dossier
Islands Sicily Walk
ISLANDS OF SICILY WALK | WHERE YOU STAY
Hotel Agathae *** Catania, Days 1+2
Family-run, the Hotel Agathae offers stunning Bourbon style vaulted ceilings and original frescoes. Spacious ensuite rooms are equipped with TV, telephone and hairdryer. You'll enjoy the central location in the thick of the action - from one side of the hotel you enjoy the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, the heart of the city and on the other side, the looming bulk of Mount Etna.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 1 Arrive in Taormina
We meet you at Catania airport and take you to our comfortable *** hotel in the historic center.
Day 2 Catania to Lipari
After your welcome briefing, it's a private transfer to Milazzo harbor to catch the hydrofoil (50 mins) to Lipari, capital of the Aeolian Islands. The afternoon is at your leisure to explore the old town and harbor.
Hotel Giardino Sul Mare *** Lipair, Days 2+3+4
A few minutes from Marina Corta, the picturesque fishing port, the Hotel Giardino sul Mare looks out from a bastion of rock over the bay of Lipari, the largest island in the Aeolian archipelago. The hotel has 46 attractive, welcoming rooms each with private shower, WC and telephone, TV satellite, safe, mini-bar, hairdryer and cool, leafy restaurant terrace where, in sight of the distant Sicilian coastline and passing fishing boat, you can sample the hotel’s local dishes. Swimming pool, air conditioning (only July & August). Sea bathing. Your stay here is on a half board basis.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 3 At Lipari 10km/6.5mi/4hr
A short bus ride takes you up to the village of Quattropani, on Lipari’s western coast and the start of today’s walk. Enjoy breathtaking views over the entire archipelago from Lipari’s verdant peaks as you descend to its bustling harbor.
Day 4 Sy Vulcano 7km/4.7mi/3hr
A 10-min hydrofoil takes you to the neighboring island of Vulcano, famous for its black beaches and volcanic mud baths. Walk up to the Gran Cratere della Fossa crater for beautiful views over the other islands before descending back down to the beach in time for lunch and – optional! - mud bath.
Day 5 Lipari to Stromboli
Down to the port to hop across on the hydrofoil (90 mins) to Stromboli – considered one of the most beautiful islands of the Mediterranean, with its cone-shaped volcano and black beaches contrasting with white houses splashed with scarlet bougainvillea. The afternoon is at leisure to explore the island, with the option to join a guided sunset hike (pay locally) to the summit of the volcanic crater – an amazing experience!
Hotel Ossidiana *** Stromboli, Days 5+6
Built in a typical Mediterranean style, the hotel has been totally renovated and offers a marvellous view of the beach and the sea. Behind the hotel rises the lofty volcano of Stromboli, known for its eruptive activity called 'Strombolian'. The Ossidiana hotel offers you the opportunity to stay in a really unique place, where you can still experience crystal-clear waters and the island's peace in a restful atmosphere. The Ossidiana hotel has everything you could want in the way of comfort for an unforgettable stay: rooms either overlooking the sea or the volcano, with wood furniture, ensuite bathroom, TV, minibar, telephone, safe and air conditioning in every room. Your stay here is on a B&B basis.
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 6 At Stromboli 8km/4.8mi/4hr
A circular walk that takes you to Sciara del Fuoco - a viewpoint overlooking an incredibly steep landslide where rocks spurted out from the crater roll directly down into the sea. In the afternoon there’s time to visit the lovely village of San Vincenzo or have a swim in the sea.
Day 7 Stromboli to Taormina
After taking the hydrofoil back to Milazzo you will be transferred to Taormina (1hr), the jewel in Sicily's crown. Time to lap up the atmospher and explore this charming historic town and to admire the amazing view of mighty Mount Etna.
Hotel del Corso *** Taomina, Days 7+8+9
The Hotel del Corso is located right in the historical centre of Taormina, on the town's pedestrianised Corso Umberto I, which also gives the hotel its name. This is the central hub of the town, offering a wealth of shops and cafes, and with easy access to all the major attractions.
The hotel itself is an elegant palazzo which has been converted into a charming hotel. The 15 rooms are ensuite, elegantly furnished and equipped with all the modern comforts to make your stay as pleasant as possible.
Breakfast at the Hotel del Corso is guaranteed to get the day off to a perfect start! It is served in the panoramic breakfast room and its adjoining terrace - with fantastic views over the town and the Ionian sea, with Mount Etna looming in the background!
Further details on the hotel website.
Day 8 At Taormina 4km/3mi/3hr
A morning walk up to medieval Castelmola, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Free time for visiting Taormina and its Greek theater, or swimming in the blue sea of the natural reserve of Isola Bella.
Day 9 At Mount Etna 8km/5mi/4hr
A private transfer on to Etna's southern flank (1900m) to discover the massive ridge of the Bove Valley - a huge caldera formed by a volcanic collapse, with amazing views down to the Ionian coastline and Catania. Alternatively, ascend by cable car and jeep to 2900m and then walk to Etna's summit (3350m) to discover the line of craters that opened during the 2002 eruption (guided tour only, pay locally). We then take you back to Taorimna for your final night.
Day 10 - Leave Catania
For extra nights we recommend Taormina or Catania.
WALKING DETAILS
This holiday follows mule tracks, stony coastal roads and footpaths through volcanic landscape of dried lava rock and sand. Due to the frequent, often stony, ascents/descents these walks are more challening than the distances might suggest. Walking boots are essential, and poles useful.