The Aeolian Islands Walking Tour 2025 is a perfect adventure for solo travellers seeking a blend of exploration and relaxation. Rightly renowned as the ‘pearls of the Mediterranean’, the seven islands that make up the archipelago of the Aeolians, with their two active volcanoes, offer some exceptional experiences for walkers. This tour takes you through the stunning landscapes of Lipari and Vulcano, offering scenic hikes, local culture, and leisure time to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. With organised transfers and guided treks, it’s an easy and safe way to explore these captivating islands. You’ll meet like-minded solo travellers, enjoy delicious Sicilian cuisine, and unwind in our comfortable three-star hotel. Whether you’re hiking up volcanic craters or relaxing by the sea, this escorted group walking holiday promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Extras
We arrive on the island of Sicily. Upon arrival, our local assistant accompanies us to the coach for a transfer to Milazzo before boarding a ferry to Lipari. After checking into the hotel and enjoying a welcome drink, we have free time to explore the hotel’s facilities. We dine in a local restaurant and stay overnight in Lipari.
We begin our day with breakfast and a walking tour of Lipari (the hub of the Aeolian Islands) led by an expert local trekking guide. The four hour tour takes us through paved cobbled streets in the old part of the town, still home to local fishermen. We head to the Diana Quarter to see the Greek/Roman necropolis, before moving on to the Marina di Porto Salvo which takes us to the summit of Monte Rosa, 293m. Here, we enjoy beautiful views of Panarea and Stromboli Islands, and to the ‘pomice’ hills.
We return to Lipari Town Centre and walk along the main shopping street, descending to Marina Corta, the fishermen’s square, beautifully set in a small bay where we have free time to enjoy lunch.
This afternoon will be at leisure.
After breakfast, we take a collective transfer by boat to Vulcano Island for a hike up to the Gran Cratere*. The climb, easy at first, continues with bends among high red rocks, curious pink clay corridors modelled by rainwater and broom plants. As we climb, the air is heavy with the smell of nearby fumarole, surrounded by yellow sulphur deposits. At 240m, we reach the edge of a lunar rock desert strewn with ‘volcanic bomb stones’ and enjoy marvellous views of the neighbouring islands.
We finally climb to the Gran Cratere, enveloped in steamy-looking vapours and overpowering sulphurous gas released by gashes in the rim. From the top, there are spectacular views of Mount Etna and the Sicilian mainland.
After descending, we have free time for lunch, to experience the mud baths or swim in the sulphur sea water. We return to Lipari for an overnight stay at the hotel.
Today can be spent however we wish! This is a free day to relax.
Optional excursion Full day Panarea and Stromboli Boat tour*.
The tour begins with a swim in the “Baia di Calajunco” beneath the charming village of “Capo Milazzese,” followed by a visit to the village itself. Next, the tour proceeds to the islets of Dattilo and Lisca Bianca, where you’ll observe famous sulfur gorgos, and then to Lisca Nera, Bottaro, and Basiluzzo for another swim amidst vibrant marine life. On the way to Stromboli, there’s a swim stop at Ginostra, a stunning natural site with a few resilient local inhabitants. The tour then continues along Stromboli’s coast, stopping at the main port to explore the picturesque village with its distinctive white houses on black sand. Finally, at sunset, you’ll head to Strombolicchio and stop under the Sciara del Fuoco to witness the volcano’s spectacular eruptions, returning to Lipari by about 22:30.
*Tour is subject to availability at the time of booking. More information in Q&A section.
After breakfast, the group will gather with the local trekking guide and we set off on our walk to the southern headland. From the hotel a narrow road, lined by walls covered with straggling broom and cistus, leads up to Capistello, from where we have a clear view of Vulcano and its vast crater just across the straits. Directly below are rocky cliffs and pinnacles rising out of the sea, and as we near the headland overlooking Punta della Crapazza, the vegetation becomes denser, almost covering the narrow path. We then take a paved road further on leading to some very upmarket modern villas, all very secluded and with spectacular views. The path winds up to its highest point at the Geophisical Observatory. From here, there is a wonderful panorama of the islands to the north-west: Salina with its twin volcanic peaks, with Filicudi and Alicudi furthest away. We return back to the hotel, with the rest of the day free for lunch (not included) and afternoon at leisure in Lipari.
Today we travel by bus to the village of Quattropani, the first settlement on the Island of Lipari dating back to the beginning of the 4th Millennium BC, where our walk begins to the kaolin quarries at Caolino. The path descends, crossing spectacular canyons with sheer multi-coloured rock-faces through a pathway with precipitous drops down to the sea, crossing olive groves and other remote areas, with typical Mediterranean flowers and the rare dwarf palm. We then walk up to St. Calogero Spa, a thermal baths dating from the 4th century BC, before taking the old stone mule-track that gradually goes up, crossing olive groves, to the vineyard village of Pianoconte where we feast on a rural lunch. We travel back to Lipari by bus.
Another day of free time, which can be spent relaxing around Lipari or exploring one of the many beautiful parts of the islands.
