4* hotel located near the port and the historic center.
High-quality hotel residence and excellent restaurant featuring fish specialties sourced from local fishing.
Access
APPOINTMENT :
Meet your guide at 7:00 PM at your hotel in Milazzo. Beforehand, you will take a public shuttle from Catania Airport to Milazzo (a 1 hour 45 minute drive, without your guide), where you will spend your first night (you will travel to the Aeolian Islands the following day). The shuttle is booked by us. The meeting point with the driver will vary depending on the voucher you provide.
For those arriving the day before and staying in Catania city center: to take the shuttle to Milazzo, you will first need to get to the airport (approximately a 20-minute journey, 10 km). The Alibus shuttle runs every 20 minutes (€4 per trip), with 15 stops in the city center. The confirmation letter you receive summarizes all the necessary information to get to the meeting point (contact details of your first accommodation, your guide's name and phone number, our emergency mobile number, flight tickets/e-tickets for trips including flights, etc.).
DISPERSION:
Day 8 in Milazzo; transfer to Catania airport arranged by us. Arrival time at the airport may vary (generally late morning). We adjust the morning shuttles between Milazzo and Catania according to each participant's flight schedule. First departure at 6:10 am (or 5:30 am from June 1st), 1 hour 45 minute journey, so the first flights are possible from 10:00 am. On certain dates, the guide may leave the group on Saturday evening.
Go to the starting point
Option to choose the stay with flights included from Paris (possibility of departure from other regions with supplement, please contact us).
Price details
The price includes
- The stay will be supervised by a mountain guide.
- Accommodation with half-board (except for dinner on days 1 and 7)
- Picnic lunches from day 2 to day 7
- Tourist taxes
- The transfers included in the program (boat, bus, taxi)
The price does not include
- Flights (optional) and other transport to and from the meeting point
- Dinners on days 1 and 7 and lunches on days 1 and 8
- Drinks and personal expenses (note that in restaurants, bottled mineral water is sold separately instead of tap water)
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Single room (subject to availability) : CHF384.22 / person
- Flight package : CHF411.66 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
- During your stay, you must have your valid identity card or passport, your health insurance card, your personal insurance policy number and phone number (if you are not covered by our insurance), and for stays in Europe, your European Health Insurance Card. This card is very useful if you have any issues paying upfront for medical care in European countries; you must apply for it at least 15 days in advance at your social security office.
- It is possible to travel to this European Union country without a passport, using only a national identity card. If your identity card was issued between January 2, 2004, and December 31, 2013, and you were an adult at the time of issuance, its validity has been automatically extended by 5 years (formalized agreement between France and your destination country).
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment to bring
LUGGAGE
- One travel bag per person (or a rolling suitcase; recommended for trips with public transport included for transfers). Oversized luggage should be avoided as it would cause problems with bus capacity or logistical organization.
- One 35-40 liter backpack with a flexible frame, hip belt, and well-ventilated back panel for your comfort (to carry your personal belongings for the day: camera, packed lunch, water bottle, snacks, windbreaker, sweater, rain gear, etc.). This bag is usually placed in the cabin for any air travel (10kg maximum per person, typically).
FOR THE PICNIC
- Cutlery (reusable, not disposable)
- 1 airtight plastic container with a minimum capacity of 0.5 liters. It can be used as a plate and for storage, without getting your bag dirty.
- 1 plastic or aluminum cup with an insulated handle to prevent burns from hot drinks
- 1 folding pocket knife (optional)
- One insulated or aluminum water bottle of at least 1.5 liters, or a flexible water bottle (not recommended in winter). Especially useful in winter, also bring (optional) an insulated bottle to carry tea, coffee, etc. during the hike.
OTHERS
- 1 large plastic bag to slip into your backpack to protect your belongings from the elements and/or 1 rain cover
- 1 waterproof pouch containing: your assistance contract, your identity documents, health insurance card and any other document mentioned in the formalities section
- 1 sturdy and lightweight umbrella (optional but very useful in case of rain, or even heatwave)
- 1 pair of telescopic walking poles (depending on your habits or the technical level of the hikes, refer to the "Technical Level" section of the trip's technical sheet)
- 1 pair of good quality sunglasses (protection level 3 or 4) that provide good side coverage
- Sunscreen with a good protection factor (30 minimum)
- Toiletries kit (toothbrush, deodorant, etc.)
- Earplugs made of wax or foam (against neighbors' snoring or other noise pollution)
- Tissues
- 1 headlamp or flashlight + survival blanket: these should always be in your backpack, as an unexpected delay due to an incident can occur even during an easy hike
- Spare glasses (if you wear prescription glasses)
- Camera
- Binoculars (optional)
- Mosquito repellent is really necessary in the summer.
Clothing to bring
For the upper body, the 3-layer principle allows you to manage almost all situations:
- a light and breathable layer
- a warm layer
- a waterproof and breathable layer.
When hiking in calm, sunny weather, a base layer may be sufficient. In rainy or windy conditions, simply add this waterproof jacket. In very cold weather or during breaks, a fleece jacket is an essential addition.
Choose clothes that dry quickly, so avoid cotton. Opt for synthetic fibers that will keep you dry and warm for as long as possible.
Remember to dress warmly before you get cold, but especially to remove layers before you get too hot. Sweat is a hiker's enemy, as it dampens clothing that quickly becomes icy during breaks. Therefore, it's very rare to undertake a climb wearing a fleece jacket.
The complete and ideal list: (although this should be adapted depending on the hike, the season, and your habits)
- 1 sun hat or cap, or scarf
- 1 fleece hat or headband and/or a neck warmer
- 1 pair of lightweight gloves
- Short-sleeved T-shirts in breathable material preferred (1 for every 2 days of walking).
- 1 long-sleeved base layer in breathable material or a shirt (sometimes the peaks are windy and a light layer is welcome during the lunch break),
- 1 warm fleece-type jacket (or even water-repellent) or a warm and compressible type)
- 1 waterproof and breathable windproof jacket with hood
- 1 rain poncho (optional) and/or sleeping bag cover
- 1 pair of sturdy, loose-fitting, comfortable, water-repellent hiking trousers
- 1 pair of waterproof and breathable overtrousers
- 1 pair of shorts or capris, comfortable and durable
- Hiking socks (1 pair for 2 days of hiking). Opt for wool or specific hiking socks like terry cloth, which will prevent your feet from overheating prematurely.
- One pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support and are waterproof, with a sole that grips well on uneven terrain and is abrasion-resistant. Consider testing new boots and those that haven't been used for a long time beforehand, or if you're used to hiking, a pair of low-cut trail shoes is ideal, especially for summer trips.
- 1 swimsuit and 1 quick-drying towel (optional in case of swimming)
- 1 pair of comfortable trousers for the evening
- 1 pair of lightweight casual shoes for the evening, like sneakers, which can also be used for sightseeing or walks around town.
