Etna, Stromboli, Vulcano: how to climb Sicily volcanoes?

Are you in southern Italy and dream of climbing the three volcanoes that are the Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano? Here is our article dedicated to the ascent of the Sicily volcanoes!

It is often forgotten, but Europe is a volcanic land! Italy and Italy Iceland are two countries that have learned to live with the fear of a volcanic eruption that can occur at any time.

The south of Italy has a tragic history with its mountains that can enter into anger. Vesuvius , Etna, Stromboli, Vulcano, these are known names of all. Names that can scare but are also great natural landscapes to visit!

The purpose of this article is to provide all the information necessary to increase the volcanoes of Sicily and the Eolian islands of Etna, Stromboli and Vulcano.

Etna

Difficult to mention the ascent of the Sicily volcanoes without beginning with the Etna. Located in the heart of the great island, Etna is one of the most active and studied volcanoes in the world.

Its eruptions are frequent, no longer surprise the premises, and have even allowed to create splendid landscapes formed by the lava!

These places are so beautiful and precious that they were classified as UNESCO World Heritage in 2013. Here are some ideas to climb the Etna.

On foot

We can of course climb Sicily volcanoes on foot. Etna does not escape this rule. However, let us not hide it: the Etna is a volcano difficult to climb, having nothing to do with the Vesuvian for those who know.

On the one hand, it culminates at about 3 350 metres altitude. On the other hand, the permanent activity of the volcano does not help to create well-marked trails.

There are many ways to climb the Etna on foot: alone, with a guide or a trip; up to the top or not... The south slope is the most borrowed by hikers.

We can park his vehicle there for 3,50 € by day or by bus to the Sapienza refuge, located at 1,910 meters above sea level .

The bravest, determined and/or experienced can choose to start the ascension here! But be warned that it is very difficult, because of the slope and the changing terrain, sometimes without any mark. This option is not recommended without guide if you are not an experienced climber.

The second option is take the cable car from the refuge up to 2,500 meters above sea level, 33 euros return per person. You then start climbing here, alone or with a guide, with the same challenges already mentioned.

A third option offers the possibility of taking a « 4×4 bus » up to 2,920 metres above sea level and complete the climb with a guide. This option is quite expensive but it is by far the most secure.

Once close to the top, where the helmet port is mandatory , there are several craters: the little ones, the lower ones, and the main one, at the top.

The smaller ones already allow to have a magnificent view and splendid images. But if you want to experience a unique experience, you have to go to the main crater at the top.

Ascension is carried out on a slippery terrain, inclined, with a sulphur odor permanently, which can make coughing. It is therefore essential to be in good physical condition and not having health problems to enjoy this magical moment.

In 4×4

Ascenting Sicily volcanoes in 4×4 is a unique experience. Wanderlix recommends this trip to Etna for those who want to experience strong sensations!

The opinions on the guides are unanimous, the travellers greeting their sympathy and excellent knowledge of the places.

For half a day, you will have the opportunity to stroll around the Etna to discover its riches. You will pass mainly through the Beef Valley, discovering the lunar landscapes created by the previous lava flows, as well as the fauna and flora of the place.

You can also visit real lava cave A unique and magical moment!

The last stop of your trip is in Piano Provenzana, a ski resort (yes, you can ski on the Etna!) where there is an even more extraordinary landscape. The lava castings are more recent, which created a panorama as desolating as beautiful.

At the end of the day, you will have the joy of being able to admire a sunset from Etna.

Stromboli

Among the ascent of Sicily volcanoes, Stromboli is one of the references. Precisely located in the Eolian Islands, the Stromboli is a volcano in constant eruptive activity for 5,000 years According to the vulcanologists!

This activity is at the origin of the creation of the island of Stromboli, almost exclusively composed of its volcano, a land blackened by the lava castings and a few hundred inhabitants shattered the risk!

Know that you have the obligation to be accompanied by a guide to ascend.

On foot to see sunset

Among the ascents of the Sicily volcanoes, the Stromboli is very different from others and especially from the Etna. It does not even reach the 1,000 meters of altitude!

But that doesn't mean that his ascent is easy... She's even more dangerous.

Indeed, it is currently forbidden to go beyond 400 meters above altitude because the volcano can burst at any time, with a very fast lava casting!

Do not hope to admire the crater of Stromboli on foot. Nevertheless, to be part of the ascent of this Sicily volcano and the Isles is a great adventure.

We then offer you this trip to allow you to admire the sunset! This guided tour begins in the middle of the afternoon, from the main village of the island, for an ascent of the first part of the volcano.

On the way, you enjoy a few stops to immortalize in photo the wonderful landscapes opening before your eyes.

The highest point of the trip is Sciara del Fuoco, located at 400 meters altitude , which is the most beautiful place of the island to observe the sunset.

Enjoy this magical and unique moment, which you will keep in memory all your life. Once the sun leaves, you make the way back to the starting point, with an expected arrival in the middle of the evening.

Vulcano

Last of the trilogy of the ascent of the Sicily volcanoes, Vulcano is also located in the Eolian Islands. Unlike Etna and Stromboli, Vulcano is geologically a volcanic island composed of four volcanoes, three of which are extinct.

Only the great crater, called La Fossa, still has a relative activity today. Vulcano is a beautiful blend between an island you can no longer classic and a unique landscape created by lava castings and volcanic activity. These include sulphurous muds!

Hiking to the crater La Fossa

Of all the ascents of the Sicily volcanoes, that of Vulcano is the most accessible. Volcanic activity is too low to pose a danger and the absence of recent eruption has allowed the path to be marked up to the crater.

To achieve one dream climb , we offer you this trip with an experienced guide. The experience begins in the early morning when you will come back to your hotel in the direction of Milazzo where you will board a hydropter.

After having made the tour of the island by boat to admire the coast and the most beautiful caves and natural pools where to swim, you will make a stop in a restaurant to taste typical products.

Finally, the afternoon is devoted to the ascent of the volcano and the return is done at the end of the day, in hydroglider. Throughout the journey, your guide explains in detail the origin of Vulcano and the bases of volcanology.

On the way, you will have the opportunity to admire exceptional landscapes , starting with the path that is a mixture of volcanic sand, rock and clay.

The more you go up, the more breathtaking the panorama opened before your eyes. We can see the other islands of Eloes in the distance and the sea at a loss of sight!

On the volcano, you will discover a lunar landscape, a vestige of the last eruption dating from the late nineteenth century.

Once you're in the middle of the crater, you'll walk in the middle of Smoking, these sulphur discharges that are not easy to accommodate, sometimes even hypnotizing!

In very good weather you can admire the other six islands of Eloean. The view is splendid and makes everyone who ventures to dream. Once you get back down, the tour offers you a relaxing moment in a bar. Nothing better to recover from your adventure!