Gran Cratere of Vulcano
A path of sand and ash climbs the cone of the Fossa di Vulcano to the rim of the crater, among yellow sulphur fumaroles, with a view over all the Aeolian Islands.
- Difficulty
- E Hiking
- Length
- 4.7 km
- Elevation gain
- +260 m / −260 m
- Time
- 2–2.5 hours
- Route
- Out and back
- Altitude
- 66–355 m
- Season
- Spring Autumn Winter
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The story
For the Greeks and Romans this was the forge of Hephaestus, the god of fire whom the Romans called Vulcan: every volcano in the world takes its name from this island. The last eruption was in 1888–1890, and gave its name to «Vulcanian» eruptions. The Aeolian Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why go
Because you walk on the rim of an active volcano, and the view over the seven islands is unforgettable.
Practical information
- Start
- Vulcano Porto (trailhead a few minutes' walk from the harbour)
- Finish
- Rim of the Gran Cratere (about 390 m), back the same way
- Best time
- October–May; in summer only at dawn
- Parking
- Not needed: you set off on foot from the harbour.
- By public transport
- Hydrofoils and ferries from Milazzo and the other Aeolian Islands.
- Water
- At the harbour; nothing along the trail.
- Shade
- None.
- Huts and refreshments
- None.
- With children
- Yes, with children used to walking: a short climb, but on slippery volcanic sand.
Weather at the start
The forecast for the next 7 days at this spot: sky, temperatures, rain and wind.
Forecast by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), from the models of national weather services. Your browser downloads it directly from Open-Meteo, and only when you ask. In the mountains and at sea the weather changes quickly: check the official forecast as well before you set off.
What to see on the route and nearby
More hikes in Sicily
- 2From Sortino to the necropolis of PantalicaE 3.9 km · +130 m · 1.5–2 hours · point to point
- 3★ The coastal loop of Monte CofanoE 7.8 km · +250 m · 2.5–3 hours · loop
- 4The Rocca of Cefalù and the Temple of DianaT 1.8 km · +170 m · 1.5–2 hours round trip, including the visit · out and back
Routes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), via Waymarked Trails and BRouter; elevations from a digital terrain model. Times and elevation gains are indicative: waymarks on the ground and closure orders always take precedence.