8 days/7nights – starting in Catania/finishing in Palermo – age 12 + – Availability: from May to October – 4/6 walking hours per day
Catania
Palermo
A 5-day trekking route to discover the Aeolian Islands, an archipelago of volcanic islands and small islets, which rises dramatically from the Mediterranean Sea off the north-eastern coast of Sicily, declared Unesco World Heritage Site for their beauty and naturalistic value in 2000. Inhabited since Paleolithic times, they have a rich historic heritage, and Vulcano and Stromboli are still active volcanoes. We stay on the two largest, most interesting and picturesque islands, which we explore on foot, including trips to the smaller islands, Stromboli, Vulcano and Panarea. We also visit the enchanting and historic towns of Milazzo and Cefalù, along the northern coast of Sicily.
After arrival at Catania airport, we travel by road to the port of Milazzo, where we spend the night. Time to explore Milazzo, its picturesque fortress and Capo Milazzo.
We embark on a ferry for the island of Lipari. We hike to explore the Cave di Caolino (Caolino quarries), along the western coast of Lipari, past canyons, amazing faces of rocks and ancient steep cultivated hills all the way to Terme di San Calogero thermal baths, before descending to the town of Lipari with its narrow streets nestled between two ports and an ancient Greek acropolis. 250 m + 600 m – / approx. 5-5.5 hrs / lunch in Pianoconte.
We take a private charter boat to the island of Vulcano. Following a circular hiking route from Porto di Levante we ascend the dramatic and still active Gran Cratere (the volcano big crater), with some of the best views of the whole archipelago. 400 m + – / approx. 3-3.5 hrs / lunch in Vulcano.
In the afternoon, opportunities to enjoy Vulcanello and I Fanghi, home to a sulphurous bath renowned for its therapeutic qualities. We travel by boat back to Lipari, exploring the coastline of Vulcano and Lipari.
After visiting the town of Lipari and its interesting fascinating Archeological Museum, we take a private charter boat to Santa Marina di Salina. In the afternoon we take a private boat to Stromboli to start our evening ascent to the famous active volcano crater. 900 m + – / approx. 5-6 hrs / packed dinner. At night we travel by private boat back to Salina.
We travel by private boat to Panarea, the smallest of the main Aeolian Islands, considered also the prettiest, with a distinctively Greek feel. A circular route brings us from the town to the summit of Pizzo del Corvo to enjoy panoramic views and lovely Mediterranean vegetation before descending on rocky and stony paths with breathtaking views to visit a Bronze Age settlement at Punta Milazzese, a renowned archeological site. 450 m + – / 5-5.5 hrs / packed lunch. We return by private boat to Salina.
Starting from the small hamlet of Malfa, we hike along the flank of Salina to Mt Rivi and on to Mt Fossa summit, past vineyards and hills, with stunning panoramic vistas on the other Aeolian Islands, before descending all the way to the sea and Santa Marina di Salina, through enchanting chestnut, strawberry tree and oak forests and valleys. 800 m + – / 5-6 hrs / packed lunch.
We travel by ferry to Milazzo. Private transfer to the enchanting and picturesque town of Cefalù. Free time to explore and discover the historic town centre with its very fine Norman-Romanesque cathedral and opportunity to walk up to the famous fortress and park of the Rocca, to discover its Greek and Roman origins.
Transfer to Palermo airport.
