Walking in Sicily: Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Etna
Walking in Sicily: Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Etna
The Aeolian Islands, Taormina and Mount Etna offer an incomparable experience, mixing volcanic landscapes with rich cultural history. This region of Sicily is the perfect destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in wild nature and historical heritage.
- Enjoying spectacular views of the Tyrrhenian Sea throught the Aeolian Islands, with their volcanic lands and crystal-clear waters.
- Ascend Mount Etna, the largest active volcano in Europe.
- Explore Taormina, a historical jewel with its ancient Greek theater and breathtaking views of the sea and the volcano.
- Discover unique flora and fauna, adapted to the volcanic conditions of the region.
- Savor the flavors of Sicily, from the famous Bronte pistachio to local wines and traditional dishes, reflecting the island's rich culinary heritage.
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Lipari
The first day begins in Lipari, the largest island in the Aeolian Archipelago, a paradise of crystal-clear waters, volcanic landscapes, and historical charm that combine the natural with the cultural.
Upon arriving in Lipari, you can visit its main tourist attractions, such as the Castello di Lipari, dating back to the 18th century, sample its local cuisine, or explore the surrounding areas.
Overnight in Lipari
Hotel Oriente
Located on the island of Lipari, it offers rooms equipped with all the amenities, air conditioning, television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, it features a bar and a lovely patio where you can relax after a day of hiking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 2 - Route through the south of the Island of Lipari 11,4 km | 7 miles
This tour of the picturesque south of Lipari, with stunning views of the island of Vulcano, starts and ends at the port. The hike will first take you to an astronomical viewpoint, from where you can see both Vulcano and the dramatic cliffs, locally known as the farallones. Afterward, the route continues to the old town of Lipari, where you can end your day by exploring its historical monuments and learning about its culture.
Ascent: 418m (1,371ft) / Descent: 418m (1,371ft)
Overnight in Lipari
Hotel Oriente
Located on the island of Lipari, it offers rooms equipped with all the amenities, air conditioning, television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, it features a bar and a lovely patio where you can relax after a day of hiking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 3 - Island of Lipari: Acquacalda to Canneto 7 km | 4,3 miles
At the beginning of the route, take a bus on your own behalf from Lipari to Acquacalda. During the journey, you will walk from one beach to another, explore pumice stone caves, and enjoy stunning views of the nearby islands. The route will take you to a viewpoint before descending to Canneto, the most famous beach in Lipari, perfect for a refreshing swim before taking the bus back to the accommodation where you will spend the night.
Ascent: 378m (1,240ft) / Descent: 382m (1,253ft)
Overnight in Lipari
Hotel Oriente
Located on the island of Lipari, it offers rooms equipped with all the amenities, air conditioning, television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, it features a bar and a lovely patio where you can relax after a day of hiking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 4 - Quattropani to Lipari 11,6 km | 7,2 miles
After a delicious breakfast, take a bus on your own behalf from Lipari to Quattropani. There, you will begin a route along the western coast of the island, a wild and less-traveled area. The trail will lead you to the San Calogero hot springs, considered the oldest in the Mediterranean, dating back to the Mycenaean era. Afterward, walk back to Lipari, passing through picturesque traditional villages along the way.
Ascent: 472m (1,548ft) / Descent: 824m (2,703ft)
Overnight in Lipari
Hotel Oriente
Located on the island of Lipari, it offers rooms equipped with all the amenities, air conditioning, television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
Additionally, it features a bar and a lovely patio where you can relax after a day of hiking.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 5 - Enjoy your day in Stromboli 9,5 km | 5,9 miles
At the start of the day, take a ferry on your own behalf from Lipari to the island of Stromboli. Exploring Stromboli is a unique experience, especially because of its active volcano.
Don´t forget to take your luggage with you.
To explore the island, you have a more accessible alternative: a circular hike that will take you to 272 metres high, where you can admire the impressive lava field known as Sciara di Fuoco.
Another option is a challenging climb to the crater of Mount Stromboli (reaching 900 metres and adding 5 kilometres to the total route), accompanied by an expert guide. This hike begins in the late afternoon, reaching the summit at sunset, offering a close-up view of the active volcano. The descent will be at night, so it is essential to bring a flashlight, as there is no public lighting on the island. The final part of the route is over volcanic ash.
It is important to note that access to the summit of Mount Stromboli is restricted to a maximum of 80 people and must always be done in the company of a specialized guide. The hike may be affected by last-minute changes or cancellations due to volcanic activity or adverse weather conditions. This activity must be booked on your own behalf, so we recommend doing so in advance.
Ascent: 377m (1,237ft) / Descent: 377m (1,237ft)
Overnight in Stromboli
Hotel Villaggio Stromboli
Located on the coast and featuring a restaurant with a beautiful terrace offering panoramic views, this accommodation offers rooms with air conditioning, a private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 6 - Enjoy your day in Taormina
At the start of the day, you will need to take a ferry on your own behalf from Stromboli to Milazzo. Once you arrive in Milazzo, take the train or bus on your own behalf to Taormina.
Don´t forget to take your luggage with you.
Upon your arrival in the afternoon, you can enjoy this charming city and visit its most iconic landmarks, such as the Duomo di Taormina or the Greek theater.
