Aeolian discovery tour, Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea, Stromboli

Group tour - 8 days -7 nights

E nell’isola Eolia indi giungemmo dove il figlio d’Ippota avea dimora. Eolo, caro agli immortali dei. E’ natante quest’isola e recinta da muraglie infrangibili di bronzo e liscia vi si leva alta la rupe…

Omero-Odissea-Libro X

The islands of wind and fire

Vulcano view from Lipari
Vulcano view from Lipari

The Aeolian Islands are an archipelago of 7 islands of volcanic origin, Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli, Filicudi Alicudi and Panarea, located off the coast of northern Sicily, facing the Tyrrhenian coast of Messina.   On arrival visitors are met by a dream scenario characterized by a clear and crystalline sea, breathtaking views, surreal silences, colours and intense aromas.

The climate is mild and temperate throughout the year. The average temperature varies from 10 ° C, in winter, to 20-22 ° C, in spring and autumn, and rises to temperatures of 27-30 ° C in the summer.

The Aeolian Islands are not just a natural paradise but also a fascinating culinary destination. The Aeolian cuisine is a perfect blend of peasant and maritime traditions and, for this reason, unique in its kind. The undisputed star of the Aeolian ingredients is fish of course, which we find in almost all dishes, followed by Aeolian capers and the local “pennula” cherry tomatoes. The wise use of aromatic herbs represents another aspect of Aeolian cuisine, giving a unique fragrance and originality to each dish.

Aeolian Discovery Tour

eolie in reteIn collaboration with Eolie in rete

Group tour  – 8 days -7 nights
Minimum 8 participants

Periods in June, to be booked by 26/05/2018:
  • 01/06 – 08/06 2018
  • 08/06 – 15/06 2018
  • 15/06 – 22/06 2018
Periods in September, to be booked by 18/06/2018:
  • 31/08 – 07/09 2018
  • 07/09 – 14/09 2018
  • 14/09 – 21/09 2018
  • 22/09 – 29/09 2018

Tour summary

The tour offers guests the possibility to explore the islands by sea and by land. The week’s itinerary includes visits to the islands of Lipari, Salina, Vulcano, Stromboli and Panarea.

Accommodation

view from canneto, lipari
Balcony view

Accommodation is provided in a beautiful holiday home l’Eros Blu, in Canneto in Lipari, 200 meters from the sea. Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands and represents the right compromise between comfort, leisure and natural beauty.  The apartments are spacious and well furnished, equipped with all comforts, and can accommodate a minimum of 2 up to a maximum of 5 people.


Excursions Itinerary

Boat tour of Lipari and Vulcano with possibility to climb to the “Gran Cratere”, the volcano crater on Vulcano.

welcome to lipari aeolian islands sicily

Departure from Lipari to Vulcano in the morning by private boat.  After a few minutes of navigation we reach the peninsula of Vulcanello and the “Valley of the monsters”, and then reach the main port of Vulcano, where we will stop a couple of hours free time. Guests can choose from many things to see and do here:

Visit “Acque Calde”, the warm water beach or bathe in the “Vasca dei fanghi sulfure”, the sulphur mud bath.

Wander through the main streets of the island where you discover and see wonderful aeolian handicrafts, shop in boutiques, and enjoy one of the many bars, pizzerias and restaurants.

vulcano crater
Vulcano crater

Treck to the top of the “Gran Crater” of Vulcano. Just a few minutes walk from the Port of Levante is a a path that leads to the summit. The climb is not demanding and does not require special equipment. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy a breathtaking views. The Gran Cratere of Vulcano is the only place where you can admire the entire Aeolian archipelago in one glance. Some of the most suggestive photos of the Aeolian Islands are taken here.

Later we will visit the “Sirenetta”, the “Alum Grotto”, before arriving at the enchanting beach of fine black volcanic sand of “Baia dell’Asino” where you can take another swim. We will continue to the village of “Gelso” and then along the coastal area close to “Grotta del Cavallo” (Horse Cave) and the “Piscina di Venere” (Venus’ swimming pool) where it is possible to take a swim too.

We will end the excursion with the last swim in the “Baia di Vinci” in Lipari. The return to Lipari is will be around 17.00.

Boat tour of Panarea and Stromboli with the possibility of climbing to the Stromboli craters.

boat excursions panarea aeolian islands
Panarea, Calajunco

Departure from Lipari to Panarea and Stromboli in late morning with private boat. Once in Panarea, the most glamorous of the Aeolian Islands, we will stop for a first swim in the area of ​​the beautiful Calajunco Bay, located under the prehistoric village, dating back to the Bronze Age (14th century BC) and discovered in 1948, of “Capo Milazzese”.

