Although I have been to the Aeolian Islands many times, I have been remiss not spending more time on the island of Vulcano. Sure I’ve spent a couple of hours there in the mud baths (when moored on my good friend’s sailboat), while spending time cruising around the more hyped about islands in the archipelago. However, I’ve never had the time or opportunity to really get deeper into this enclave, until now.
Just a short hydrofoil ride from the main island of Lipari, Vulcano (consisting of two active volcano’s) is a rugged, low-key island full of cactus and bougainvilllea. When you feel the need to escape and go to your zen place, turn your senses on and your mobiles off, you should head to Vulcano. One of the things I have always loved most about this set of islands, nestled in the Tyrrhenian Sea, is their ability to put you into instant nirvana– they give you the ability to mindlessly disconnect from the rest of the world. The best place to stay on this idyllic island is the Therasia Resort, where bohemian luxury and gastronomic excellence meet(more about the Therasia Resort coming soon to Gypsetgirl).
There are plenty of things to do if you feel like you want to burn off some off the calories from all of the delicious mediterranean pasta dishes you’ll be eating. One of my favorite ways to break a sweat on Vulcano is to hike. You really do need proper hiking shoes when going on a “walk” in the Aeolian Islands, as my friend Carmelina (of the trekking company Sicilian Experience) informed me many years ago when I hiked for the first time with her on the island of Salina in flip-flops!
The outing turned into a four-hour hike over boulders and around steep cliffs. I was so fortunate not to have seriously hurt myself, as you can see from the condition of my feet below at the end of the “walk!” As a girl who grew up camping, lived in the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, and spent a summer in a two-man tent in Alaska, I really should have known better! The story of my life…live and learn. 😉
The best hike to take on the island is up to the Gran Crater or Vulcanic Cone, which is still active. I highly recommend it, but be sure to take it in the morning or late afternoon because the heat can overwhelm you.
If you are into a holistic approach to life, an amazing way to detox here is to take a dip in the famed sulphur mud baths I mentioned earlier. The strong sulphur smell is apparent and ever-present when you get off the ferry, but once you travel away from the baths (deeper into the island), the smell disappears. The baths in Vulcano are known world-wide for their rich mineral content and healing qualities. People with everything from joint pain to respiratory problems swear by the healing and medicinal benefits of these baths.
The town itself is quaint with many little shops, cafes and restaurants from which to choose. Although it is a little sleepier in May, once June rolls around you will find there are many more people searching for the serenity that Vulcano provides.
All photos (except my feet 😉 were taken by the amazing travel photojournalist Vittorio Sciosia.
