Aeolian Islands Walking
$2275.00
Walks & Treks
7 nights in Italy
What to expect
Guided Walks
Explore the stunning Aeolian Islands on four guided walks led by expert local guides, immersing you in the diverse landscapes of Lipari and Vulcano.
Breathtaking Panoramas
Marvel at the breathtaking vistas of the Aeolian archipelago, with dramatic coastlines and picturesque islands stretching across the Mediterranean Sea.
Picturesque Villages
Discover the delightful pastel-colored houses and vibrant piazzas of the islands' charming villages, offering a taste of authentic Sicilian culture.
Unique Experiences
Experience unique encounters with the islands' active volcanoes, including an exhilarating hike up to the Great Crater of Vulcano with its otherworldly scenery.
About this trip...
What's Included?
Airport Transfers
Private Room
Breakfast daily + 2 dinners in a typical restaurant in Lipari (beverages not included)-
1 light lunch in Agri-tourism (variety of 14 different typical Sicilian starters, beverages not included)
Welcome drink at the hotel
4 Guided Walks with Expert local trekking guide
Accompanying Solo's Tour Leader
What's extra:
- International flights are not included
- Travel insurance
- Tips & drinks
- Meals when not included in the itinerary
- Activities when not included in the itinerary
Itinerary
- Arrive Sicily
- Lipari – Monte Rosa
- Vulcano Great Crater
- Day at leisure
- Capistello – Geophisical Observatory
- Lipari – Caolino - St Calogero Spa
- Day at leisure
- Depart Sicily
What you'll be doing
Day One: Arrive Sicily
- Dinner included
Day Two: Lipari - Monte Rosa
- Breakfast included
- Walking distance: 4.66 miles approx
Day Three: Vulcano's Great Crater
After breakfast, we take a collective transfer by boat to Vulcano Island for a hike up to the Gran Cratere*. The climb, easy at first, continues with bends among high red rocks, curious pink clay corridors modelled by rainwater and broom plants. As we climb, the air is heavy with the smell of nearby fumarole, surrounded by yellow sulphur deposits. At 787 feet, we reach the edge of a lunar rock desert strewn with 'volcanic bomb stones' and enjoy marvellous views of the neighbouring islands. We finally climb to the Gran Cratere, enveloped in steamy-looking vapours and overpowering sulphurous gas released by gashes in the rim. From the top, there are spectacular views with the only place to admire the entire archipelago in a single glance. After descending, we have free time for lunch, to experience the mud baths or swim in the sulphur sea water. We return to Lipari for an overnight stay at the hotel.
- Breakfast included
- Walk distance: 4.66 miles approx
Day Four: Day at leisure
Today can be spent however we wish! This is a free day to relax. Optional excursion Full day Panarea and Stromboli Boat tour*. The tour begins with a swim in the "Baia di Calajunco" beneath the charming village of "Capo Milazzese," followed by a visit to the village itself. Next, the tour proceeds to the islets of Dattilo and Lisca Bianca, where you'll observe famous sulfur gorgos, and then to Lisca Nera, Bottaro, and Basiluzzo for another swim amidst vibrant marine life. On the way to Stromboli, there’s a swim stop at Ginostra, a stunning natural site with a few resilient local inhabitants. The tour then continues along Stromboli’s coast, stopping at the main port to explore the picturesque village with its distinctive white houses on black sand. Finally, at sunset, you'll head to Strombolicchio and stop under the Sciara del Fuoco to witness the volcano's spectacular eruptions, returning to Lipari by about 10:30PM.