We will continue along the coast of Panarea, the boat will stop at the main port. Here we will have some time available to visit the village, go shopping among the numerous exclusive boutiques or have lunch in a local restaurant. Once back on board, we will sail to the islets, where we will stop to observe the famous “sulphurous gorghi” (bubbles of water from a submarine volcanic activity).

stromboli, isole eoilie
Stromboli, photo By Steven W. Dengler

Then we will proceed to Stromboli. The island hosts one of the most active volcanoes in the world that locals, in a nice way, usually call “Iddu” (him), almost like a member of their family. Once arrived at the port, we will walk to the meeting point where our volcanological guides will greet us and assist us with the climb to the craters (Travel time: 3-4 hours of ascent plus 2-3 hours of descent – Medium/high difficulty). Once at the top, the participants will witness the unique and unforgettable scenario of night eruptions.

Participants who do not wish to climb to the crater, can visit the village, with its small white houses and narrow alleys, and try the local food.

Late in the evening return to Lipari.

*Please notify us when booking if you do not wish to climb to the crater and you will be entitled to a reduction.

Excursion to Salina – following the ‘Lingua Paolonici’ path.

salina view from lipari
Salina view from Lipari

Morning departure from Lipari to Salina by scheduled hydrofoil. On arrival at Santa Marina, Salina, guests will be met my their driver who will take them to Lingua. Lingua is a small fishing village well known for the presence of a salt pond from which, in ancient times, salt was extracted and from which the name Salina derives. Today the area is considered a protected due to its ecological and biological importance.

From Lingua, guests will follow a two hour guided tour along a nature trail of particular beauty. The itinerary is not demanding and is suitable for everyone. The path from Lingua winds through ancient terraces and olive groves, leading to Genovesi. From Genovesi the climb to reach Paolonoci begins, here we will visit an antique Aeolian house, surrounded by a land cultivated with grapes, capers and olives.  From this point, the view is spectacular with Lipari, Vulcano and Sicily on the horizon. We will then commence the pleasant descent through the wild Mediterranean countryside, reaching Nero and finally the salt lake of Lingua.

At the end of the excursion, guests can take refreshment in the village at the very well known bar “Da Alfredo”, famous for its fruit granita – watermelon, melon, figs, blackberries, mulberries, and “Cunzato” bread. After the nature walk we will visit the “Carlo Hauner” farm, known all over the world, for the production of “Malvasia delle Lipari”.

In addition to tasting some of their best wines guests can also taste some many other Aeolian products. In the afternoon guests are met for their transfer back to Santa Marina Salina. Customers will have free time to visit the village with its characteristic alleys and pastel-colored houses.

In the late afternoon return to Lipari by scheduled hydrofoil.


Aeolian discovery tour prices

Euro 605,00 per person

Price include:
  • Excursions and transport as indicated
  • Travel Insurance (Civil Liability + Medical Expenses)
  •  7 nights stay in Two-room apartment for 2 persons at the “Eros Blu” in Canneto. If booked by a single person an additional sum of Eur 192.00 wil be charged. Discount for childrens up to 8 years old, please enquire for a quote.
  • Transfer from the Port of Lipari to the apartment and vice versa on client’s day of arrival and departure
  •  Tour of Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea and Stromboli in shared boat, including group excursion with authorized mountain guide  to the craters of Stromboli
  • Organized trip to Salina with naturalistic excursion (Path “Lingua-Paolonoci”) and visit to Carlo Hauner farm, as well as transfers by scheduled transport from Lipari to Salina from the port of Salina to the village of Lingua and back.
Price do not include
  • Air flights and transport to reach the Aeolian island
  • Transfers from the holiday home to the starting point of the various boat trips and / or terminal boarding of scheduled transport
  •  Entry tickets and fees
  •  Meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners)
  •  Trekking equipment rental

Compulsory equipment for climbing the Stromboli volcano: trekking shoes, flashlight with spare batteries, spare t-shirt, a sweatshirt, a jacket, at least 1 liter of water per person, packed dinner. All the above items are the responsibility of each individual participant. There is the possibility to rent and / or purchase equipment directly at Stromboli.

The excursion to  Stromboli volcano implies altitude of 900 meters above sea level, if you suffer from cardiovascular diseases, dizziness etc… it is better to consult your doctor before confirming it.