Stroll
Sicily - Active Volcanoes & Islands 8 Days

Sicily - Active Volcanoes & Islands 8 Days

8 Days
Moderate

Overview

This 8-day walk explores two of Sicily's most compelling landscapes, island-hopping through the Aeolian Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before returning to Sicily for a guided ascent of Mount Etna and time in the ancient hilltop city of Taormina.

The Aeolian Islands are active volcanoes rising from the sea, and the walk gets up close to all of them. Lipari serves as the base for the first half of the journey, with walks on Vulcano, Salina and Panarea accessible by ferry. Stromboli, known as the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean for its constant eruptions, provides one of the most dramatic stages of any walking itinerary in Europe.

The sea is a constant presence, its endless shades of green, turquoise and blue contrasting with the blazing white of the fishing villages and the jet-black lava of the islands. In Sicily, life follows the rhythm of the seasons and the traditions that have shaped the island for centuries, with fresh local produce and vivid flavours making every meal a highlight of the journey.

Highlights

  • Ascend the world-renowned Mount Etna, a UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Island hop through the picturesque Aeolian archipelago
  • Explore Lipari's bustling nightlife and ancient Roman remains
  • Experience the thrill of climbing active volcanoes: Mt. Vulcano, Mt. Stromboli, and Mt. Etna
  • Relax on stunning beaches while enjoying magnificent views
  • Savour exquisite local food and wine crafted from fresh ingredients
  • Stay in Taormina, the timeless “gem” of Sicily, with its beautiful coastal views and charming historic centre.

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Lipari

Welcome to Sicily! Upon arrival at Catania Airport, you'll embark on a scenic journey to the charming island of Lipari. Travel by bus or train to Milazzo or Messina, then catch a hydrofoil to Lipari, where you’ll settle into your cozy hotel for the next four nights. Known as the liveliest centre of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari invites you to explore its old fortress, wander through the bustling fish market, or enjoy local music in a delightful bistro by Marina Vecchia. It is also possible to pre-book a private transfer from Catania airport to Milazzo/Messina.

Accommodation

3-star Hotel in Lipari

What's Included

Accommodation

3-star Hotel (7 nights)

Transfers

  • Train
  • Hydrofoil
  • Luggage transport on Day 5 and Day 6 from the harbour to the hotel return (see General Information: Luggage transfers for further details)

Meals

7 breakfasts, 0 lunches, and 0 dinners

Guidance & Support

  • Itinerary & Walk Notes
  • Walking App for Navigation
  • 24/7 on-trip support

How We Rate This Walk

3

Stroll Walking Level

Moderate

Rated by our team — we walk every route before we recommend it.

Expect some hills and longer walking days. A reasonable level of fitness will help you enjoy the experience.

View Fitness Guide

Days on the trail

Average per walking day

Gain per day

2/10

Trail difficulty

Where You'll Stay

This tour puts you in a well-considered mix of accommodation, from comfortable three-star hotels and B&Bs in the larger towns to agriturismos and charming B&Bs in the villages and countryside. The agriturismos are family-run farm stays that put you squarely in the Sicilian landscape at the end of a walking day. All rooms have private bathrooms throughout.

Alternative Accommodation

We make every effort to avoid accommodation changes, but during peak season alternatives may occasionally be necessary in place of those pictured. Where this is the case, minor adjustments to your walking routes may follow. Please check your confirmed accommodation carefully against the itinerary throughout the trip. We will always aim to maintain the same standard and keep you in the same towns and villages wherever possible.

Hotel La Pensione Svizzera Bedroom 2
Hotel Oriente Outdoor
Hotel Villaggio Stromboli Out
Hotel Villaggio Stromboli Outdoor
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera Bedroom
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera Outdoor
Hotel Oriente Bedroom
Hotel Villaggio Stromboli View
Hotel Villaggio Stromboli Bedroom
Hotel La Pensione Svizzera View
Sicily - Active Volcanoes & Islands 8 Days accommodation
Sicily - Active Volcanoes & Islands 8 Days accommodation

What You'll Eat

Seven breakfasts are included throughout the trip, each one a classic Italian spread to set you up before the day's walking begins. Beyond breakfast, lunch and dinner are yours to discover, and Sicily makes that a genuine pleasure, with exceptional local dishes and regional wines waiting in the towns and villages along the route.

Note: Please advise us of any food allergies or intolerances at the time of booking. If you have severe allergies, bringing some of your own snacks is recommended, as specialist ingredients can be harder to source along the way.

Hotel La Pensione Svizzera restaurant
Sicily - Active Volcanoes & Islands 8 Days food
Sicily - Active Volcanoes & Islands 8 Days food
Sicily - Active Volcanoes & Islands 8 Days food
Sicily - Active Volcanoes & Islands 8 Days food

More About This Trip

Dates & Pricing

Choose Your Start Date

Pick any available date — this is your trip, your schedule

June 2026

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Prices shown are per person, twin/double share basis.

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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

From

£910/person