Overnight in Taormina
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera
This classic-style hotel offers guests all kinds of amenities, featuring rooms with air conditioning, television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
You can also relax and rest on its lovely terrace or in its spectacular garden.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 7 - Route around Mount Etna 11,0 km | 6,8 miles
After recovering your energy with a good breakfast, you will have an included transfer to Mount Etna. Here, you can enjoy a peaceful guided walk that will take you to Mount Etna. Along the way, you will pass through lush vegetation, exploring both ancient and recent lava flows. You will also have the opportunity to enter a lava cave carved into the mountain.
Today, you will also have an included lunch, where you can taste local products, which will be served at a winery in the area. You will continue the afternoon with a visit to the Alcantara Gorge, famous for its unique rock formations, created when lava came into contact with the cold river water.
On your return to Taormina, you will be able to enjoy your last night in Sicily.
Ascent: 406m (1,332ft) / Descent: 406m (1,332ft)
Overnight in Taormina
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera
This classic-style hotel offers guests all kinds of amenities, featuring rooms with air conditioning, television, private bathroom and free Wi-Fi.
You can also relax and rest on its lovely terrace or in its spectacular garden.
*In case this accommodation is not available, you will stay at a similar category one.
Day 8 - Taormina
After a delicious breakfast, it's time to say goodbye to the stunning Sicily and head to Catania airport to fly back to your city of origin.
End of our services.
Itinerary Map
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Services
Included
- Accommodation in en suite rooms
- Daily breakfasts
- Transfers as specified in the itinerary
- Full day guided tour Etna, winery and Alcantara Gorge
- Information dossier with maps and routes
- 24-hour telephone support
- Sustainable travel, we compensate the CO2 emissions of your trip
- Taxes
Extras
- Travel insurance
- Cancellation insurance
- Additional nights
Accomodation
General information
The accommodations with which we collaborate have a private bathroom and all the necessary services to ensure the best comfort available. Our team checks in situ the quality of all the accommodations offered, so that you have an unforgettable experience during your trip. The accommodation that we will book for your trip will be selected taking into account our commitment to you: guaranteeing comfort, calm and enjoyment throughout your trip. We work with quality hotels and country cottages with limited capacity, so we invite you to confirm your reservation as soon as possible. The name of each accommodation will be provided to you a few weeks before your trip begins.
Room types
It is possible to book this journey in single, double or triple rooms. All rooms have private bathrooms.
Travel & Transfers
To reach the starting point of this hiking route in Sicily, you can fly into Catania airport and take the direct bus to Milazzo. You can check the websites of Eoliebooking and Giuntabus, companies that operate buses to Milazzo.
Another option is to take a bus to the train station and then a train to Milazzo.
Once in Milazzo, you will need to take the ferry to reach Lipari. You can check the websites of Liberty Lines and Siremar, companies that operate ferries to Lipari.
We recommend that you arrive in Sicily before 4:00 PM in order to catch the bus to the Lipari ferry.
FAQs
What transfers should I take into consideration?
This route includes the following transfers:
- Day 3: At the start of the route, you will need to take a bus transfer on your own from Lipari to Acquacalda, where you will begin your route.
- Day 3: At the end of the route in Canneto, you will need to take a bus transfer on your own to Lipari, where you will spend the night.
- Day 4: At the start of the route, you will need to take a bus transfer on your own from Lipari to Quattropani, where you will begin your route.
- Day 5: At the start of the route, you will need to take a ferry transfer on your own from Lipari to Stromboli, where you will begin your route. You can find more information on the websites of providers such as Liberty Lines or Siremar. Remember to take your luggage with you.
- Day 6: At the start of the route, you will need to take a ferry transfer on your own from Stromboli to Milazzo, where you will begin your route. You can find more information on the websites of providers such as Liberty Lines or Siremar. Remember to take your luggage with you.
- Day 6: Once you arrive in Milazzo, you will need to take a train or bus transfer on your own to Taormina, where you will spend the night. You can find more information on the Trenitalia and Giuntabus websites. Remember to take your luggage with you.
- Day 7: At the start of the route, you will have a transfer included (managed during the guided tour) from Taormina to Mount Etna, where you will begin your route.
- Day 7: At the end of the route in Alcantara Gorge, you will have a transfer included (managed during the guided tour) that will take you to Taormina, where you will spend the night.
How is the visit to Mount Etna organised?
The visit to Mount Etna will be a guided tour with a local expert, who will pick you up at your accommodation in Taormina and take you to the starting point of the excursion (Etna Park). From there, you will begin the guided hike, which includes lunch. After arriving at the Alcantara Gorge, you will be transferred back to your accommodation in Taormina.
How far in advance should I book my trip?
We recommend that you book as soon as you are sure about your dates, as accommodation can fill up very quickly in this area.
What is the best time of year to do this trip?
The spring season and the months of April, May and June are absolutely lovely. Autumn is a perfect time of year, as the landscape is formed by a palette of gold and red colours, so September and October are unmissable. July and August can become very hot, so we recommend that you start your walks early to avoid the heat of the day. The towns and cities you will visit are always busy, so you can take your holiday at the time you prefer best.
What should my physical preparation be?
This route is of medium-low difficulty, making it ideal for people looking for between 4 and 6 hours of walking a day, and with ascents and descents of up to 700 m. You do not need to have experience in walking, however, it is advisable that you are in good physical condition and in good health. Some sections of the walk have uneven terrain so it will be necessary to climb.
What walking equipment should I bring?
Once you make your reservation we will send you all the detailed information about the specific equipment you need for this route, considering recommendations for shoes, boots, clothes and a day-to day backpack.
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