Aeolian Islands

Summer activities

Discover the fascinating landscapes of Etna’s northern slope on a guided tour. Enjoy the impressive views of Etna’s foothills, see up close and touch ancient lava flows, admire craters still in activity, and appreciate a typical Sicilian landscape with its crops and rural villages. Stop for a lunch break at a local etnean restaurant and take a more relaxing turn with a visit to the refreshing Alcantara Gorges lava canyon. Start your tour with pickup from an arranged meeting point in locations such as Taormina, Giardini Naxos, Catania, and Linguaglossa. Travel by SUV or minivan (up to 8 passengers/vehicle) to the first stop of your tour, an off-road route to the massive 2002 eruption lava front, the largest eruption of recent times which destroyed the Piano Provenzana ski facilities and part of the Ragabo Pine Forest. Pass through the Ragabo Forest, following the Mareneve road, and reach the starting point of the trek to the Monti Sartorius craters near Rifugio Citelli. Enjoy a hike of easy difficulty, suitable for everyone, on a route about 3 km long, starting from an altitude of 1665 m and arriving at an altitude of about 1775 m. Hike along a characteristic Etnean path, among white birch trees and "button" side crater (“bottoniera”), the Sartorius Craters, on the northeastern slope of Etna. Reach several vantage points with unique and spectacular views of Calabria and the Aeolian Islands. Explore an Etna volcanic cave after your trek to the Sartorius, the Grotta dei Ladroni (also called Grotta delle Nevi). Equip yourself with the helmet and flashlight we will provide and venture inside this lava flow tunnel to discover its formation and history. This lava flow tunnel was partially excavated by man, as evidenced by the date engraved on a stone on top of the entrance: 1776. Learn how Etna’s inhabitants used this cave in centuries past to store snow in the winter months, later reselling it in the warmer months. Stop at an Etnean restaurant to rest and enjoy a delicious meal: a first course dish, water and coffee are included in the price. Continue to the Alcantara Valley, passing through Castiglione di Sicilia, one of the “most beautiful villages in Italy”, with features similar to a medieval village, famous for its wineries producing excellent Etna wines. Visit the Alcantara Gorges, also known as the Larderia Gorges, located in the “Alcantara River Park”. Admire the Gorges, which are a fascinating natural lava canyon excavated by the Alcantara River through lava flows of ancient times. Descend inside the Alcantara Gorges via the municipal entrance, the entrance fee is included. Freely relax by the beach or take a walk/swim in the refreshing Alcantara River. After visiting the Alcantara Gorges the tour will end going back to the initial meeting point. The program of the excursion may be subject to changes at the discretion of the guide, depending on the weather conditions of the day and to always ensure the safety of the participants.

Departure from Milazzo at 12.30**. After Having left the Port of Milazzo we sail in direction of Panarea. (Stop in Panarea of about 2 Hours). Panarea, the smallest, most ancient and less elevated island of the Aeolian archipelago, is also the most glamorous, frequently visited by the VIPs’ who love its sea, its beaches as well as its lively nightlife. The historic centre, a canvas coloured deep blue and candid white, illuminates the narrow streets that lead you to Saint Peter’s Church. On foot or in one of the typical island taxis, we recommend a visit to the prehistorical village of Capo Milazzese, important archaeological site of the island, which proves the ancient origins of Panarea (dating back to 1400 BC.). You must also visit the Cala Junco Bay, in the shape of an amphitheatre. The particular shape of this bay defined on its sides by strange rocky masses, creates a spectacular natural swimming pool, ideal for underwater swimming. Finally, to lie on the sandy beach Cala degli Zimmari, is a luxury for few. Having left Panarea, we will sail along the route of the inlets Basiluzzo, Spinazzola, Lisca Bianca, Dattilo, Bottaro, Lisca Nera and the rocks Panarelli and Formiche. All these, form a micro- archipelago between Lipari and the island of Stromboli. Arrival at Stromboli Scari Porto (Stop of about 2 Hours and 15 Minutes). Stromboli, one of its kind, is the island of one of the most active volcanoes in the world. The rhythmical explosions of ash and lapilli give the island a fascinating and wild appearance. During our stop, you will be able to visit Saint Vincent’s Square, named after the church dedicated to the same Saint, and the house in which Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman lived during the shooting of the film “Stromboli terra di Dio” (Stromboli land of God). Looking out from the square, the panoramic view of the port with the Strombolicchio, the oldest volcano of the Aeolian Islands, can be enjoyed. Furthermore, there are breath-taking scenarios at night, when the fire of the eruptions and the dark sky clash with each other providing ever-changing colourful creations in the Sciara del Fuoco, visible from the sea during the return journey. Arrival in Milazzo between 22.00 and 23.00 depending on the sunset. ** From 15 of September the departure will be at 11:00 am and the Arrival in Milazzo at about 21:30. ATTENTION: ALL STOPPINGS AND RELATIVE DURATION ARE ALWAYS SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE ORDINANCES IN FORCE AT THE TIME OF TRAVEL NB. ONLY SMALL DOGS ARE ALLOWED ON BOARD ADDING A SUPPLEMENT OF EURO 10.00 TO BE INTEGRATED AT THE TICKET OFFICE IN MILAZZO.

