On our 7-day hiking and sailing adventure in Sicily, we’ll visit Etna, Europe’s highest active volcano! That alone would be enough, but on this tour, we’ll also explore two more volcanoes in southern Italy: Volcano and Stromboli. We’ll sail through the Aeolian Islands, named after the Lord of the Winds, Aeolus. So, we’re confident the winds will be in our favor. Together, we’ll explore the islands’ nature, with volcanic ash beneath our feet and the salty scent of the Mediterranean Sea in the air. And if you think you can visit Italy without indulging in its gastronomic delights, think again. The local wine and food will only enhance and make this active holiday truly unforgettable.
Over the course of this 7-day adventure, we’ll explore the southern part of Italy—both on land, hiking, and at sea, sailing. Led by an experienced guide and a skilled skipper, this journey offers the best of both worlds. We’ll visit the islands and volcanoes of Vulcano and Stromboli, where we’ll enjoy black sand beaches and spectacular sunsets. The highlight of our trip will be on the final day when we’ll climb Europe’s highest active volcano—Mount Etna. Throughout the adventure, we’ll sleep aboard a sailboat, adding a unique charm and unforgettable experience. Join us and explore these mythical places together.
Depending on where you arrive—Palermo or Catania—a van will pick you up and take you to Milazzo, a historical town in Sicily. There, we’ll have a briefing with the guide, and we’ll spend the night on our boat in Milazzo harbor, from where we’ll begin the adventure the next day.
Accommodation: Sailboat cabin
Today we’ll head to the first island, called Vulcano. Once we reach the land, we’ll hike to the top where we’ll visit the fumaroles and tour the crater ring. The descent will be through volcanic ash, or pyroclastic deposits, after which we’ll experience the charm of bathing in the mud baths and sulphurous waters.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sailboat cabin
Our goal today is to sail to Stromboli. Once we reach the island, we’ll take a guided tour. Known for its stunning black sand beaches and breathtaking sunsets, it’s a place we’ll truly enjoy.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sailboat cabin
We will visit Sciara Del Fuoco, one of its most impressive attractions—it’s a dramatic depression that runs along the Stromboli island’s northern flank, flanked by two ridges. We’ll take in stunning views of the vast lava fields and eruptive channels.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sailboat cabin
We’re hiking up Stromboli Volcano! Not only will we reach the summit, but we’ll also witness its active eruptions. With over two thousand years of activity, the volcano erupts 3-4 times an hour. Our descent will be in the evening, using headlamps to navigate the sandy and ash-filled channels.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sailboat cabin
After today’s long sailing, we’ll end the day by returning to Milazzo harbor, where we’ll spend the night.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Sailboat cabin
We are going to hike to the highest volcano in Europe. The van will take us to the south side of the volcano—Rifugio Sapienza. From there, we’ll take the cable car to reach 2,500 meters above sea level. A bus will then take us to the starting point of the hike, located at 2,900 meters. Our goal is to visit the Central Crater (3,340 meters), where we’ll enjoy stunning views of the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas. During the hike, we’ll pass through wooded areas with diverse vegetation and various lava fields from different periods.
Our objective is to cross the summit from South to North, reaching Piano Provenzana, followed by a long descent to 1,800 meters. Once we reach the base area on the North side of Etna, we’ll return to Milazzo by van.
Meals: Breakfast
The guide is very well prepared, I highly recommend it!
He just transmits his passion! With him, you feel safe. Highly recommended!
VPatient, reliable, and wonderful!
Included:
Not included:
This hiking and sailing adventure in Sicily has no technical sections nor difficulties, with an emphasis on enjoyment. Still, make sure you’re ready to take on up to 600 m (1,970 ft) of elevation gain in a day. You’ll spend plenty of time sailing, guided by the experienced skipper. For the best experience, it’s recommended to try hiking and walking beforehand. Additionally, please note that the sailing itinerary may change. Depending on the wind and sea conditions, the skipper might adjust the anchorages and overall program.
For more hiking adventures in Italy, click here!
Hiking gear:
Hiking clothes:
Other gear:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Group sizes and pricing
Hiking in Sicily can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has hikers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your hiking and sailing adventure in Sicily is Palermo or Catania. To get there, most people fly into Palermo Airport (PMO) or Catania Airport (CTA). Regardless of where you land, a van will take you to Milazzo, a charming town where the adventure begins. The drive from Palermo to Milazzo takes about 2.5 hours, while the journey from Catania takes around 1.5 hours.
Once you’re there, you will meet your guide at Milazzo harbour where they will brief you about the trip. You will spend your night at the harbour, sleeping in a sailboat.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!
Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
The guide is very well prepared, I highly recommend it!