Vulcano Holidays

An Aeolian Island adrift from Sicily’s northern shore, mysterious Vulcano is an island well worth unpicking. A favourite of visitors looking for the unexplored, Vulcano’s beautiful volcanic landscape means fantastic hiking, black-sand beaches and natural mud springs. It’s quickly earning its spot on Italy’s ‘volcano trail’; you can reach its peak, Fossa di Vulcano, in around three hours. Vulcano Porto, the main town, is filled with a handful of restaurants and shops, but it’s really Vulcano’s remoteness that is the basis of its appeal – and mystery. It’s not hard to see why the island crops up in Greek myth; according to legend, the Romans named the island after the god Vulcan, believing the smoking volcano to be the chimney of his workshop.

Your plans, our expertise

Start planning your Citalia holiday by getting in touch with one of our Personal Travel Planners.

Lines open: Monday to Saturday 09:00 to 17:30 (Wednesdays from 9:30), Bank Holidays 10:00 to 16:00.

Request Your Quote

Call us on 01293 765055

Handpicked hotels in Vulcano

Discover the real Vulcano while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Sicily, Vulcano

Therasia Resort Sea & Spa

Impressive volcanic backdrop and stunning views from the terrace and infinity pool
Complimentary shuttle bus to/from Baia di Ponente and Porto di Levante

Find Out More

Things to do in Vulcano

The activities on Vulcano go to extremes, ranging from hydrothermal spa treatments to challenging hikes. Many people day-trip from a neighbouring Aeolian Island via a ferry that deposits them in Vulcano Porto. The closest hot spring is right next to the little ferry terminal, or you can follow the roads north to the double helping of slate-grey sandy beaches at Porto di Ponente. It’s also the place to go for a therapeutic thermal mud bath.

There’s a tiny dormant crater in the north of Vulcano. It’s home to the weird and wonderful rock formations of the Valle dei Mostri – Valley of Monsters – as well as views of neighbouring Lipari. But the best views on the island come from the Gran Cratere. You’ll know it when you see it – this gaping volcanic crater is ripe with hiking trails that lead you to wall-to-wall views over the Aeolian Islands.

Things to doMud BathsAnother activity that owes its popularity to the island’s volcanic geology is the island’s mud baths. These are some of the most famous in Italy, providing numerous therapeutic benefits for those brave enough to immerse themselves and relaxing weary muscles, exhausted after hiking the island’s volcanoes.Find out more about mud baths

Things to doSpiaggia Sabbie Nere The Spiaggia Sabbie Nere (Black Sands Beach) is one of the very few sandy beaches that can be found across the Aeolian Islands, but what they lack in numbers they make up for in beauty. Find out more about Spiaggia Sabbie Nere

Things to doThe Caves of Grotta del CavalloVulcano’s famous Grotta del Cavallo (Horse Cave) is one of the most beautiful in Italy, thanks to the stunning karst formation that lets natural light illuminate the cave’s waters. This dazzling effect has ensured the cave’s popularity in recent years, with numerous boat trips operating in and around the grotto.Find out more about the caves of Grotta del Cavallo

Things to doVulcano HikingVulcano is named for its three volcanic peaks, and offers some of the most exciting hiking anywhere in Italy. The island’s volcanoes have been dormant since the 1890s, yet the thrill of these once-fiery monoliths is still very much alive, with many visitors somewhat daunted by the soaring heights and sulphur-black landscape. Find out more about volcano hiking

Flight Information

The closest airport to Vulcano is Catania (CTA), which is approximately 3 hours from Vulcano via ferry. Direct flights to Catania are available from Birmingham, London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester and take approxmimately 3 hours.

When to go

Thanks to its southerly location, Sicily enjoys mild temperatures all year round. Spring and autumn are both lovely times to visit, with temperatures in the high teens and early 20s (although up in the hills and on the slopes of Mount Etna it can be significantly cooler). In summer, you can expect temperatures in the high 20s – perfect for spending time on the island's beautiful beaches.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

Whilst tipping isn’t embedded into Italian culture it is always appreciated as an acknowledgement of good service. Nowadays people generally round up a bill in a bar or cafe and leave 5-10% extra on a restaurant bill. Taxi bills are usually also rounded up.

On guided tours/excursions, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide.

On small group escorted tours, it is customary to leave a token of appreciation for the driver and guide at the end of the tour.

Introduction to languages

The official language of Italy is Italian. English is widely spoken too, so getting by is easy.

Vulcano Specialities Vulcano’s food and wine scene is low key and authentic. The majority of food and drink venues can be found in Porto Levante and generally focus on fresh and local ingredients coming together to create deliciously simple dishes. From quirky gelaterie to atmospheric trattorie, dining options in Vulcano are great for those wanting a taste of authentic Italy.