Departure from Milazzo 9.30. Having left the port, we will proceed towards Lipari. (Stop of about 2 Hours and 45 Minutes). Lipari, where the contrast between the blue of the sea and the white of the pumice mountains provides the setting for the two famous rocks “Petra Lunga” and “Petra Menalda”, is the largest and most populated island of the Aeolian archipelago. We recommend a visit to Lipari’s Castle where you will find the Church of Saint Bartholomew, the Patron of Lipari, or an exploration of the archaeological site in ”Contrada Diana” visiting the archaeological Museum “Luigi Bernabo Brea”. Finally, a walk along the narrow picturesque streets of the historical town centre will offer you the chance to do some shopping and immerse yourself in the typical Aeolian life-style. In order to discover the best panoramic sights of the island of Lipari, we recommend a bus tour. Departure from Lipari, short navigation and arrival in Vulcano. (Stop of about 2 Hours and 30 Minutes). Vulcano, born from the fusion of “ Vulcano della Fossa” and “ Vulcanello” offers the chance to take advantage of a Walk on Vulcanello or simply relaxing on the beautiful black-sand beaches of vulcanic origin. For all trekking fans the climb to the main crater of Vulcano is a must (Check for any restrictions). From here you have a 360° panoramic view of all the other islands or you can visit “La Valle dei Mostri” (The Monster Valley) and “La Grotta del Cavallo” (The Horse Grotto). During the excursion we will do a mythological tour by motorboat to visit the "Faraglioni", the "Scoglio di Papa Giovanni", the "Grotta dei Angeli", the "Scoglio della Mummia", the "Scoglio della Sirenetta" and the "Piscine di Venere" from the Sea. The Tour could be carried out on the way there journey or on return journey. In case of Failure of the Mythological Tour due to adverse weather conditions there won't be any refund. Arrival in Milazzo at about 17.45 NB. ONLY SMALL DOGS ARE ALLOWED ON BOARD ADDING A SUPPLEMENT OF EURO 10.00 TO BE INTEGRATED AT THE TICKET OFFICE IN MILAZZO.

Embark on a guided hiking trip and witness Stromboli Island at sunset. Marvel at the breathtaking island views and watch the active volcano light up the night sky. Meet your guide and set off from Piazza San Vincenzo 2 hours before sunset. After a safety briefing, start your hike from a nature trail that leads to 400 meters, the maximum altitude allowed with a volcanological guide. Soak up the dramatic views of the summit craters and Sciara del Fuoco. During the trek, take breaks to take in the views and even visit the old island cemetery. Cross the Mediterranean shrubs, accompanied by the constant view of the Strombolicchio.  On arrival at Sciara del Fuoco, marvel at the sunset that colors the Aeolian archipelago red and witness the volcanic eruptions lighting up the night sky. Then, make your way downhill in the dark, equipped with torches, and return to the starting point.

