southern-italy-hike-mount-etna-and-aeolian-islands

Self-guided

Hiking

lvl. 3
New
Comfort
Mon Roadbook App
Hotel
Day & muti-day hikes
Réf : E68N
8 days from 1175 € Book / Enquire

Our trip

  • The discovery of Europe's most active volcanoes: Etna and Stromboli.

  • The charm of the Aeolian Islands, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • The comfort of the tour: 4-star hotels and private transfers.

"Mon Roadbook" app is available for this trip.
More info >>

Sicily and the Aeolian Archipelago, two world-renowned volcanic regions, whose volcanoes have lent their names to types of eruptions in volcanology. From the nighttime observation of Stromboli, with its incredible lava jets, to the immense slopes of Etna, the highest volcano in Europe (3350 m), and the fumaroles of Vulcano, an amazing journey!

Your choice of lodging + Transport

Hotel April to October

Hotel April to October

Private transportation From 1175 €* Book / Enquire Devis

* Minimum price for the current season, subject to availability based on 4 participants. (Price incl. VAT)

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Itinerary

Level 3: An average of 4 to 5 hours of hiking per day on well-marked trails and/or 600 to 800 meters of vertical gain, and/or distances up to 15 kilometers.
Hiking : a relatively accessible activity, hiking offers the opportunity to explore a country or a region up close, on foot, and to meet and mingle with the locals. On a traverse or loop, whatever your skill level, embark on one of our through-hikes to immerse yourself in the natural wonders of the great outdoors.
Mon Roadbook app: designed for the self-guided trips, "Mon Roadbook" travel assistant guides you throughout your journey via a mobile application to download on your smartphone.
Duration : 8 days
Luggage transfers : Only your day pack
Lodging : Hotel
Guiding : Self guided
Group : Minimum 2 persons
Season : April to October

Day by day

Day 1

Arrival at Catania, transfer to Milazzo and boat to Lipari

Arrival at Catania airport. Your driver takes you to Milazzo, the main port for embarking to the Aeolian Islands. You take a boat to the island of Lipari, where you settle in for four nights. You discover the lively Mediterranean atmosphere...

Note: In order to spend your first night in Lipari, your flight must arrive no later than 3:00 PM.
Day 2

Active crater of the island of Vulcano

Ascent : 400 m (1,312 ft). Descent : 400 m (1,312 ft). 3.5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner. Transfer : 30 min round-trip by boat.
A short hydrofoil crossing to Vulcano for an easy ascent of the volcano, the Fossa crater (391 m, approx 1,283 ft). This crater, one of the most monitored in the world, has been sealed since its last eruption in 1883.
At the summit, experience a volcanic atmosphere: fumaroles and sulfur flowers! Tour the crater and descend to the beach, where you can enjoy the underwater hot springs.
Return by boat to Lipari.
Day 3

Salina, the green island

Ascent : 500 m (1,640 ft). Descent : 500 m (1,640 ft). 4 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner. Transfer : 1 hr round-trip by boat.
Boat crossing to Salina, the island of caper bushes and vineyards. After a short transfer by local bus, you head towards the village of Pollara, nestled in a crater, a former collapsed volcanic cone, bearing witness to past volcanic activity. Along a picturesque cliff-side trail, you discover the western part of the Aeolian archipelago and enjoy views of the distant islets of Alicudi and Filicudi. You have the opportunity to taste the local typical wine, Malvasia. Return to Lipari by boat.
Day 4

Lipari: Obsidians of Monte Pelato and panoramic views from Monte Guardia

Ascent : 450 m (1,476 ft). Descent : 450 m (1,476 ft). 4 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Transfer by local bus towards the northern part of the island. You pass by the foot of the pumice quarries, whose activity has resumed in recent years. Easy ascent to Monte Pelato to discover obsidian, a volcanic rock with a shiny black appearance highly prized by the island's jewelers for crafting artisanal jewelry. Descend towards the small coastal village of Canneto and enjoy a picnic on the beach. Return by bus to Lipari.

In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to hike up Monte Guardia from the village to admire the sunset and the view of Vulcano

Day 5

Heading to Stromboli, the explosive island

Ascent : 400 to 900 m (1,312 to 2,953 ft). Descent : 400 to 900 m (1,312 to 2,953 ft). 2 hrs to 5 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner.
Hydrofoil to Panarea with a stop on the most picturesque and renowned of the seven islands in the Aeolian archipelago, featuring charming white houses with blue shutters and small cobblestone streets. On-foot exploration of the prehistoric village and the stunningly colorful Cala Junco, or a hike to the top of the island. In the mid-afternoon, return to the port and maritime crossing to Stromboli.

Upon arrival, check-in at the hotel. Option to hike alone to the observatory located at an altitude of 290 meters or to ascend to 400 meters with a guide for a nighttime observation. You can also opt for a nighttime boat excursion. The spectacle of fiery jets spewed by the volcano's mouth offers a unique show.

Note: If access to the summit of Stromboli is again permitted during your stay, we will offer you the opportunity to complete the full ascent with a volcanologist guide.

