Day 3: Going by Boat to Vulcano, Panarea and Stromboli

Our day begins at the port of Lipari, where you'll take a boat to visit our first goal: Vulcano. We'll take the ferry to reach the other islands. Leave your bike, we won't need it anymore. We'll rent other vehicles arrived at your destination, if you feel the need. Let the discovery of the Aeolian Islands begin!

Welcome to Volcano's Island, whose magnificent sands are ashy colour.
Maybe you don't know that Vulcano is the island of Hephaestus, the island of fumaroles and the sulfur that springs from them. A landscape that at times seems to catapult to the moon or directly to hell; its Gran Cratere, the muds and the warm waters certainly make it one of the most fascinating of the Aeolian Archipelago.

On the boat you'll passing by this point. I invite you to see it, because it is very special. If you want to see it closest, I suggest you to rent a boat. In that way, you'll be able to see the recesses of the Volcano island from the sea.

I suggest you to take off the boat, and admire the land of Volcano's Island. Before going to explore the famous Crater of the island, i suggest you to rend a vehicle. My tip for you is renting a scooter, or a quad if you like it, from Noleggio da Paolo.

I suggest you to move on with your means straight on north. You'll arrive in the Volcano's Crater. Leave your vehicle at the entrance, the crater will be climbed on foot. While we are trekking, we will be able to closely see some volcanic manifestations present near the Gran Cratere also known as "La Fossa".

Leaving behind the crater, you'll have to reach Capo Grillo, the highest point of the island from which you can see Sicily and the summit of Etna, the most famous Sicilian volcano. Rest there for a moment and take an amazing selfie, whose your friend will be envious!

After you had taken a look to the Capo Grillo's scenografic lookout, You'll drive to the south of the Island and you'll arrive in Spiaggia Cannitello. It is an equipped beach where I invite you to go down, with the classic black sand of Vulcano. Framed in a cliff covered with prickly pears and blackberries. Later, you'll drive to the north and you'll arrive to the Sorgente Termale.

We're arrived in this natural thermal spring as the name suggests. The therme has been borned thanks to residual gas emissions to which are added underground mineral waters, which sometimes reach the surface and can be exploited for therapeutic purposes. In fact, the place is visited by lots of people, who are looking for relaxation, taking baths and thermal muds. You can stay for a while and try this natural treatments. When you have finished, You'll reach me to the Spiaggia delle Acquecalde.

Not far from the thermal spring is the Hot Waters' Bay. You can reach in on foot. As the name suggesting, here you can relax with a natural hydromassage. You got it right, these are jets of hot water that come out of the sea!

I recommend this little restaurant for lunch, after our trip in Volcano, through beaches, craters and muds. It is located a few steps from the port of Vulcano. If you want you can eat fish specialties, different according to the daily catch. So, everyday there are different dishes to try!

The last thing to see, according to me, is the Valle dei Mostri. You can take a short walk to the north east of the Vulcanello peninsula. In this way you'll be able to digest what you've eaten for lunch. As you can see, a paved road runs along the many villas in the area until you reach a crossroads, here you turn right and continue for a while up to a large lava field. You can reach the area with your vehicle, too. The area, of black and very fine sand, is dotted with monsters , whose bizarre rock shapes has been created by the volcanic activity. That shapes were born from the lava expertly sculpted by the winds coming from the sea.

After you had visited the suggestive Valle dei Mostri, we're going to discover Panarea Island. From the pier Porto di Levante we're letting behind our shoulders the island of Volcano and its thermal muds and jetties, too.

Welcome to our next destination of today! Panarea Island. You should know than this island is a perfect mix of history, art, culture and worldliness, and obviously the sea. Its coasts are as beautiful as the sea that caresses them. Don't forget than this Island offers also most scenografic lookouts. We'll visit few of these.

I recommend that you take the shortest path if you want to reach Punta del Corvo. This path starts from San Pietro's town and leads to the summit. Point of departure will be the port, taking the main road that leads to the town above and continue to then take the signposted direction of the cemetery. The path is marked with red and white paint on the rocks near the crossroads. Along the way we will meet many shrub plants, typical of the Mediterranean scrub, myrtle trees and cypresses. Once you reach the summit, beautiful landscapes with a view of the archipelago will open on the horizon. If you wish, you can continue your excursion by descending the southern side of Panarea, in this way you'll reach Cala Junco, an amazing bay which deserve to be visited. Another interesting point of view is Punta Milazzese, place where an ancient prehistoric village was built in a furthest past. But, our next destination is Cala degli Zimmari before leaving this flawless island.

A bay that I recommend you to visit is Cala degli Zimmari. Its red sand beach is bathed by a crystalline cobalt blue sea with shallow waters, while on the side it has a rocky wall. Ideal place for those who love to explore the seabed or take a simple swim. After swimming for a while, you'll go to the pier. We'll embark for Stromboli Island.

After visiting Cala degli Zimmari, we are preparing to leave the island of Panarea. We have enjoyed it a little, but I can leave you a link to a boat rental in case you want to see it, seating in a boat. My advice for you is Sea Panarea. But now, destination Stromboli.

Welcome to Stromboli, where the high cliffs alternate with small beaches of very black sand, with inlets and caves. Characteristic are the white Mediterranean houses, the green of the palm trees, the olive trees and the citrus fruits that rest on the volcano of the island. Comparable to a black pearl that has always attracted lovers of uncontaminated nature and relaxation. Or as the inhabitants of the island call it: Iddu, an incredible volcano overlooking the sea, boils giving a suggestive and unique show, especially at night, with lapilli in a sky full of stars.

The Spiaggia Lunga is located in the northern part of the island. The beach is of black sand bathed by a very clear blue sea. You may not know this beach is a favorite destination for young people and naturists and it has always been coveted by lovers of wild and unspoiled nature. I invite you to spend a few moments here, before going to have dinner at the restaurant with a view of the volcano, which I have chosen for you.

I recommend a vehicle to get around, it is almost dark. Taking this small road, you will arrive at the observatory, now transformed into a restaurant, the place is only 100 m from the crater. In the evening, while comfortably enjoying your dinner, you will be able to see the marvelous explosions and the launches of lapilli. Maybe you don't know than the island is not illuminated by the will of the habitants. So, my suggestion is to bring a torch with you. In the dark, you'll allowing to see a carpet of stars as if you were in the middle of the sea! But now, I let you have dinner -I suggest you a delicious pizza!

After the dinner you had behind the Stromboli volcano, we're preparing to return to Lipari. From Porto Scari we'll board the ferry, leaving Stromboli behind us. Also for Stromboli I realize there was little time to visit it, in case you want to extend your stay I recommend the rental of boats, rafts or jet skis from Pasqualo. Using a boat is essential to reach the beaches, and also the town of Ginostra.

Welcome back to Lipari. Get off the ferry and reach the hotel. It is late and you would have a relaxing shower and get some hours of sleep.

This day is also getting over. I wish you a good rest. Tomorrow is Salina's turn, to be discovered!