As soon as we leave the port of Milazzo we will sail towards the island of Panarea, the smallest and most "fascinating" of the Aeolian Islands, with arrival and disembarkation at the port of San Pietro. Panarea is truly unique in its charm and beauty. From the port there is direct access to the picturesque village of San Pietro with typical white houses arranged next to each other, set in a colorful nature. From here, among the many meeting places, restaurants, small shops, and boutiques scattered along the narrow streets that cross it, it is possible to reach the main points of attraction (on foot or with typical local taxis): the Church of San Pietro - with its valuable mosaic and the terrace from which you can enjoy a beautiful panorama, Drauto, the Cala degli Zimmari – with its particular sandy beach. A path of steps leads to the promontory of Capo Milazzese and the suggestive Cala Junco bay, an incomparable cove with breathtaking colors and a crystalline sea that hosts a small pebble beach. Above, in the frame, a prehistoric village dating back to the Bronze Age (1400 BC) with the remains of 22 oval-shaped stone huts and one with a quadrangular shape, perhaps a place of meeting and worship of the community. ** At 16.00 a.c. there is a direct connection that will allow you to reach the island of Stromboli. During this connection you will cross the ancient volcanic caldera of Panarea, you will be able to see the volcanic remains that have emerged, islets and rocks that have formed a mini-archipelago: Formiche, Dattilo, Panarelli, Lisca Nera, Bottaro, Lisca Bianca, Basiluzzo and Punta Spinazzola. Stromboli, "iddu", the black giant that emerges in all its grandeur from the deep blue sea. For millennia it has been one of the most active volcanoes in the world, with its "Strombolian shots" - explosions of lapilli, ashes and magma visible at regular intervals of 15/20 minutes - it is like a beacon for sailors. From the port of San Vincenzo "Scari", immediately attacked, long black beaches of pebbles and sand alternate. From here, a road crosses the village and allows you to reach the Church of San Vincenzo with its panoramic square in front of which you can see Strombolicchio, also known as the "grandfather of Stromboli", above which the lighthouse of the island resides. Continuing along the same road, it is possible to reach the "Casa di Ingrid", today a house museum, where the famous film "Stromboli Terra di Dio" by Roberto Rossellini was filmed with Ingrid Bergman. At dusk, while in all the other islands the evening is spent in a conventional way, with an aperitif, dinner or two visits to the disco, in Stromboli we embark and, passing under the Sciara del Fuoco, it is possible to watch from the sea to the show of incandescent lapilli. When there are effusive eruptions, as happened in 2019, the lava river slides down the slope and ends up in the sea, releasing large columns of steam.

Meeting point at Tropea port. Show yuor reservation and pay € 2.50 pro pax as Aeolian islands Tax fee and enjoy your trip. Is mandatory be at the port at least 30 minutes before the departure time Visit the islands of Vulcano, Lipari, and Stromboli. See the famous Sciara del Fuoco and enjoy free time to explore the islands. Depart from the port of Vibo Marina at 6:30 AM or from the port of Tropea at 7:45 AM. Arrive at the port of Levante on the island of Vulcano at 10:15 AM. Spend 1.15 hours exploring the island. Visit the famous sulfur mud with its valued therapeutic properties. Swim in the warm/thermal waters or walk on the black beaches. Depart from Vulcano at 11.30 AM and arrive at the port of Marina Corta on the island of Lipari at 12.00 PM. Spend 2.20 hours exploring the island. Visit the Lipari Archaeological Museum, stroll the main street, or enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. Depart from Lipari at 2.20 PM and sail past the island of Panarea on the way to Stromboli and arrive at the port San Vincenzo on the island of Stromboli at 4.00 PM. Spend 1.30 hours exploring the island. Visit the village of San Vincenzo, go shopping along the main street or swim in the intense blue sea of the Aeolian Islands. Arrive at the port of Tropea at 7:00 PM or at the port of Vibo Marina at 8:00 PM.

