Walk on active volcanoes in Sicily, Italy

Itinerary:

Day 1. Lipari
Arrive in Catania Airport. Here you take a bus or a train to Milazzo or Messina where you board the hydrofoil boat to Lipari where you stay for 4 nights.It is also possible to pre-book a private transfer from Catania airport to Milazzo/Messina. Lipari is the liveliest centre of the Eolian islands: you can visit the old fortress, stroll around the fish market or enjoy some good music in a bistro of Marina Vecchia. (-/-/-)

Day 2-4. Lipari
For the next days you have a selection of walks and excursions you can do. You are free to choose which ones to do and in which order. 3 walks are on Lipari Island while the other two are on Vulcano, Salina and Panarea islands which can be reached by ferry from Lipari.(B/-/-)

A) Lipari Island: The southern tip and Mt. Guardia
This varied walk on the south point of Lipari, with views on the Island of Vulcano, starts and ends at the Port. In the first part you walk to an astronomical observatory, overlooking Vulcano and the rugged cliffs called “faraglioni”. In the second part you descend to the old town centre of Lipari, with its historical and artistic beauties.
Distance: 11 km , +470/-470 m , 5h.

B) Lipari Island: Walk from Acqualcalda to Canneto
From Lipari take the local bus to Acquacalda where you walk from one beach to another other, through the evergreen
vegetation of the Mediterranean scrub. On your way you have pumice caves and magnificent views on the surrounding islands. Take your time to absorb the views at the panoramic point (346m) before descending to Canneto, the most important beach of Lipari, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim before taking the local bus back to Lipari.
Distance: 5 km , +350 m /-350 m , 2h.

C) Lipari Island: Walk from Lipari to Quattropani
From Lipari take the local bus to Quattropani, the starting point of this walk along the western coast of the island, the wildest part of Lipari and a real plunge into wilderness! After some magnificent land and sea views you reach the San
Calogero thermal baths, thought to be the oldest spa in the Mediterranean, dating back to the Mycenaean period. You then walk back to Lipari, through villages and fumaroles.
Distance: 14 km , +586 m/-950m , 5h. Shorter version: Distance: 9 km , +255 m/-581m , 4h.

D) Vulcano Island: Round walk to the Gran Cratere
Vulcano is a small and spectacular island. Here you walk up through an almost lunar landscape to the “Gran Cratere” the great crater, yellowish from the sulfurous smoke constantly emitted. From the top you have exceptional 360° views of the island and the volcanic archipelago. The descent along green slopes offers amazing contrasts of colors with the blue sea and the dark grey rocks. You return to Lipari with the afternoonboat. If the walk to the summit is closed you can opt for another very panoramic walk from Capo Grillo back to Vulcano port with extraordinary views of the island.
Distance: 5.7 km , +290m /-290m, 2h.
Alternative panoramic walk if the summit is closed: Distance: 12 km , +310m /-670m, 4h.

E) Salina Island
Salina is an island with a magical, out-of-time atmosphere a short hydrofoil ride from Lipari. Take the bus to Semaforo of Pollara where the walk along the western coast of Salina starts. It is a demanding climb through steep ups and downs, but your efforts are rewarded with amazing views on the Filicudi and Alicudi islands. The walk ends in Rinella, where you can take a bus back to the main port of Salina.
Distance: 9km , +430m / -430m , 4h. Alternative walk: Distance: 7km , +412m / -687m , 4h.

F) Panarea Island
Panarea is the furthest island reachable by hydrofoil ride from Lipari. The walk runs all around the island passing through the ridge of the ancient vulcano. From there you have a 360° views over the entire Eolie archipelago. Along the way it is possible to make a detour to the famous prehistoric village.
Distance: 7km, +487 m/- 487m , 3h.

Day 5. Lipari - Stromboli Island
Today you transfer to Stromboli, at the port your luggage will be taken to the hotel while you stroll through the narrow whitewashed streets to the hotel. The walk on Stromboli is a one-of-a-kind and spectacular experience as this volcano is constantly erupting. This circular walk will lead you up to 272 m. a.s.l from where you can see the lava flow field called the “Sciara di Fuoco”: the walk is open to everyone and is normally always accessible.(B/-/-)
Distance: 9km , +425m / -425m , 3h.

IMPORTANT: Access to the top is limited to 80 people at a time and only if accompanied by a volcanologist/mountain guide. This walk may be restricted or cancelled at short notice due to volcanic activity or bad weather. A guided tour to the top Stromboli has to be prebooked, as it can be difficult to book a place once there, BUT has to be paid on the spot.

Day 6. Taormina
Today you go from Stromboli to Milazzo by hydrofoil and then take the train or bus to Taormina. You have the whole afternoon to explore on your own this beautiful and lively city. Visiting the Cathedral and the ancient Greek Theatre, built in the 3° century B.C. and wonderfully preserved. Quench your thirst with a frozen “granita”, a local specialty made up of shaved ice and syrup accompanied by a delicious brioche. (B/-/-)

Day 7. Guided hiking on Mount Etna
After breakfast you are transferred to Piano Provenzano, where an easy guided walking trip takes you up the big giant, the majestic Mount Etna. You will walk through lush vegetation, on old and new lava flows and enter a lava flow cave carved into the mountain. Included lunch is in a local winery serving locally sourced produces. The afternoon continues with a visit to unique Alcantara Gorge with it’s strange rock shapes formed as the ancient lava flow entered the freezing cold river. You return to Taormina around 6.30pm where you can enjoy a last evening in town. (B/L/-)
Distance: 10km , +450 m /-450m. , 4.5-5h.

Day 8. End of the tour
The trip ends after breakfast unless you have booked other services. (B/-/-)

***

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

►Getting there: The best airport to flight into is Catania Airport “Fontanarossa”. Your flight must reach Catania by 4.15pm. From here you can take a bus to go directly to Milazzo or take a local bus to reach the railway station to go to Milazzo or Messina. Then you take the hydrofoil/boat from Milazzo or Messina to Lipari. There are 2 bus companies going to Milazzo from Catania airport. Reservations must be made before 13:00 hrs. on the day before the intended journey. (Further instruction upon booking). ► Luggage transfer This is only provided on Stromboli Island between the port and the hotel. On arrival and departure, when you travel with public transport, you always take your luggage with you. ► Fitness preparation This walk is graded introductory to moderate. We expect participants to take responsibility for their fitness and preparations on a consistent basis prior to departure, and INCREASE the regular weekly training schedule in the two months leading up to departure. That way, when you start walking, you will feel relaxed and comfortable and strong, having done more than sufficient preparation for the trip. You will also have more energy to enjoy the views, take photos and explore the sights in your spare time, rather than just make it to the next hotel.

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