Trekking on the Active Volcanoes of Sicily: Etna and the Aeolian islands
A trekking holiday without precedent: an explosive mix of sensations and emotions while discovering the Active Volcanoes of Sicily!
We will travel together with expert guides through this land which is rich in pathways and breathtaking views for a trekking experience that you will never have had before.
Trekking on Etna: a unique experience
The largest volcano in Europe is one of the destinations that a trekking enthusiast cannot miss: from its heights right down to its caves, reached slowly while savouring the smells and sounds of the mountain, Etna gives the trekker, whether more or less experienced, unrivalled sensations.
Indeed, in this area, we can enjoy a wide variety of landscapes which melt into one another in an incredible landscape mix: walking through groves of olive trees and along paths lined by oak woods, we reach long stretches of lava flow which give the idea of being on another planet.
From here, we go on towards craters and caves, which sometimes reveal themselves timidly along hidden pathways, and at other times powerfully with clouds of smoke and steam which remind the visitor that under his feet the volcano is in continuous and incessant activity.
The Aeolian Islands: discover them on a Trekking Holiday
The Aeolian archipelago is a group of small treasures all waiting to be explored! Departing from Vulcano, with its typical sulphur smell, mitigated by the scents of the local vegetation, we will visit places where nature is meek and frenetic at the same time. This includes admiring the activity of the volcano of Stromboli.
“Iddu” – “Him” as the islanders call the volcano, never fails to leave visitors open-mouthed at its amazing eruptive activities. Another stop during our treks in the Aeolian islands is Salina with its lush vegetation, a true green pearl with its flourishing woods and on whose peaks it is possible to see – with a bit of luck – an Eleonora’s Falcon in flight.
Included:
- 5 nights in Hotel in BB
- 2 nights in Chalet in HB + packed lunch
- Tour leader 8 days/8
- Excursion with authorized guide in Stromboli
- Transfers by minivan (Catania Arirport- Milazzo/ Milazzo- Etna/Etna Catania Airport)
- Transfers by hydrofoils
- Meals and picnic included in the program
- Entrance taxes Catania and Milazzo City (1,50 € pp. per day)
- Entrance taxes Aeolian Islands ( 5€ pp. Lipari,5€ p.p Vulcano, 5€ p.p. Stromboli)
- Transfers in/out Catania Airport – Milazzo and Etna –Catania Airport(day 1 and day 8)
- 24h Assistance by local destination manager
- Insurance
Not Included:
- Entrance tickets to museums and archeological sites.
- Lunch of day 1, lunch day 2, dinner day 7, lunch day 8.
- Excursion to the top of Etna.
- Personal expenses.
- Everything non mentioned in “included in the price”.
The program might vary in consequence of weather conditions or volcanic activity.
*Due to eruptions occurred in 2019, the access to the top crater might not be open and the authorized limit could be 290meters. In this case the client would be refunded of 28€ per person.
Discover our accompanied trekking holiday on Etna and in the Aeolian Islands
A guided trip amongst the Active Volcanoes in Sicily, perfect for trekking enthusiasts and for anyone wanting a unique experience of sea and land.
Day 1 – Milazzo
Arrival at the airport and transfer to Milazzo.
The strategic position of this seaside village, classified among the “most beautiful villages in Italy”, located on a promontory between the bay of Milazzo and the bay of Patti, justifies the beauty of the buildings overlooking the sea, as well as the presence of the largest fortified city in Sicily.
According to the arrival time, possibility to visit the historical center.
free dinner and an overnight stay in hotel
Day 2 – Vulcano
Vulcano: the Aeolian Islands in one glance
Opportunity to take a tour of the island of Stromboli by boat (dinghy) before leaving for the island of Vulcano (optional service).
Hydrofoil to Vulcano.
Picnic for lunch and in the afternoon ascent of the Cratere della Fossa.
Picnic lunch and ascent of the Cratere della Fossa in the afternoon.