- Breakfast included
Day Five: Capistello – Geophisical Observatory
After breakfast, the group will gather with the local trekking guide and we set off on our walk to the southern headland. From the hotel a narrow road, lined by walls covered with straggling broom and cistus, leads up to Capistello, from where we have a clear view of Vulcano and its vast crater just across the straits. Directly below are rocky cliffs and pinnacles rising out of the sea, and as we near the headland overlooking Punta della Crapazza, the vegetation becomes denser, almost covering the narrow path. We then take a paved road further on leading to some very upmarket modern villas, all very secluded and with spectacular views. The path winds up to its highest point at the Geophisical Observatory. From here, there is a wonderful panorama of the islands to the north-west: Salina with its twin volcanic peaks, with Filicudi and Alicudi furthest away. We return back to the hotel, with the rest of the day free for lunch (not included) and afternoon at leisure in Lipari.
- Breakfast included
- Walking distance: 4.97 miles approx
Day Six: Lipari – Caolino - St Calogero Spa
Today we travel by bus to the village of Quattropani, the first settlement on the Island of Lipari dating back to the beginning of the 4th Millennium BC, where our walk begins to the kaolin quarries at Caolino. The path descends, crossing spectacular canyons with sheer multi-coloured rock-faces through a pathway with precipitous drops down to the sea, crossing olive groves and other remote areas, with typical Mediterranean flowers and the rare dwarf palm. We then walk up to St. Calogero Spa, a thermal baths dating from the 4th century BC, before taking the old stone mule-track that gradually goes up, crossing olive groves, to the vineyard village of Pianoconte where we feast on a rural lunch. We travel back to Lipari by bus.
- Breakfast & lunch included
- Walking distance: 5.13 miles approx
Day Seven: Day at leisure
Another day of free time, which can be spent relaxing around Lipari or exploring one of the many beautiful parts of the islands. For those wishing to venture further, two optional collective boat excursions are available today: one to the island of Salina, and another to Alicudi and Filicudi. Both trips offer stunning coastal scenery, opportunities for swimming, and guided exploration of the islands.
- Breakfast & dinner included
Day Eight: Depart Sicily
It’s time to say “Arrivederci”! After breakfast, we will transfer back to the airport to take our onward flight.
- Breakfast included
Trip Reviews
Accommodation
Borgo Eolie Hotel Three-star October 25 & May 26
Facilities include
Room includes
The air-conditioned rooms include a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a bathroom with hairdryer.
Residence La Giara Hotel Four-star October 26
Facilities include
Guests can unwind by the outdoor swimming pool, set amidst sun loungers, palm trees, and colorful flowers. A panoramic terrace is available for enjoying breakfast or sipping drinks with views of the sea and town. Additional amenities include free Wi-Fi in public areas, complimentary private parking, a cozy lounge area, and a snack bar for light meals and refreshments.
Room includes
Dates & Prices
Essential Information
Two full-day and two half-day (4 hours & 5 hours) guided walks are included in the program. Your walking guide will advise you at your accommodation regarding the daily schedule. You can expect to walk between approximately 3.1 to 5.6 miles per day, with some ascents/descents. Terrain varies from rocky underfoot to compacted volcanic materials.
The distances and length of time are valid if the physical conditions of the participants and the weather conditions are good. Otherwise, please add an hour to each walk.
Day 2 LIPARI PORTO – MONTE ROSA Length: approx. 4.66 miles Duration: approx. 1 hour and 45 minutes
Day 3 Vulcano Gran Cratere Length: approx. 4.35 miles Duration: approx. 3 hours and 22 minutes
Day 5 CAPISTELLO- GEOPHISICAL OBSERVATORY Length: approx. 4.97 miles Duration: approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes
Day 6 CAOLINO- SAN CALOGERO Length: approx. 5.16 miles Duration: approx. 3 hours and 10 minutes
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are physically fit and healthy enough to participate in your chosen activity vacation. If you are unsure whether the walks are within your abilities, please contact our office to discuss this, ensuring you understand the terrain you will be walking on.
You might encounter uneven ground in some areas, and extreme caution should be taken, especially when wet. If you typically use a walking pole or stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please understand that the route and content of the vacation may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organizer, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident, or property damage while on these walks other than incidents arising from the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to lead a walk with anyone not properly dressed.
