The Islands of Sicily

Get in touch

555-555-5555

mymail@mailservice.com

Mount Etna

Listed in 2013, Mount Etna is an iconic site encompassing 19,237 uninhabited hectares in the north east of Sicily. It is the highest Mediterranean island mountain and the most active strato-volcano in the world with its eruptive history traced back 500,000 years, influencing volcanology, geophysics and other Earth sciences.

Accommodation near Mount Etna:

Monaci delle Terre Nere >

Castello di San Marco >

UNAHOTELS Naxos Beach Sicilia >

Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges >

Villa Greta >

Villa La Torretta >

Relais San Giuliano >

Taormina Accommodation >

Sicily has so much to offer visitors, all the year round, whether you wish to relax or sightsee, whatever the weather! Sicily has it all...

The Italian island of Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, offers magnificent views of the spectacular coastline and of Mount Etna, Europe's highest active volcano. It is an island rich in culture and history and is renowned for its incredible cuisine. There is a longer warm weather season than in other parts of Italy with spring starting early, when in many areas the ground is carpeted with wildflowers as early as February. The warm weather means that it is an all year round destination and visitors can sunbathe and swim as late as November.

Sicily has 4 groups of islands surrounding its coast all accessible by ferry or hydrofoil, however visitors cannot reach them all by day trip.

The Aeolian Islands are chain of 7 volcanic islands situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the north east coast of Sicily and a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ustica (9km2) is 60km north west of Palermo and the 3 Egadi Islands are off the west coast, all can be accessed by hydrofoil from Palermo and Trapani respectively.

The 3 Pelagie Islands, which include Lampedusa, are located 200km to the south of Sicily accessed by ferry (5/8 hours) from Porto Empedocle, 6km south of Agrigento.

Pantelleria, the largest of Sicily's offshore islands (83km2), is 40km closer to Tunisia than Sicily but accessed by ferry from Trapani (6 hours) or hydrofoil in the summer months from Mazara del Vallo (2 hours).

Those visiting the Aeolian Islands will discover a remote and idyllic destination with stunning natural beauty, a brilliant clear light, unpolluted seas teeming with fish and a soporific way of life in romantic isolation. They can be reached most easily from Milazzo but also from Messina, Cefalù and Palermo. The archipelago is made up of 7 volcanic islands each with a different character:

Lipari

At nearly 37km2, Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands and is an ideal base for those looking to explore the other islands. There are a number of restaurants and bars around the port as well as a Norman church, archaeological museum and handful of interesting shops in the town centre. From the port of Milazzo in north east Sicily, it is possible to travel to Lipari by ferry or hydrofoil (journey time approximately 1 hour).

Hotel Mea, Lipari >

Vulcano

Gran Cratere hangs menacingly over the island's inhabited northern tip, its plume of vapour a silent reminder of its awesome power. The crater can be climbed in about an hour (given that you are in reasonably good shape) and the mud baths in its natural springs are also worth a visit. There are a number of hotels and restaurants on the island where you can enjoy a quick refreshment before taking the 15 minute ferry ride back to Lipari.

Therasia Resort Sea & Spa, Vulcano >

Salina

Salina is the second largest of the Aeolian Islands and is divided into 3 communes: Santa Marina on the eastern coast, Malfa to the north and Leni to the southwest. Salina is the greenest of the islands and is home to two extinct volcanoes as well as an abundance of violet-flowered capers, grape vines and trees.

Hotel Signum, Salina >

Stromboli

Having erupted almost continuously since 1932, Stromboli is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Standing at approximately 2,200m, Stromboli is an exceptionally striking sight and yet, despite its somewhat precarious habits, its inhabitants are undaunted people who have always lived beneath it in low, white-washed houses.

Panarea

Panarea is the smallest of the Aeolian Islands and yet is certainly one of the prettiest, surrounded by clusters of islets and clear blue sea. It is almost Greek in aspect, with a surreal feel created by its pristine white houses and pastel doors and shutters. This stunning, exclusive setting has transformed the island into a retreat for the rich and famous, many of whom arrive from the Riviera in their luxurious yachts.

Alicudi

Alicudi is the western-most of the Aeolian Islands, approximately 40 kilometres west of Lipari, and is almost circular in shape. Inhabited only on the eastern slope, Alicudi is an extremely quiet island with a number of pleasant walks and beautiful sights.

Filicudi

Although bigger than Alicudi, this island is considered remote even by the natives of Lipari. However, it is a beautiful island to explore on foot, with spectacular paths criss-crossing their way along mountain terraces with craggy volcanic boulders, flowering cacti and sensational views.