Sicily holidays by Volcano Etna

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Aeolian islands tour Aeolian islands hotels Stromboli tours

July 25th, 2007 · 2 Comments

If you are organizing your next vacations in these UNESCO world heritage islands, then discover in 5 simple steps what are the best things to visit and how to choose the right accommodations.

The Aeolian islands are an archipelago of 7 islands of volcanic origin situated at the north East of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The islands of the archipelago are: Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli the volcano, Filicudi and Alicudi.

Highlights:

By visiting these 7 unique of a kind little islands you could:

  • Admire the nocturnal explosion of the Volcano Stromboli
  • See a real example of Italian dolce vita
  • Visit picturesque sea villages and archaeological sites
  • Taste meals prepared with local recipes and products
  • Do a bath in black sand beaches like ebony or mud baths
  • Scuba diving in the eruptive fondals of the islands

Accommodations tips…

As little islands, the Aeolian are crowded during the summer months (in July and August it’s practically impossible to find an accommodation). It’s for these reason the prices are a bit more expensive in respect the other Sicilian towns.

The main characteristic of the accommodations in these islands are:

  • Views of all Sicily
  • Hospitality of simple people
  • Good cuisine
  • Relax
  • Nature

The most known accommodations are:

  • Farm houses (Especially in Lipari on the beach front); Houses for rent (The best place is Stromboli);
  • Bed and breakfast (The best ones are in Lipari near the sea);
  • Campings (The last alternative when all accommodations are full. The best place is Vulcano near the famous beach “Sabbie nere” – Black sand -);
  • Hotels (The best ones are located in Salina, Lipari and Panarea, it’s better if you book as much early possible 3 months before June -);
  • Residences (Similar to the hotels, the best is Lipari)

A tour of the Aeolian islands in 5 days…

Here an example of tour from Catania for 5 effective enjoying days.

  • Day 1: Arrive in Catania and accommodation in the city center.
  • Day 2:Transfer to Milazzo to take the hydrofoil to Lipari (1 hour). In the late morning hiking in the west side of the island to the thermal Spring of San Calogero. Overnight stay in Lipari
  • Day 3: In the morning hydrofoil to Vulcano (10 min.). Excursion to Vulcano’s crater to see the Fumarole. Time for going to the beach and to the Thermal Springs. In the afternoon hydrofoil back to Lipari. Overnight stay at the same hotel of day 2 with breakfast included.
  • Day 4:In the morning free time for discovering the old city center of Lipari. Also worth of being visited is the Archeological Museum. Transfer by hydrofoil from Lipari to Stromboli. Check in at the hotel and relax in the Volcano Stromboli black beaches. In the late afternoon trekking to the “Sciara del Fuoco” Overnight stay in an hotel with breakfast included.
  • Day 5: In the morning free time to visit the lovely village of “San Vincenzo” and also the interesting volcanological center of the island. Chance to make a boat tour of the island to visit the enchanting small village of “Ginostra“. In the afternoon leaving for the excursion to the active volcano with certified volcano guides. Overnight stay in hotel with breakfast included.

Note: On this travel package can be added 2 days for a complete Mt Etna tour for a total of 8 days and 7 nights (average price per person 685€ inclusive of transfers, guide, accommodations and meals)

A general view of these islands and their main attractions…

Vulcano and Stromboli have both active volcanoes. The last eruption of Vulcano was in 1890, while the volcanoes Stromboli is always active.

Vulcano contains several volcanic centers and the separate little island of Vulcanello. It’s a few minutes hydrofoil from Lipari. The most important attractions are the beaches, hot springs and sulfur mud baths.

Stromboli take its name from the Volcano. The main attraction to visit is the Sciara del Fuoco (”Stream of fire”), a big depression in the western side of the cone. It is remarkable because there is generally and explosion every 20 minutes. There are two villages on the island: Stromboli and the smaller Ginostra, a fishing village. Do not loose the visit of the black lava sand beach.

Both volcano summits can be climbed by the help of a guide. According to Italian laws, for this escorted tours, people are allowed to climb up the top in groups (max of 20), escorted by a certified volcanic guide. They have the right to stop the excursions according to safety measures.

It’s also possible to practice Scuba diving in the small island of Strombolicchio, a nature preserve.

Lipari boasts a rich archeological museum about the history of the islands and its submarine information. Don’t loose an excursion on “Terme di San Calogero”, in the north-east part of the island.

Salina is the second biggest island. It’s formed by six inactive volcanoes. Don’t forget an excursion to “Mt Fossa delle Felci” (mt 960) the highest peak of Aeolians Island. The island is famous for its well-known production of Malvasia wine (Very known for Italy wine tour lovers) and capers. There are three principal towns on Salina: Santa Marina, Malfa and Leni.

Panarea is the most “Luxurious” island: its hotels and nightclubs are crowded with VIPs every summer. On this island can be found archaeological evidence dating back to Mycenaean inhabitants.

Alicudi and Filicudi (3/4 Natural Reserve) are very isolated and inhabited by only a few people. There are several small villages on the island, which include Pecorini Mare and Valdichiesa. Filicudi’s lands are capable of producing wine, olive oil, grain, and vegetables.

How to arrive and move around the islands…

If you come from Italy the best way to arrive in the Aeolian islands is by ferries from Naples -Napoli to Stromboli- (Week departs). From Sicily (Messina and Milazzo) and Reggio Calabria there are frequent ferries and hydrofoils.(Daily) Prices starts from 9€ and can be purchased in the port of Milazzo and Naples.

The main hydrofoil and ferry operators are

  1. Lipari is the HUB to transfer to all the other islands.
  2. Don’t rent or land with a full-sized car with you, as you’ll have no place to use it.
  3. To move around the islands the best way to do is to hire a motor scooter or a “Ape car” (a 3 wheels mean) The only other way to move around the island is by walking

The Sicilian volcanotrail

This is Running competition on the most active volcanoes of World.
The “sky runners” will participate at this 100 Km race divided into 5 timed runs to conquest the top of this volcanoes.

Now you are ready. All you have to do to join your unforgettable Aeolian Islands holiday is to contact us today. Think only to enjoy…it’s our job :-)

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Tags: Aeolian islands holidays · Cheap holidays to Sicily · Outdoor · Parks & Nature · Sicily tourists sights to see · Sicily travel guide book · Sicily vacations · Travel blogs · Trekking & Hiking · Walking tours of Sicily

2 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Maria // Aug 2, 2007 at 8:28 pm

    Great posts! I like that you added the videos. Keep up the good work.

  • 2 enrico // Aug 3, 2007 at 9:06 am

    Thank you Maria!

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