The Vulcanoes of Sicily

An 8-day walking tour
Walking tour
Walking Tour
Difficulty level 2,5
Individual tour
Self guided tour
code: ITSIC05W
Italy
Sicily

Prices

from 1.055€

Walking on the Italian vulcanoes

Milazzo-Lipari-Salina-Stromboli-Vulcano-Taormina-Etna

Sicily is a unique land where nature, sea, and ancient history blend together to create unforgettable experiences. Here, Italy reveals its most fascinating and untamed side: a volcanically active territory home to some of Europe’s most remarkable volcanoes, including Etna and Stromboli, renowned for their frequent and spectacular activity. This 7-day walking tour in Sicily is designed for travelers seeking an authentic journey, exploring dramatic volcanic landscapes, relaxing on crystal-clear beaches, and discovering traditions and flavors rooted in centuries of culture.

View of Isola Bella

Your adventure begins in the magical Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. You will explore four iconic volcanoes — Vulcano, Lipari, Stromboli, and Etna — surrounded by breathtaking scenery where the blue of the sea meets the sky. The Aeolian Islands captivate visitors with their perfect mix of sun, nature, and culture: pristine beaches, panoramic trails, fumaroles, lava flows, and a celebrated cuisine featuring fresh fish, capers, olives, and aromatic herbs.

One of the highlights of the tour is the ascent of Mount Etna, Europe’s highest and most active volcano, a constantly evolving natural wonder. Walk across lunar landscapes shaped by past eruptions, among craters and ancient lava fields. At the foot of Etna, you will also discover the island’s renowned vineyards, producing elegant, mineral-rich wines such as Nerello Mascalese and Carricante.

vulcanoes of sicily
Greek theatre in Taormina & Etna

Your walking journey through Sicily ends with a visit to beautiful Taormina, one of the island’s most enchanting towns. Its charming streets, artisan shops, traditional restaurants, and the iconic Greek-Roman theatre — offering breathtaking views of Etna and the sea — make this final stop an absolute gem.

Over these seven days, you will discover an authentic and surprising Sicily, filled with volcanic landscapes, vibrant traditions, and unforgettable panoramas. An ideal experience for lovers of trekking, nature, and Mediterranean culture.

Enjoy your journey!

The daily program of the 8-day tour

Arrival in Catania and transfer to your hotel in Milazzo, a beautiful coastal town perfectly positioned between the Gulf of Milazzo to the east and the Gulf of Patti to the west. Rich in history, Milazzo offers remarkable evidence of its ancient past, including the impressive Castle, the fortified citadel, and the charming old town — all UNESCO-recognized sites and part of the Marine Reserve of the Capo Milazzo Promontory.

Milazzo is also listed among Italy’s Most Beautiful Villages as an Honorary Guest, a testament to its authentic character and cultural value. Thanks to its strategic location, it is the ideal gateway to the Aeolian Islands, the Nebrodi Park, and the Sanctuary of Tindari, making it a perfect destination for travelers who love nature, culture, and the sea.

Overnight with breakfast at Milazzo

In the morning, you will take a hydrofoil to the nearby island of Lipari, a scenic one-hour crossing. Upon arrival, you will check in to your accommodation and enjoy free time to discover the charm of this beautiful Aeolian Island.

You may choose to visit the renowned Archaeological Museum of Lipari, home to an exceptional collection of artifacts including a fascinating underwater archaeology exhibition, or take a relaxing walk along the western side of the island, where stunning natural landscapes await.

Overnight with breakfast at Lipari.

Walking time: 3 hours

Distance: 8 km / 5 mi

Ascent & Descent: + 290m – 290m

After breakfast, you can enjoy some free time relaxing on Lipari’s beautiful beach or take the hydrofoil directly to Salina. Often referred to as the “green island” of the Aeolian archipelago, Salina is famous for its lush vegetation and abundant freshwater springs.

Half of the island is designated as a nature reserve, offering numerous hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints with breathtaking vistas over the surrounding islands.

At the end of the day, you will return to Lipari by hydrofoil for your overnight stay.

