
Tailormade & Concierge
Volcano hikes and tours
While the east coast of Sicily and the volcanic archipelago of the Aeolian Islands attracts all types of holidaymakers, anyone interested in volcanoes and walking will find the region particularly fascinating. Start your trip with a visit to Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano. Jeep excursions are an excellent option, giving you the flexibility to travel further afield and learn more about the volcano from a local specialist. For keen walkers, exploring the lunar landscape on foot, accompanied by a qualified guide, can be equally thrilling.
Across the water, Vulcano is the closest of the Aeolian Islands and the one from which our word ‘volcano’ derives. With a rugged natural beauty, mud baths and sulphurous springs, the island comprises five volcanic structures, together giving shape to the main Fossa di Vulcano. Hiking up the volcano is relatively straightforward, taking up to around an hour, and is one of the archipelago’s most rewarding climbs. At the top, peer down into the cavernous crater and enjoy awesome views of the other islands and of Mount Etna.
Stromboli is one of the world’s most accessible volcanoes, attracting tourists to climb the volcano by day or night with the best guided tours timed to arrive on the summit at sunset.

HIKING IN THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS
Salina is the greenest of the islands and the most popular of the islands for walking. The island is dominated by twin, long-extinct volcanic cones. The 2-3 hour climb up the taller of the two, Monte Fossa delle Felci, takes you to the highest peak in the archipelago.
Some of the more beautiful walks on Lipari include the coastal footpath along the island’s western shoreline, between the ancient Roman baths of San Calogero and the quarry at Bagnosecco. On Panarea, don’t miss the 40-minute walk to the sandy beach of Zammarà and on to the bay of Cala Junca.

WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
If you really want to get back to nature, Filicudi and Alicudi are the most remote of the islands, unspoilt by tourism and consequently with a much wilder feel. Walk along the old mule tracks connecting the various villages and up to the clifftop belvedere in time for sunset. Ask us about a guided tour of the islands with a local conservationist.
For those who prefer to explore independently, we can provide specialist guides on any of the islands. A minimum level of fitness is required for some of the volcano hikes but do check with us for more details.