Optional Collective Boat Excursion Salina, price per person: € 35,00
Itinerary in brief
Departure from Lipari at 10:00 a.m.. The frist bath will be in the crystal clear waters of the fabulous “Cave di Pomice”. Afterwards the boat will skirt the coast of the small village of Acquacalda, we head for the island of Salina. Immediately after a small stop at Capo Faro and continuation towards the famous Baia di Pollara, set of the last masterpiece of Massimo Troisi “Il Postino”. Here you will have the possibility to swim in one of the most enchanting seabed of the entire Archipelago.
Coasting the village of Rinella, towards Lingua, a small fisherman’s village, here it will be possible to visit the small salt lake and have independent lunch. AT the scheduled time, we will return on the way back to Lipari to plunge in to the waters of the different caves on the north east side. We will continue the pleasant tour coasting the beach of Vallemura. We will admire the legendary faraglioni, the grotto degli Angeli, lo scoglio della Mummia. We will be back at Lipari at around 5:00 p.m.
The excursion will be carried out by a collective boat, the experience will be shared with independent travellers, not part of the group. Tour needs to be booked with your Tour Leader on arrival day. It is subject to availability and not exclusive to your Solos group.
Transfer from Hotel to Marina Corta not included.
Optional Collective Boat Excursion Alicudi/Filicudi, price per person: € 57,00
Itinerary in brief
Departure from the small port at 9:30 a.m. and head toward the remote and picturesque island of Filicudi. After 50 min. of sailing the boat will make a stop to allow passengers to swim in the clear sea. The boat will dock at the small port of Filicudi, and here you will have 2 hours with our tour guide who will lead you through the wild beauty of this island. If time allows, you will visit of one of the prehistoric villages that have been excavated in Capo Graziano. The Village is reachable in about 20 minutes walking.
At the scheduled time, back on board and once again you will skirt the island of Filicudi to admire the Giafante Rock, the smallest islet of Montenassari and the volcanic cone of Canna.
Once docked in Alicudi, you will spend 2 hours on this unspoilt island. Here you will have the sensation as if time has stood stile for centuries. No cars, no roads and the only means of transport are mules. But this unspoilt island will remain in your heart forever, with the sound of the sea waves and its primordial beauty. With our tour guide you will walk through the steep mule tracks. Words don't even begin to describe the beauty of the enchanting and wild island. On board again, and back to Lipari. Arrival expected at 6:00 p.m.
The excursion will be carried out by a collective boat, the experience will be shared with independent travellers, not part of the group. Tour needs to be booked with your Tour Leader on arrival day. It is subject to availability and not exclusive to your Solos group.Transfer from Hotel to Marina Corta not included.
- Walking boots with good ankle support
- Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
- Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
- Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
- Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
- Walking socks – several pairs
- Lightweight fleece or jumper
- Hat & gloves
- Daysack/rucksack for walking
- Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
- Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
- Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
- Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses – the sun’s strength is often multiplied in mountainous areas.
We recommend that you check passport and visa requirements for the country you are visiting at the State Department if you have a U.S. Passport. Most countries require that your passport have at least six months validity when traveling internationally, and many require that you have one to two blank visa pages for either an entry stamp or visa. As a general rule, please check that your passport has six months validity beyond your planned trip, and if not, please renew your passport with plenty of time to provide Solos with your updated passport information by the final payment due date.
Not sure what travel documents you need? Our trusted partner, sherpa°, makes it easy to check visa and entry requirements based on your destination and passport. One quick check now means smooth sailing later. Click here to learn more.
We recommend that you check if vaccinations are required for your destination at the CDC’s recommendations for your visited destination(s). We also recommend you purchase travel protection. A travel protection plan can often assist with medical emergencies and reimburse costs that are covered by the plan. Please verify coverage details with Solos before you travel.