FROM 07/05/2024, According to ordinance n° 34/2023 issued by the municipality of Lipari, it will no longer be possible to stop on the island of Stromboli. The circumnavigation of the island will be carried out. Departure from the Port of Tropea: 7.45am Circumnavigation of the island of Stromboli to admire the Sciara Del Fuoco side Arrival in Lipari at approximately 10.40am Recommended Activities: Independent Visit to the Acropolis of the Historic Center Exploration of the Archaeological Site "Acropolis" Visit to the Regional Archaeological Museum "Luigi Bernabò Brea" Tasting of Typical Aeolian Products such as Sweets and Focaccias of the Authentic Sicilian TraditionDeparture from Lipari (Marina Corta) Departure for Vulcano 2.30pm Arrival in Vulcano at 2.45pm Recommended Activities: Morning Bath Visit to the Thermal and Sulfur Mud Area Walk in the Characteristic Village of the Same Name Departure from Vulcano at 4.50pm

See the stunning Aeolian Archipelago on a day trip to the islands of Lipari and Vulcano from Milazzo. Take a boat to Lipari and go on a walk in the Old Town. Then, sail to the Unesco-listed chain of volcanic islands. Enjoy a mud bath in Vulcano, swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea, or relax on the beach. Discover the 2 beautiful Liparian Islands north of the coast of Sicily. Begin your tour in the morning at the Port of Milazzo and set out along the foothills of Capo Milazzo to Lipari. Explore the land with its wonderful old town and archaeological park. Walk down the little streets and wander into tiny shops. Admire the impressive needle- and cone-shaped rock formations of Faraglioni, Pope John Cliff, the Angels' Grotto, and the Mummy Cliff. Then return to your ship and continue on to the island of Vulcano. Relax here in the sulfuric mud spa or on the dreamlike black sand beach, or enjoy lunch in a local restaurant. On your way back to Milazzo, enjoy one last view of the picturesque town of Gelso with its antique lighthouse.

10:00 Departure from the Port of Tropea. It is necessary to arrive at the boarding point at least 30 minutes before to carry out the check-in operations. 12.15 Arrival in Lipari, Marina Corta. It is the largest island in the archipelago and also the one that offers the most attractions. Stop for approximately 2.30 hours. There are numerous restaurants and various refreshment points where you can have lunch We recommend visiting the Basilica of San Bartolomeo, the Castle, the Archaeological Museum. Possibility of shopping. For those who want to swim in the splendid Canneto beach we recommend reaching it by means of transport. Optional boat tour (€10) to admire the wildest and most uncontaminated area of Lipari (Vinci Beach and Valle Muria) and Vulcano (Grotta del Cavallo and the Piscine di Venere) 2.45pm Departure from Lipari 3.30pm Arrival in Panarea, the most fashionable of the Islands. The disembarkation point is San Pietro, location of the main dated centre. Passing through the characteristic streets, full of shops, clubs and restaurants, taking the road upstream, you can reach the small church of San Pietro, Santo patron of the island and protector of fishermen, from there you can also enjoy an extraordinary view overview. We also recommend visiting the prehistoric village of Capo Malattese and the famous Cala Junco beach (take a vehicle because it is about 45 minutes walk from the center) 5.15pm Departure from Panarea. 5.45pm Arrival at the Scari Port of Stromboli. Stop for approximately 2.15 hours to visit the active volcano with black sand beaches and the charming village of San Vincenzo. Possibility to shop and dine on the island. 8.10pm Departure from Stromboli, circumnavigation of Strombolicchio and stop for about 30 minutes under the volcano to admire the SCIARA DEL FUOCO. 8.45pm Departure from Sciara del Fuoco. 10.30pm Estimated arrival at the Port of Tropea.

Meet in Lipari and aboard your boat to begin your excursion through the Aeolian Islands. Have impressive views as you go along the pumice quarries and Monte Rosa. Head towards the island of Panarea, the smallest of the Aeolian islands. Admire the beautiful bay of Cala Junco before docking and have some free time to wander around the village. After time on Panarea, resume your boat excursion along Basiluzzo, the largest islet of Panarea, and the village of Ginostra before reaching the port of Stromboli. Arrive in Stromboli and be overwhelmed by the wild colors of nature. From the green scrub of the Mediterranean to the black volcanic landscape, from the blue frame of the sea to the white architecture of the island, the imagery of the island is one you won't forget. Have some free time to visit Stromboli and when the sun goes down, cruise around the islet of Strombolicchio. At dusk have your breath taken away as the active volcano magnifies its natural sounds in the dark of the evening. Go along the Sciara del Fuoco before returning to Lipari.