Day 6

From the island of Stromboli to the slopes of Etna

Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast, dinner. Meals not included : lunch. Transfer : 3 hrs of boat and 2 hrs of taxi.
Morning transfer by hydrofoil to Milazzo. From Milazzo port, take a taxi to Sapienza. Dinner and overnight stay at Sapienza on the volcanic slopes of Etna.
Day 7

Walking on the Etna and back to Catania

Ascent : 300 to 1000 m (984 to 3280 ft). Descent : 300 to 1000 m (984 to 3280 ft). 2 hrs to 6 hrs of hiking.
Lodging : hotel. Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner. Transfer : 1 hr of taxi.
Several hiking options are available: take a cable car up to 2,500 meters and hike to the very wild Valle del Bove, or walk on the secondary cones. If eruptive activity and weather conditions allow, it is possible to reach the summit of Etna. Beyond 2,500 meters in altitude, the services of a volcanologist guide are mandatory; access to the summit is then via cable car followed by a hike (guide must be reserved a few days in advance and paid for on site).
At the end of the day, return to Catania by private transfer.
Day 8

End of the tour in Catania

Included meals : breakfast. Meals not included : lunch, dinner. Transfer : 20 min.
According to your flight schedule, free visit of Catania then private transfer to the airport.
The active times are given as an indication and may vary depending on several elements (eg. weather conditions, terrain, etc.). Transfer times may also vary depending on road and traffic conditions. If necessary (eg: weather conditions, decision of local authorities, etc.), we may also be required to adapt the program for the smooth running of your trip and in the interest of the participants.

Pricing

Prices (incl. taxes) from april to october 2025

Hotel
Price per person		Private transportation
Low seasonMid seasonPeak season
2 people 1 double room1395 €1495 €1595 €
3 people 1 room with 3 beds1145 €1275 €1325 €
4 people 2 double rooms1175 €1295 €1345 €
  • Low season : From 01 October 2025 to 31 October 2025
  • Mid season : From 15 September 2025 to 30 September 2025
  • Peak season : From 01 September 2025 to 14 September 2025

Pricing

The price includes / does not include

The price includes
— 7 nights in 4-star hotels, in a double or triple bedroom.
— Breakfast from day 2 to day 8.
— Dinner on day 6.
— Private transfers mentionned above.
— The boat tickets from Milazzo to Lipari on day 1, and from Stromboli to Milazzo on day 5.
— A guidebook and a map of Eolian Islands (1 per 2 to 4 persons).
— Access to the new mobile phone application (including GPS guidance).
— Fees for organizing the trip.
—  Emergency hotline 24/7.

The price does not include
— Flights to/from Catania.
— The boat transfers, except on day 1 and day 5.
— Insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, lost/stolen baggage, or assistance.
— For reservations made less than 15 days before the start, all additional fees for priority processing.
— Anything that is not specified in the "included in the price" list.

Other expenses
— Lunches
— All dinners except on day 6 at Sapienza
— Hydrofoils between the islands (around 70 €)
— Local guide to hike to Stromboli observatory : 25 €
— Volcanologic guide to hike to Etna summit : 120 €
— Drinks, and personal expenses.
— Local occupancy taxes (about €10 per person for the entire stay, to pay there).

Currencies

France and Italy are part of the Euro zone. You may find ATMs easily in the main cities and towns.
Better to have cash in the most remote areas to purchase extras (ex.: for drinks). Huts do not always accept credit cards.

During your trip

Transfers

In Sicily, private transfers from Catania to Milazzo on Day 1, from Milazzo to Etna on Day 6, from Etna to Catania on Day 7 and from Catania hotel to airport on Day 8.

In the Aeolian Islands, we have included 2 boat trips : from Milazzo to Lipari on day 1, and from Stromboli to Milazzo on day 5.
The other boat trips are at your own expense. You can purchase boat tickets either online or directly at the ticket offices located on each of the islands. This way, you will have the freedom to plan hikes on the different islands according to your preferences and the weather. All the information will be included in your roadbook.

Lodging

— Two nights in Catania at a four-star hotel located in the city center, near Teatro Bellini and the cathedral.
— Three nights in Lipari at a four-star aparthotel with a pool and large garden, located steps away from the port.
— One night in Stromboli at a four-star hotel with a pool, situated near the main beach in the village of San Vincenzo. Round-trip transfer from the port to the hotel included.
— One night in Sapienza, on the slopes of Mount Etna (1900 m), half-board at a four-star hotel with a spa.

Meals

— Breakfasts are provided at the accommodations.
— For lunch, there's a wide selection of local products available for your picnics or meals at local trattorias.
— Dinners are free to explore, except for dinner on Day 6 which is included at Sapienza.

You'll have the chance to discover the amazing cuisine of the islands at trattorias or pizzerias. Some must-try specialties include arancini (rice balls stuffed with vegetables), cannoli (pastries filled with ricotta), Malvasia wines, seafood pasta, capers, and limoncello (lemon liqueur).

Luggage transfer

You will be hiking with a light backpack. You will carry your luggage during boat crossings.
Your luggage will be transported with you during private transfers.

