Vulcano
Latest update: 19 February 2022
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Partially due to the fact that it the closest of the seven Aeolian Islands to the Sicilian mainland, the island of Vulcano is certainly one of the most popular. Aside from its geographical advantages, people come here to wallow in the mud baths and to enjoy the spectacular, unusual scenery on offer.
At 21 km² it's the third largest island in the archipelago behind its near neighbours Lipari and Salina. Despite being an active volcano, the island has just under 500 permanent residents, most of whom live close to the arrival port: Porto di Levante. |
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Most activity takes place in and around the port; this is where you'll find the famed mud baths and nearby hot water springs that come up through certain places in the sea.
Apart from lying on the black, volcanic sand beaches, one of the most popular activities on Vulcano is climbing up to the crater. Not for the faint-hearted, the climb takes around an hour and at the top you're rewarded with views down into the crater as it angrily billows out its sulphuric vapour. From here you also get some amazing views of the other islands.
It is possible to have a whole holiday on the island; there are hotels, bars, restaurants and shops, but most people visit just for the day or hop on and then off to one or other of the neighbouring islands.
The hydrofoil journey from Milazzo on the Sicilian mainland takes 40 minutes while there are a whole host of other ports from which you can sail including Naples, Salerno and Reggio Calabria. Closer still are the Sicilian ports of Messina and Palermo which provide further options. It's also possible to take hydrofoils to fellow volcano Stromboli, the main island of Lipari, the peaceful Salina, glitzy Panarea or the sleepy pair of Alicudi and Filicudi to complete the set.
Apart from lying on the black, volcanic sand beaches, one of the most popular activities on Vulcano is climbing up to the crater. Not for the faint-hearted, the climb takes around an hour and at the top you're rewarded with views down into the crater as it angrily billows out its sulphuric vapour. From here you also get some amazing views of the other islands.
It is possible to have a whole holiday on the island; there are hotels, bars, restaurants and shops, but most people visit just for the day or hop on and then off to one or other of the neighbouring islands.
The hydrofoil journey from Milazzo on the Sicilian mainland takes 40 minutes while there are a whole host of other ports from which you can sail including Naples, Salerno and Reggio Calabria. Closer still are the Sicilian ports of Messina and Palermo which provide further options. It's also possible to take hydrofoils to fellow volcano Stromboli, the main island of Lipari, the peaceful Salina, glitzy Panarea or the sleepy pair of Alicudi and Filicudi to complete the set.
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Province: Metropolitan City of Messina
Region: Sicily Population: Around 470 Size: 21 km² Highlights: mud baths, volcano Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2021 - 2022 Recommended accommodation: Hotel Orsa Maggiore |
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Arrival port: Porto di Levante
Journey time from Sicilian mainland: 40 minutes Distance from nearest Sicilian mainland port: 38 km |
Arrive by: Ferry, hydrofoil
Arrive from: Milazzo, Messina, Naples, Reggio Calabria, Salerno Best airports: Catania Airport, Palermo Airport, Naples Airport |
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