An excursion which is like the fusion of a pleasant walk and a real trek. We begin with a walk along easy paths, lined by rich vegetation, full of the characteristic smell of gorse; then, as the path becomes steeper, we will find ourselves amongst red-coloured rocks lining the twisting path, until we arrive in a dark and bare clearing.
But the real spectacle is to be enjoyed once we reach the top of the volcano: a view that captures the whole of the Aeolian archipelago! From here it is possible to admire the whole island and her sisters, like emeralds placed on a cloth of blue velvet.
Being on the Cratere della Fossa is an experience which is not easy to describe, because of the continuous emissions of smoke, hissing noises and the heat that the volcano emits.
Dinner in a restaurant and overnight in an apartment (residence)
Day 3 – Salina
Salina: on the roof top of the Aeolian Islands
Embarkation to Salina** (private boat?) the « green island » with its two twins hills. Trekking to the top of the ancient crater Monte Fossa delle Felci. Here, the lush vegetation and the view on the blue sea make the day unforgettable. Packed lunch during the hike. The island is also known for the sweet wine malvasia as well as for the spontaneous production of capers.
Return to Vulcano, dinner and night at the hotel/Residence
Day 3 – Stromboli
Stromboli: 2000 years of spectacular eruptions
Embark for Stromboli.
Free visit of the small village, depending on the season of swimming in the sea. Free lunch.
In the afternoon we start our ascent of the volcano along paths with views of the intense blue sea. Thanks to our expert volcanologist guide, we will be able to observe the eruptions of “Iddu”, meaning “him”, the volcano of Stromboli.(up to the limit allowed)
This is a destination which is one of the most loved by trekkers. Stromboli always provides a unique and unrepeatable experience for its visitors. Thanks to its constant eruptions, the light from the volcano is visible at night, even at great distances, and in ancient times it was called the “Lighthouse of the Tyrrhennian Sea.” The fascinating volcanic activity is constantly monitored in order to offer trekkers an exciting trip in complete safety.
Overnight stay in hotel.
N.B. Access to the paths is subject to rulings established by the Civil Protection, which can vary according to the state of activity of the volcano, and in any case requires that visitors are accompanied by authorized guides for access to the higher levels of the volcano.
Day 5 - Milazzo-Taormina-Etna North
Embarkation to Milazzo, transfer to Taormina where you can spent free time to visit the beautiful town (about 3 h)
transfer in the afternoon by minivan to Etna North Chalet Clan dei Ragazzi.
Dinner and night at the Chalet.
Day 6 – Etna
“a Muntagna” – “the Mountain”: Trekking on Etna – open spaces and magical caves
Tranfer to Piano Provenzana, (1800m) to admire the latest lava formations and craters of the spectacular 2002 eruption. Hike to the Grotta dei lamponi (1700m), very interesting lava tunnel, Packed lunch at the Rifugio Timpa Rossa and hike to the Pineta del Ragabo.
Return to the chalet Clan dei Ragazzi , dinner and night.
Day 7 – Etna and Catania
Trekking on Etna
Departure from the Pineta del Ragabo , towards Primo Monte, passing across an amazing basalt stream to reach the Monti Sartorius ancient craters. Continuation to the lava streams dating 1928 and to the Chalet Rifugio Citelli.
Transfer by minivan to Catania, free visit of the center, night at the hotel.
Alternative: Excursion to the main craters by cable car + 4×4
Day 8 – Catania
Transfer to Catania airport.
Technical Info:
- Luggage transport: vehicle + boat. You only wear your things for the day.
- Climate: high temperatures in July, August (30 ° / 35 ° C), thunderstorms possible in late summer. Temperate, possibly cold on Etna.
- Accommodation: hotel, apartments, residence and refuge Chalet pension / hostel (room for 2 to 3 people for hotel and residence and apartment except in high season – in Stromboli, rooms for 2 to 4 in the chalet)
- Meals: breakfasts and dinners in the restaurant, picnic at noon.
- Guide: Italian speaking French guide
- Group: from 5 to 15 people