It’s time to say “Arrivederci”! After breakfast, we will transfer back to the airport to take our flight home.
The Borgo Eolie Hotel is a charming three-star hotel located on the beautiful island of Lipari. It offers comfortable standard rooms equipped with modern amenities, making it an ideal choice for solo travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. The hotel features a welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff, ensuring a pleasant stay. The convenient location allows easy access to the island’s attractions, including stunning beaches and historic sites. It is located 600 metres from the historic centre (Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Marina Corta) and 150 metres from the beach at Porto delle Genti.
The hotel features an outdoor pool with hydro-massage, a flowery garden and furnished terraces, including a sun terrace. The buffet breakfast is assisted by the staff and can be enjoyed in the breakfast room or on the terraces. On request and at a fixed schedule, Borgo Eolie can provide a free shuttle service to/from Lipari habour and centre. Bicycles, scooters and cars can be rented on-site.
Hotel Shuttle is active from 8:00 a.m. to 23:30 (last pick up).
The air-conditioned rooms include a flat-screen TV, a minibar and a bathroom with hairdryer.
Frequently Asked Questions
The transfer time from Catania Airport to Milazzo is approx. 2 hours and onwards by ferry to Lipari is approx. 1 hour 30 mins depending on weather and traffic.
Two full day, and two half day (4hrs & 5 hrs) guided walks are included in the programme. Your walking guide will advise you in resort of the daily programme. You can expect to walk between 5 to 9 km per day, with some ascents/descents. Terrain varies from rocky underfoot to compacted volcanic materials.
The distances, and length time are valid if the physical conditions of the participants and the weather conditions are good. Otherwise please add an hour at each walk.
Day 2 LIPARI PORTO – MONTE ROSA
Length : 7,5 km approx.
Duration :1 hour and 45 minutes approx.
Day 3 Vulcano Gran Cratere
Length : 7 km approx.
Duration: 3 hours and 22 minutes approx.
Day 5 CAPISTELLO- GEOPHISICAL OBSERVATORY
Length: 8 km approx..
Duration: 2 hours and 30 min approx.
Day 6 CAOLINO- SAN CALOGERO
Length : 8,3 km approx..
Duration: 3 hours and 10 min. approx..
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
Optional excursion Full day Panarea and Stromboli Boat tour.
Departure from Lipari at 12:00.
First bathe stop in to the “Baia di Calajunco”, below the picturesque village of “Capo Milazzese”.
Following a pleasant stop to visit the village.
Back on board and head to the islets of Dattilo, Lisca Bianca(where we will stop to observe the famous sulfur gorgos), Lisca nera, Bottaro and Basiluzzo, for another dive into the sea, rich of sea-starfishes, sea urchins and black coral.
On the route to Stromboli, bathe stop to Ginostra, one of the most beautiful naturalistic sites in the Mediterranean sea, where a few locals live with a great spirit of adaptation to nature.
Continuing along the Stromboli coast, we will call at the main port to visit the picturesque village characterized by small white houses that seem gently lied on the fine black sand.
At sunset we will head to islet of Strombolicchio, stop under the Sciara del Fuoco to admire the spectacular eruptions of the volcano.
The return to Lipari is scheduled for about 22:30.
It is a collective boat (it is not a boat only for your group). The excursion will take place with a min. of 15 participants.
Price p.p. €65,00. Payment in cash or card at the boat.
Tour needs to be booked with your Tour Leader on arrival day. It is subject to availability and not exclusive to your Solos group.
It is important that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive.
The weather, even in summer, is unpredictable – particularly in mountainous areas. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
We suggest a Group Collection to cover transfer drivers, and hotel staff of €25.00 per person. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, or taxi fares, your Tour Leader can advise of an appropriate % add on.
Passport validity requirements
If you are travelling to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.Your passport must be:
You must check if your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to. Check with your transport provider or travel company that your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements. Passport stamping At Italian border control, you may need to:
Check your passport is stamped if you enter or exit the Schengen area through Italy as a visitor. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in the Schengen area. If relevant entry or exit stamps are not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit. You can show evidence of when and where you entered or exited the Schengen area and ask the border guards to add this date and location in your passport. Examples of acceptable evidence include boarding passes and tickets.
Visa requirements
You can travel to countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel:
If you are travelling to Italy and other Schengen countries without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
Compulsory vaccinations:
None.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
All clients are responsible for acquainting themselves with up to date health information of the countries being visited and where necessary take the required precautions. We recommend that you check with your doctor prior to departure as this information can change. You can also visit the travel health website for more information; Italy
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Italy, including the Alps and the Dolomites. More information about altitude sickness is available from TravelHealthPro (from the UK’s National Travel Health Network and Centre).
Euro
A reasonable level of fitness/mobility is required.
The order of the itinerary and events may be subject to change.
Be aware of any volcanic activity warnings. Risks due to volcanic activity will be communicated upon arrival on the Volcano island, and hikes may be cancelled/altered if conditions are unsafe.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| May | 23 °C | 17 °C |
| October | 24 °C | 19 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
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“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