Trails

The hiking trails and routes are not always well-marked. Some sections will be well-signposted, while others may be completely unmarked over significant distances. The Mediterranean vegetation quickly takes over, so in some places, the trail might be a bit overgrown. On Salina, there is a slightly steep slope (on the descent).

The roadbook provides additional information to complement what you observe visually on the ground.

What you need to know

The preferred seasons to discover this region are autumn and spring.
During the peak summer months, the Aeolian Islands reach their maximum hotel capacity; this destination is extremely popular, leading to increased prices for services on site. Unforeseen circumstances are frequent during this period, and adjustments to the itinerary may be necessary. Also, expect potential transportation delays. Due to the high temperatures, we advise avoiding hiking during the hottest hours of the day.

Required before leaving

Health

Some tips for staying healthy:
Tap water is mostly good for drinking all other the Alps. Unless notified as not, you can consider it as drinkable. Even if they are recyclable we request you consider the waste impact of your bottles.
Your hands are perhaps your biggest enemy in terms of your health as they get very dirty during the day. Wash your hands before every meal or snack. People often think they get sick from the food, but it's far more likely they forgot to wash their hands!

During the trek, don't try to overpass your strength and walk too high, too quickly! Keep a regular pace and take time to enjoy the view while walking.
Listen to your guide and take their advice as they are trained to look after your safety.

If you have any special dietary requirements, please advise us when booking your trek so that we can cater for you. Note: sometimes not all dietary requirements are able to be met, but please inform us and we will certainly do our best! 

Recommended vaccinations

Please check to make sure that all your vaccinations are current: DPT, whooping cough, tuberculosis, typhoid fever, hepatitis A and B.

Dentist and general physician

We recommend a checkup with both before leaving on your trip.

Getting ready

Physical fitness level 3

To take full advantage of your trip, make sure that you stay in good shape by walking or hiking least once per week (around 15km) on a trail with considerable vertical gain (250m/hr) or by participating in a moderately intense athletic activity for 1 to 1.5hrs.

Your first aid kit

For the medication and pain relievers listed below, we recommend that you check with your doctor beforehand, adding what you need based on personal requirements and the specificities of your trip.

  • An analgesic.
  • An anti-inflammatory (pills or gels).
  • A broad-spectrum antibiotic.
  • An antispasmodic, anti-diarrheal tablets, an intestinal antibiotic, and an antiemetic (for nausea or vomiting).
  •  Cough medicine (in tablet or pill form).
  • A disinfectant, band aids (several sizes), mole skin, sterile compresses, medical tape, Steri-Strips, non-stick bandages, and an elastic bandage.
  • An antiseptic.
  • A phlebotonic.
  • Sunscreen and a burn cream.
  • Eye drops.
  • Other: tweezers, scissors, 2 or 3 safety pins, a tick remover, a pair of latex gloves, sleeping pills (mild) and/or earplugs, any personal medication. See the paragraph on “Health” for indications on specific medications for altitude sickness, malaria, etc.
  • Iodine or other similar tablets to purify water.

Gear list

Your luggage

— A day backpack with wide straps and an adjustable anatomical frame, ranging from 30 to 40 liters, for your daily essentials.
— A travel bag from 80 to 100 liters. Wheels can facilitate transport during public transfers and to your accommodations.


Basic equipment

— Breathable underwear (quick-drying).
— A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt.
— A fleece jacket like Polartec (preferably windproof) or Wind Pro (excellent weight-to-insulation ratio).
— A waterproof and breathable jacket (Goretex recommended).
— A rain cape (optional).
— Trekking pants.
— Shorts.
— A cap or hat.
— Sunglasses (minimum UV protection index 3).
— A water bottle (or hydration bladder with tube).


Footwear and technical gear

— Lightweight, ventilated shoes with good grip on various terrains.
— Waterproof, high-cut shoes with a sole offering good traction, like Contagrip or Vibram.
— A headlamp.
— Telescopic hiking poles (recommended).
— A compass.


Miscellaneous

— Toiletry kit.
— Change of clothes.
— Sandals or comfortable shoes for evenings.
— Swimwear and towel.
— A pocket knife (in checked luggage!).
— Plastic bags to protect your belongings.
— Needle and thread.
— An anti-theft pouch to carry essential documents, money, insurance certificates.
— Airtight plastic container, utensils, and a cup for picnics (optional).

Safety

The Mont Blanc Experience promise

No region in the world is 100% safe and without danger.

Mont Blanc Experience keeps you informed and is fully transparent when it comes to the potential risks. We gather security risk information from multiple sources: in-house research, monitoring specialized websites, meetings with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, "safety and security" trips in the field, constant contact with our regional specialists, local teams on the ground, and France's travel agency federation.

Nevertheless, it is important to keep in mind that we cannot make any decisions for you.

If there is a clear and elevated risk, we reserve the right to:

— Reinforce our guide team (for guided trips).
— Modify the itinerary for our tours.
— Place a tour or destination on hiatus for an extended period of time when we consider the level of risk to be too high.

Your safety and your enjoyment are our priority.