Trekking

Trekking in Vulcano: a one-of-a-kind experience to discover the soul of the Aeolian Islands. Vibrant and sulphurean, lashed by the wind and appeased by the sea, the beauty of Vulcano shows in the island’s most intimate corners. Nature trails unfold on the slopes of Gran Cratere, and in the areas of Piano and Valle dei Mostri located in the peninsula of Vulcanello. Enjoy their unique charm and the island’s authentic essence by trekking or simply strolling out.

To south of the island is Gelso, a tiny village locked between the old Lighthouse and Punta Bandiera. A quiet atmosphere that contrasts with the life of the harbor embraces the village’s few houses. Madonna delle Grazie, the first church to be built on Vulcano, lies on the outskirts of village. On July’s first Sunday, the vulcanari carry the Virgin in procession on a boat that goes from Scario al Faro to Punta Bandiera. Tourists are attracted by Gelso’s strands of black sand: spiaggia di Cannitello and spiaggia dell’Asino. Do not leave this solitary and fascinating place without first stopping at one of the trattorias to enjoy local gastronomic delights like fresh fish, Vulcano’s goat cheese and ricotta and a glass of good red wine.

The ascent of the Gran Cratere is the best and most exciting excursion to do on Vulcano. This is not a difficult activity, as it is more like a walk among the broom and molten rocks of the volcano’s slopes. Feel the mountain’s breath as you ascend: it’s the fumarole that generate the thick fog of steam and gas emanating from the mouth of the crater. Here, the soil takes on a yellow and ochre color and you can look down at the funnel-shaped crater.

With the help of the guides, tourists can walk around the rim of the crater and across the Piano delle Fumarole, wearing masks and handkerchiefs to limit the intense smell of sulphur. Spectacular scales of alum, sulphur, and melted metals are scattered around the top of the crater, reaching temperatures of up to 400°C. The view from this spot is incomparable: the archipelago in the palm of one’s hand with the farthest islands looking as if they floated above the water.

Known for lending its name to a type of volcanic activity, Stromboli is possibly the main attraction of the Aeolian archipelago. Tourists from all over the world flock to the island to admire the spellbinding phenomenon of Sciara del Fuoco (“The stream of fire”) and the intermittent magmatic eruptions that enliven the sky above the top of the volcano. There are two ways to enjoy a view of Iddu, the local name of the mountain: you can do that from the sea and watch the whole of the activity, or join a guided night excursion for a closer look at the pyrotechnics.