Stroll
Sicily
Italy

Sicily

Ancient pilgrimage trails, Europe's most active volcano and remote island landscapes make Sicily one of the most varied and culturally rich walking destinations in the Mediterranean.

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Overview

Sicily rewards walkers in ways that few Mediterranean destinations can match. The landscape shifts dramatically across the island, from the volcanic craters and lava fields of Mount Etna to the pristine coastal paths of the Zingaro Nature Reserve, where trails wind between sea cliffs and hidden coves above turquoise water.

At the heart of the island, the Magna Via Francigena traces an ancient pilgrimage route connecting Palermo to Agrigento across 186 kilometres of inland Sicily. This is a different side of the island entirely: hilltop villages, rolling valleys, Norman castles and landscapes that have changed little in centuries, finishing at the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, one of the finest Greek archaeological sites in the world.

Off the coast, the volcanic Aeolian Islands add another dimension, with trails climbing to active craters above a shimmering sea. Sicily's food culture, shaped by centuries of Greek, Arab and Norman influence, ensures that every evening more than compensates for the day's effort.

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Taormina on Sicily, Italy. Ruins of ancient Greek theater, mount Etna covered with clouds. sm
Self-Guided

Sicily - Active Volcanoes & Islands 8 Days

Duration8 days
Walking Grade
2
From£910
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The Sicily experience

Wonder
Climb three of the world's most active volcanoes: Mount Vulcano, Stromboli, and Mount Etna
Watch lava erupt from Stromboli's crater at sunset, the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean since Roman times
Sicily is the only place in Europe where you can hike across active volcanoes and visit ancient Greek temples in the same week
Wellness
Island-hopping between the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands on foot and by boat
The walking pace reveals the slower rhythm of Sicilian island life, shaped by the volcanic geology
Fresh seafood, Malvasia wine, and local Sicilian cuisine restore walkers at the end of each day
Nature
Dramatic contrasts of black lava beaches and white pumice quarries across the Aeolian Islands
Walk through old lava flows and pine forest on the lunar slopes of Mount Etna
The crystal-clear Tyrrhenian Sea surrounds the Aeolian Islands in every shade of turquoise and deep blue
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Local recommendations are coming soon.

Sicily reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

The trip runs from April through October. The sweet spots are May, June, and September, when the heat is manageable, the trails are in good shape, and the Aeolian Islands feel a little less crowded. Winter is off the table — it gets cold, and many accommodations shut their doors entirely.

Fly into Catania Airport (Fontanarossa). From there, travel by bus or train to Milazzo or Messina, then catch a hydrofoil across to Lipari, where the walk begins. Your flight should land by 4:15 PM to make the onward connections comfortably. If you'd prefer a smoother start, a private transfer from the airport to Milazzo or Messina can be arranged in advance.

No — most walkers travel independently by bus or train to Milazzo or Messina, then take the hydrofoil across to Lipari. A private transfer from Catania Airport can be pre-booked if you'd rather skip the logistics on day one.

Your main bag travels ahead each day while you walk with just a daypack. Leave it at reception by 9:00 AM, clearly tagged with your name, and it will be waiting at your next stop when you arrive. One important note: when moving between islands or towns by public bus or train, you'll need to take your luggage with you.

A daypack of around 25 to 30 litres. Pack your lunch, at least two to three litres of water (some trail sections have no refill points), wet weather gear, a warm layer, and sunscreen. Keep your passport, travel documents, and valuables in your daypack rather than your main luggage, which travels separately.

Generally yes. Coverage across Sicily and the Aeolian Islands is solid, though the volcanic terrain can cause drop-outs on more remote sections. Bring a power bank to keep your phone charged on longer days. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations, though speeds vary on the smaller islands.

Sicily is one of the great food destinations in the Mediterranean, and eating well here requires very little effort. Breakfast is included each day. Lunches and dinners are on your own, giving you the freedom to eat where the mood takes you. If you have any food allergies or intolerances, flag them at booking so your hosts can be informed. For severe allergies, it's worth bringing some of your own snacks as backup — options can be limited in smaller villages and on the islands.

The itinerary includes walks on active volcanoes, so a reasonable level of fitness and sure-footedness is important. On the road, Italian traffic moves on the right, and in many towns there are no separate footpaths — you'll often share the road with vehicles. Don't assume traffic will stop, even at a red light.

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