Aeolian Islands

VOLCANOES, CRYSTAL SEAS AND ANCIENT MYTHS

Wild and unspoiled, the Aeolian Islands, set in the Tyrrhenian Sea between Naples and Sicily, are very small but each has its own identity and its own particular beauty. The whole archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and all the islands are protected as a nature reserve. Their name derives from Aeolus, the mythical guardian of the winds, who inhabited the largest island, Lipari. It is a volcanic area, marking the point where the African plate meets the European, folding over and forcing itself under the opposing plate, in the process of subduction. Two of the islands, Vulcano and Stromboli, are still considered active. Stromboli is especially active!

Over the course of this 10-day trip we visit 6 of the 7 islands (Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Panarea), enjoying all they have to offer, from steaming craters, fumaroles emitting sulphurous gases, thermal waters, volcanic peaks, abandoned quarries, striking sea stacks and pinnacles, deep valleys, ancient farm terraces, extensive vineyards, fertile soils, swaths of prickly pears, woods of chestnut, heather and strawberry tree forests, dwarf palms, Mediterranean maquis, volcanic sand beaches, fascinating archaeological sites and museums, idiosyncratic architecture, picturesque towns and villages, lovely harbours and, of course, inviting crystal-clear waters.

Throughout the trip we use a combination of hydrofoils, ferries and a charter boat to explore the different islands. After Milazzo, where we spend one night, we stay in just 2 lovely Mediterranean-style hotels, 4 nights in each, which makes the trip very relaxed and provides us with a great deal of flexibility if the conditions of the sea or weather should require it, or should you just want to have a day of lying on the beach or near the pool. The food is some of the best that Italy has to offer, with an abundance and fresh seafood and produce. 

For a detailed itinerary and/or further information, please contact us at walkawaytrips@gmail.com

KEY INFORMATION

The fitness level for all trips is classified according to the average distance and elevation gain of the walks offered, with fitness levels ranging from 1-5, see here for more details.