Hiking Aeolian islands

The beautiful Aeolian Islands are a real jewel off the northern coast of Sicily and offer a spectacular backdrop for your stay. You will be accommodated in the exclusive boutique Hotel Signum on Salina, the greenest of the seven islands.

If desired, we can organize the transfer from Catania airport to Milazzo, as well as the boat to Salina and the taxi to the hotel.

Over dinner in the hotel's excellent restaurant, you will not only get to know your fellow travellers, but also the culinary delicacies of the islands. Enjoy a delicate monkfish salad with a light yogurt-pepper sauce, homemade bucatini with fresh redfish and saffron, or juicy oven-baked grouper with a crust of capers and wild fennel.

On Salina, it is said: Eolo commanda. Aeolus, the ruler of the winds, is in command. Unfortunately, the days we plan for our boat trips do not always correspond to the best weather and wind conditions. It is therefore common for our travel program to have to be adjusted before the start of the trip.

Relax and enjoy every experience, knowing that our tour guide will assist you at every moment.

The day at Hotel Signum begins with the smell of freshly brewed coffee and fresh bread filling the room. Italian coffee specialties, a large selection of fresh pastries, and Sicilian honey and jams are available for you, as well as eggs, sausage, and cheese. In addition to the delicious food, enjoy the picturesque views of the sea and the surrounding hills, and look forward to a journey full of discovery and adventure on the beautiful island of Salina.

Today an exciting program awaits you in the east of the island. Embark on an exciting hike into the hills of Lingua with Emanuele, your expert nature and volcano guide. In addition to wonderful views, you’ll visit a historic island house with unique architecture and history. For lunch, treat yourself to traditional island dishes in a restaurant in Lingua.

In the afternoon, you have free time to relax in the hotel or do your own activities. You might want to visit the beach in Rinella or a stroll through the charming old town of Santa Marina. In the late afternoon, you will visit Pollara, in the very west of the island, to admire the breathtaking sunset over the sea. Along the way, you'll meet an artisan caper producer and learn all about how this important island product is made. To further spoil you with culinary delights, a dinner awaits you in a restaurant with traditional island specialties prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Hiking Information:

• distance: about 6.5 km
• time: about 3 hours
• altitude gain: with a 130 metre difference in altitude uphill and downhill.
• difficulty: easy-medium

Today, you set out early and make your way to Vulcano. In Roman mythology, the island was seen as the home of the fire god Vulcan. The island's name became synonymous with volcanic structures. The 391-metre-high volcano, which is now in the so-called fumarole stage, was formed in the last 10,000 years. There is hardly any other place where you can observe and understand volcanism as well as here. Your experienced hiking and volcano guide Emanuele, who has lived on Salina for over 20 years, will explain the fascinating formation and development of this young volcano during the hike.

After the hike, you will be expected by cheesemaker Fabrizio Lo Piccolo, who will welcome you for a lunch of his delicious cow and sheep's milk cheeses, famous throughout the Aeolian Islands. You'll then have some time to enjoy a coffee or gelato by the sea before returning to Salina in the late afternoon.

An Aeolian specialty awaits you for dinner today: pane cunzato. (traditional Sicilian dish consisting of a round bread roll filled with ingredients such as fresh tomatoes, anchovies, red onion, oregano, extra virgin olive oil, and salt, often complemented with black olives, capers, or fresh cheese).

Hike to Vulcano:

• ditance: about 8 km
• time: about 3 h
• altitude gain: with a 300 metre difference in altitude uphill
• difficulty: medium

After enjoying breakfast with a view of the sea, you set off on an exciting tour of discovery through the charming town of Malfa. Stroll through the alleys and explore the village centre with its cozy shops and inviting cafés. Take a short break and enjoy the lively atmosphere. The exploration tour takes you to the renowned winemaker Francesco Fenech.

In addition to the famous sweet passito, he also produces outstanding dry white wines from the local Malvasia grape, such as Maddalena, as well as a full-bodied red wine from Nero d'Avola. Particularly unique and a true rarity on the Aeolian Islands is his passito, which is made from the rare Corinto Nero grapes. After tasting these delicious wines and having lunch with local specialties at Francesco’s, treat yourself to a well-deserved break. Use this time to relax by the refreshing pool or unwind in the idyllic location.

In the late afternoon, make your way to Leni, a charming town in the south of the island, about a 15-minute drive away. From there, take a walk along the coast to Praiola and let your gaze wander over the sparkling sea. The breathtaking view will captivate you.

After a hearty breakfast, you have free time before Antonello picks you up from the port of Malfa with his boat Stella di Salina. The boat offers plenty of seating, an on-board toilet and freshwater shower, and a sunroof. En route to Stromboli, stop for a refreshing swim, enjoy a light meal on board, and make a stop at Panarea.

After an eventful day, it's time to relax. Treat yourself to some time on the sun terrace and by the pool, where you can enjoy the soothing atmosphere. You can also pamper yourself in the wonderful natural spa. Entry to the spa is free throughout your stay.

Today, the spectacular grand finale of your trip awaits you with a hike to the extinct volcano Monte Fossa delle Felci, which towers majestically over Malfa. Your hike begins in Val di Chiesa, at an altitude of around 300 metres above sea level. The path winds through lush forest as you climb up the mountain. If the climb seems too demanding for you, you have the option of switching to the flatter forest path. Once you reach the rim of the crater, you find yourself at the highest point in the entire Aeolian Islands, at an impressive 962 metres above sea level. From here, you will have a breathtaking panoramic view of Lipari, Vulcano, Filicudi, and Alicudi. If you're lucky, you might even see mainland Sicily and Mount Etna in the distance.

Today marks the end to your unforgettable trip to the enchanting Aeolian Islands. If you have the opportunity, we recommend extending your stay for a few additional days. Our guests often feel a certain sadness when leaving the islands, as they have only just begun to discover the true beauty of this place. We are at your disposal to give you valuable recommendations and insider tips if you wish to extend your stay.