First published: 31/05/15.

Clyde 4.0

Isole Eolie

Isole Eolie (Inscribed)

Isole Eolie by Clyde

I visited this WHS in May 2015. Unfortunately I only set foot on one of the seven islands but I managed to get a great panoramic view of all the islands after climbing the volcanic crater of Vulcano. The climb is not a very strenous one and it only takes around 45mins of uphill hiking. The panoramic view is magnificent and well worth the effort. The trail is well marked and the terrain changes from earth to clay to old volcanic ash/lava to rocky which is quite remarkable for such a short hike. The trail is about 15 mins distant from the hydrofoil port and I had to make my way through a herd of local goats which were climbing the few trees and bushes beneath the volcano. The volcano's sole activity now are the toxic sulphuric fumaroles which cause the rotten eggs smell close to the crater rim. Several forms of yellow/orange/white crystals can been seen and it's a great experience to walk round the crater to view them. I walked down the crater and then up a zig-zag trail to a higher vantage point over the volcanic crater to take some pictures. I'm happy with the photos I took but believe me no camera will beat the beauty and awe seen through your eyes. From the high vantage point the other side of the fertile island can be seen and the weather was so clear that I could see the snow capped Mt. Etna in the distance. Next to the port, many tourists were enjoying themselves in the thermal mud baths of Vulcano but I decided to give this a miss. Vulcano is only 45mins away by hydrofoil from Milazzo and in the near future I hope to be able to visit the other islands possibly by sailing boat (Panarea has some splendid beaches and diving spots) and I wouldn't mind viewing Stromboli spewing lava by night too. Stromboli is the only volcano I didn't climb in Sicily (and the 5-6 hrs hike doesn't make me too eager to climb it either). The highlight of my visit was the outstanding view from Vulcano and the sulphuric crystal formations which to me was one of the best natural WHS I have visited in Europe.

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