Walking Tours in italy

Sicily and the Aeolian Islands

*  Stromboli and its Eruptions by Night

*  The ‘Lunar’ Landscapes and Mythology of Vulcano

*  Walking on the slopes of magnificent Mount Etna

*  Visit Taormina and Catania

Five Islands, erupting volcanoes, ancient history, mythology, ‘Malvasia’ wine, Sicilian cuisine and even a mud bath all wrapped into one holiday. North eastern Sicily, the deep blue Mediterranean and the jewel-like Aeolians provide the backdrop for, boat trips, sightseeing and unusual walking opportunities.

The smouldering conical heights of Etna dominate the skyline of Eastern Sicily, just daring us to go take a closer look. During our 3 night stay at Calatabiano we do just that, on a walk accompanied by a vulcanologist. A jeep and cable car help us to the main craters from where we descend on a fascinating walk, learning about eruptions, lava flows and wildlife as we go. A contrasting day encompasses the ancient ruins of Taormina and a walk in the verdant countryside before moving on to the crystal clear waters of the Aeolian Sea and the beautiful Aeolian Islands.

Lipari is the largest and most convenient island to use as a base, the town bustles and the fine beaches are of black Sicily and Aeolian Islands sand. There is time to walk on the island and 2 days to make excursions to Vulcano and Salina two of the nearer islands. Salina is less visited, has old salt mines, rich flora and a distinctive two-humped profile consisting of the peaks of Monte dei Porri and Fossa delle Felci (the highest point in the Aeolians). A beautiful trail fills the day before returning by hydrofoil to Lipari. According to the mythology, Vulcano is the island that in ancient times was the forge of Hephaestus, God of fire. The Romans called him Vulcano and since then all mountains ‘spiting fire’ have been called ‘volcanoes’. Today Vulcano is dormant but is a land of wild and haunting beauty with a jagged coastline looking like tentacles plunging into the sea. You can climb the ‘Gran Cratere della Fossa’ the wide circular walk round the crater offers beautiful views over the islands and the Sicilian coastline. Lunch in Porto di Levante then walk through the Valley of the Monsters where strange lava formations resemble prehistoric creatures or alternatively pamper yourself with a bath in real volcanic mud!

The most dramatic visit is saved till last, for Stromboli on the northern fringe of the archipelago has been active for a number of years, and is best seen in the dark. For this reason we join a group accompanied by another volcanologist to make a hopefully moonlit nocturnal ascent to the crater to witness the flow of molten lava and spectacular intermittent explosions of the volcano that paint the night in a glorious red light. Return to Catania for two nights for sightseeing or relaxation on the coast.

Holiday Options