Trip to the Aeolian Islands and Mount Etna

Arrival at Catania airport. Train transfer to Milazzo.

TRANSFER TIME : about 2h

ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on your selected option

After breakfast, head to the port of Milazzo to board a hydrofoil to Salina, the greenest of the Aeolian Islands. Known for its lush vegetation and abundant crops, Salina stands out with its rich landscapes where olive trees, fig trees, citrus groves, and wild caper bushes thrive.

After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, you can choose between two hikes. A short bus transfer will take you to Pollara.

• Visit of Pollara village

The charming village of Pollara, nestled in the heart of the Monte dei Porri Nature Reserve, sits inside a collapsed caldera that forms a spectacular natural amphitheater overlooking the sea. This unique landscape has earned it the poetic nickname “Aeolus’ Armchair.”

For an easier hike, a gentle walk around the village and its unusual beach-harbor reveals small houses carved into the base of the cliffs.

Pollara is also famous for being the filming location of Il Postino (1994), which tells the touching story of the village postman’s friendship with the poet Pablo Neruda. A visit to a local farm producing Pollara’s renowned capers will be a highlight of the day.

HIKING TIME : 1h30

DISTANCE : 3 km

ASCENT : 90 m

DESCENT : 90 m

• Ascent of Monte dei Porri

The hike to Monte dei Porri (860 m) starts from the village of Pollara, following a winding trail that gently climbs to the summit. The ascent is accessible and pleasant, gradually revealing breathtaking views of the island. After an easy climb, you’ll reach the top, where a panoramic vista opens up over almost the entire Aeolian archipelago, as well as three villages of Salina: Rinella, Malfa, and Pollara.

Return by bus to Salina for an overnight stay.

HIKING TIME : 3h

DISTANCE : 5 km

ASCENT : 580 m

DESCENT : 580 m

TRANSFER TIME : around 2h

ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on the selected option

Rising between Stromboli and Lipari, Panarea is one of the visible peaks of a vast underwater volcanic massif, its activity still hinted at by the bubbling fumaroles beneath the sea surface. The hike on this island leads to Punta del Corvo (421 m), the highest point of Panarea. The trail crosses gentle, green slopes on the eastern side, while on the western side dramatic cliffs plunge straight into the sea, offering breathtaking views. Along the way, you’ll also discover the remains of a Bronze Age village at Punta Milazzese, linked to the island by a narrow strip of land.

Today, Panarea combines unspoiled charm with discreet elegance, attracting a select Italian jet set seeking peace and quiet.

Return to Salina for the night.

HIKING TIME : 4h30 

DISTANCE : 8 km

ASCENT : 420 m

DESCENT : 420 m

TRANSFER TIME : around 1h

ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on the selected option

Two options are available for this day on the island of Salina, before transferring by boat to the island of Stromboli.

• Coastal panoramas, beaches, and caper fields

HIKING TIME : 2h

DISTANCE : 6 km

ASCENT : 80 m

DESCENT : 80 m

• Monte Fossa delle Felci

The trail follows almost the entire rim of the ancient crater, shaded by chestnut trees and pines, before descending through a pass nestled between the two volcanic domes. The path then continues through lush vegetation and down into Salina’s vineyards, leading you to the charming coastal village of Rinella.

HIKING TIME : 6h

DISTANCE : 12 km

ASCENT : 940 m

DESCENT : 940 m

TRANSFER TIME : around 15 min

ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on the selected option

• La Sciara del Fuoco

You begin with a stroll through the village of San Vincenzo before a free hike up to 290 m of altitude. From this natural viewpoint, you can observe the volcano and the famous Sciara del Fuoco (“the slide of fire”), where glowing lava flows dramatically down the slopes of Stromboli into the sea.

Later in the day, transfer by boat to the island of Vulcano.

HIKING TIME : 3h30 

DISTANCE : 9 km

ASCENT : 340 m

DESCENT : 340 m

• Stromboli Ascent with a Guide

Optional guided excursion on the slopes of the volcano, reaching up to 400 m of altitude (extra cost, payable on site). The hike is done in a group (up to 25 people) and led by a certified volcanologist guide. It lasts about 4h30, with an elevation gain/loss of +/- 400 m.

Since 2019, access beyond this altitude has been restricted for safety reasons.

HIKING TIME : 4h30 

DISTANCE : 12 km

ASCENT : 400 m

DESCENT : 400 m

TRANSFER TIME : around 1h

ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on the selected option

Among all the experiences offered by the Aeolian Islands, the ascent of Vulcano’s crater is without a doubt the most striking. Belonging to the same volcanic chain as Mount Vesuvius, this volcano is now dormant, yet its landscape still bears the marks of its tumultuous past. The trail takes you around the Gran Cratere up to its highest point, before descending through steaming fumaroles. Along the way, you can admire dazzling sulfur crystals in vivid shades of yellow and white.

According to mythology, this was the place where the Greek god of fire forged his weapons. The island itself takes its name from the Roman god Vulcan, master of fire and volcanoes.

In the early afternoon, boat transfer to Milazzo, followed by a train journey to Catania.

HIKING TIME : 3h 

DISTANCE : 7 km

ASCENT : 380 m

DESCENT : 380 m

TRANSFER TIME : around 3h

ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on the selected option

Two hiking options for the Etna volcano : 

• Loop of the Lower Craters

Etna, with its roughly 400 lateral craters, is a true playground for exploration. Monte Gorna, located on the southeast rim of the volcano, may be modest in altitude but offers a spectacular panorama. From the summit, the view stretches over the surrounding towns and all the way to Sicily’s eastern coast, creating a striking contrast between the raw, volcanic landscape and the fertile lands below.

HIKING TIME : 2h 

DISTANCE : 5 km

ASCENT : 200 m

DESCENT : 200 m

• Ascent of Mount Etna

Ascend to the summit of Etna via the north or south side, depending on conditions.

• South Side: Transfer to the southern slopes (approximately 2 hours round trip), then take the cable car to 2,500 m and continue by 4x4 up to 2,920 m. From there, hike on foot to 3,300 m, where you can admire Etna’s summit craters. The descent passes a panoramic viewpoint over the Valle del Bove before returning by cable car to the starting point.

• North Side: Transfer from the refuge to Piano Provenzana, then take a bus/4x4 to 2,920 m and continue on foot to 3,300 m. Descend to 2,900 m at Piano delle Concazze and return by bus/4x4 to Piano Provenzana.

This excursion is optional and payable on site (approximately €130 per person).

HIKING TIME : 5h 

DISTANCE : 12 km

ASCENT : 400 m

DESCENT : 400 m

TRANSFER TIME : around 2h30

ACCOMMODATION : hotel ** or 4* depending on the selected option