ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Sicily and overnight in Milazzo

Day 2: Lipari: Queen of the Aeolian Islands
Early in he morning we take the boat to the Island of Lipari A bus transfer takes us to the starting point of today’s walk on the western side of the island, stopping in several places to enjoy lovely views of the nearby Island of Salina. The western side of Lipari is an untouched, wild area where the former white volcanic rock (pumice stone) quarries are located. Our hiking route follows a ridge around the distinctive volcanic rocks (tuff rocks) of Timpone Pataso, renowned for its fossils. From here, our trail takes us further south to the San Calogero thermal baths, the remains of one of the oldest known thermal baths. Along the trail we stop at various look out points to take in the wonderful panoramic views over the surroundings islands.
The day ends with a visit to a winery and a tasting of the local wines in an exclusive setting
Effective walking time: 3,5 hours
Vertical height difference: 400m
Degree of difficulty: moderate

Day 3: Stromboli at sunset
Early in the afternoon, we travel by boat to the Island of Stromboli. On the way we make a short stop on the Island of Panarea, another jewel of the archipelago. The village of Stromboli features the typical Aeolian-style houses seen on throughout the island. A two-hour panoramic hike takes us to the edge of the Sciara del Fuoco (400 m above sea level). With a bit of luck, we might even experience the spectacle of an eruption. The island is also known for its unique vegetation.
We take the boat back to Lipari at around 8pm. After a brief stop in front of the Island of Stromboli to admire the eruptions from the sea, we enjoy a dish of pasta with a glass of wine on board. Arrival back in Lipari at around 10pm.
Effective walking time: 3 hours
Vertical height difference: 400m
Degree of difficulty: moderate

Day 4: Vulcano Island
After breakfast we head off to Vulcano, the southernmost Aeolian Island. Our hike up to the top of the crater starts directly at the port. At the top a spectacular view of the still-active volcano and panorama of the Aeolian islands awaits us.
Back at sea level we can take a dip in one of the famous hot sulphur springs (entrance fee extra) or relax on the black sandy beach.
Effective walking time: 3 hours
Vertical height difference: 390m
Degree of difficulty: moderate

Day 5: Day at leisure

Day 6: Salina
In the morning we set off by boat to the Island of Salina, the second largest island in the archipelago. The Italian film „The Postman“ was set and partially shot here.
Today’s hike takes us along one of the prettiest trails of the Aeolian Islands, where the sea surrounds us like a giant mirror.
Starting in Pollara we take a path through volcanic landscape, olive-groves and Meditteranean scrubland to Pizzo del Corvo, one of the oldest vulcanoes of the archipelago, and are rewarded by a beautiful view of the Islands of Filicudi and Alicudi in the distance. We continue through an area of complex rock formations which are difficult to find in other places.
On our way back we pass townhill through centuries-old olive-groves before reaching Leni, set on the crater wall on the southern side of the island.
Effective walking time: 4,5 hours
Vertical height difference: 550m
Degree of difficulty: moderate

Day 7: Mount Etna
With unforgettable memories we return after breakfast to Sicily.
Before reaching our hotel on the eastern coast, we take a trip to Mount Etna, and get up very close to Europe’s highest active volcano. Starting at the Belvedere viewpoint (1.472 m) our hike takes us through orchards, chestnut groves and the volcanic desert to Monte Zoccolaro (1.739 m). Our effort is rewarded by the wonderful view we have on the Bove Valley below. We then continue our walk to the Silvestri craters to admire the impressive lava flows dating back to 1983 and 2001.
Back on the coach we continue to our hotel in Giardini Naxos.
Effective walking time: 3 hours
Vertical height difference: 350m
Degree of difficulty: easy to moderate

Day 8: Departure