Overnight with breakfast at Lipari

Walking time: 3 hours

Distance: 6,7 km / 4,1 mi

Ascent & Descent: + 612m – 610m

This morning, you will take a hydrofoil or boat to the island of Stromboli, a journey of approximately one hour. The island offers unique experiences: relax on the striking black sand beach, or hike to the Sciara del Fuoco, the perfect spot to observe Stromboli’s volcanic activity while enjoying breathtaking views of the craters.

At the end of the day, return to Lipari by hydrofoil for your overnight stay.

Your overnight stay with breakfast at Lipari

Walking time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Distance: 6 km / 3,7 mi

Ascent & Descent: + 290m – 290m

Today you can relax on Lipari’s beautiful beach or, alternatively, visit the nearby island of Vulcano. If volcanic conditions allow, you can hike to the famous “Gran Cratere” and witness the impressive fumaroles of Vulcano.

The short but steep climb to the crater’s summit is well worth the effort, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the other six islands in the Aeolian archipelago. At the end of the day, you will return to Lipari for your final overnight stay on the island.

Your overnight stay with breakfast at Lipari

Walking time: 3 hours

Distance : 6 km / 3,7 mi

Ascent & Descent: + 390m – 390m

This morning, you will take a hydrofoil from Lipari to Milazzo, a journey of approximately two hours. From Milazzo, a private transfer will take you to Taormina, a stunning town perched on the mountainside. Known as the “terrace of the nobility,” Taormina was already a favorite destination for European aristocrats in the early 18th century, especially Germans and English, who bought properties and built elegant villas. Famous visitors included William II, Edward VII, the kings of Siam and Tonkin, as well as notable families like the Rothschilds, Morgans, and Krupps.

During your visit, don’t miss the ancient Greek-Roman Theatre at the top of the hill, the city’s main landmark renowned for both its artistic value and its breathtaking location. The Romans used it for games and performances, and today it still hosts concerts and theatrical events thanks to its excellent acoustics. From the theatre, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mount Etna, the Bay of Naxos, and the theatre ruins themselves — often described as the “panoramic view par excellence.”

Taormina also offers many other attractions: the medieval town center, Palazzo Corvaja on the ancient Roman forum, the Saracen Castle, the Naumachia, the Cathedral of San Nicola, the elegant Palazzo dei Duchi di Santo Stefano, and the famous Piazza IX Aprile, the city’s most stylish square. Here, you can enjoy an aperitif at a characteristic bar, watch local artists at work, and take in the magnificent panorama from the balconies.

Your overnight stay with breakfast at Taormina

This day is dedicated to exploring the upper slopes of Mount Etna on foot, accompanied by an experienced local guide. Etna is the highest and most active volcano on the Eurasian Plate and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013. Covering an area of 1,265 km², with a diameter of over 40 kilometers and a base perimeter of approximately 135 km, the volcano offers breathtaking scenery at every turn.

During the excursion, you will have the chance to see the large craters formed by the 2002 eruptions and enjoy stunning views of the Ionian coast. On the way back to the hotel, the route passes along the edge of the Valle del Bove, a dramatic geological formation created by the collapse of an ancient volcano. The itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions and volcanic activity, but the goal is to provide an unforgettable day of adventure amid unique volcanic landscapes.

Your overnight stay with breakfast at Taormina

Walking time: 4 hours

Distance: 6 km / 3,7 mi

Ascent & Descent: + 500m – 500m

Breakfast and end of our services.

Impressions

The Vulcanoes of Sicily
Self guided tour
Difficulty level 2,5
An 8-day walking tour

Milazzo-Lipari-Salina-Stromboli-Vulcano-Taormina-Etna

Code | ITSIC05W
LEVEL 2,5

You walk on footpaths and walking trails. The daily distances are not long, but there are some hard climbs. For walkers with enough walking experience and a good physical condition. 

The daily distances are between 6 km/ 3,6 mi and 8 km / 5 mi

Total km: 33km / 20,5 mi

DEPARTURES:

Daily from April until end of October 2026 (not available from July 15th to August 31st)

 
PARTICIPANTS:

2 or more people

 
START / FINISH:

Catania / Taormina

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