Volcanic wonders of Vulcano & Sicily

Start your trip in style with included airport lounge access before your flight from the UK to Catania, on the east coast of Sicily. On arrival, a private transfer will pick you up at the airport and take you to the ferry port for the crossing to Vulcano, the southernmost of the Aeolian Islands. This UNESCO-protected archipelago consists of seven islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the north coast of Sicily, and are renowned for their dramatic volcanic landscapes, stunning beaches and pristine, cobalt-blue waters.

Your base here is Therasia Resort, nestled on a cliff at the island’s northernmost tip. It’s a truly serene and luxurious sanctuary which combines a gorgeous setting with classic, whitewashed Sicilian architecture, first-class amenities and exceptional, gourmet cuisine. You’ll arrive in time for dinner, which is included in your half-board package. The hotel offers four outstanding restaurants showcasing the finest Sicilian ingredients and culinary traditions, including two Michelin-starred venues: Il Cappero and I Tenerumi. It’s certainly worth trying them all throughout your stay, and you can use your half-board credit towards a meal at either of the Michelin-starred restaurants.

Over the next few days, you’ll have ample time to unwind at the resort and explore everything the island of Vulcano has to offer. No trip here is complete without making the hike up to the island’s crater, from which you’ll be met by spectacular views overlooking Vulcano and out towards the other Aeolian Islands on the horizon. A warm soak in the mineral-rich waters of the mud baths (Laghetto di Fanghi) is also an unmissable experience, said to bring a whole host of therapeutic benefits – just be prepared for the pungent sulphuric aroma. Vulcano is also home to a number of delightful black-sand beaches and secluded coves, such as La Baia Negra, Asino Beach and Gelso Beach (the latter two can be found on the island’s south coast). It’s a small, walkable island, although renting bikes or scooters is also a fun way to get around. A boat trip is always an option, too, especially for visiting more isolated stretches of coastline or even visiting the other islands in the archipelago.

Back at the resort, there’s endless scope for relaxation, whether you fancy a dip in the sea or in the split-level outdoor pools, kicking back on a sun lounger, or making the most of the spa, where you’ll find a sauna, a hot pool and a Turkish bath, along with a wide range of reinvigorating treatments available to book. And of course, each day you can expect delicious food aplenty, from freshly baked bread and pastries at breakfast to locally caught Aeolian Islands fish, premium quality Sicilian meats and vegetables grown in the on-site gardens. There are a couple of bars to choose from, too, where you can savour delectable cocktails, fine wines and aperitivos accompanied by gorgeous sea views.

Today, you’ll catch a ferry from Vulcano back to Sicily, where a transfer will be waiting to take you to Donna Carmela Resort & Lodges. Tucked away among Mediterranean gardens in the foothills of Mount Etna, with views of the Ionian Sea in the distance, it’s a wonderfully tranquil base for the last two nights of your trip, with an outdoor pool and a gourmet restaurant that specialises in authentic Sicilian cuisine using organic, locally sourced ingredients, including from the hotel’s own vegetable garden and citrus grove. Even the bar incorporates local fruits and herbs in its cocktails, with innovative combinations infused with the likes of rosemary, lavender, mint and sage to provide extra flavour and crispness in every sip. The location is perfect for exploring further afield, too. 

After a fabulous breakfast including fresh pastries, fruit, homemade jam and local honey, the day is yours to spend as you wish. You could, for instance, take a day trip to the historic clifftop town of Taormina, home to a majestic ancient Greek theatre, or perhaps you might be drawn to the award-winning vineyards that carpet the slopes of Mount Etna. Should you be tempted by a more urban escapade, the bustling port city of Catania is also within striking distance, and has more than enough to fill a day of exploration. Alternatively, you could simply take the time to unwind and soak up the sunshine at the resort. 

A private transfer will take you back to the airport today to catch your flight home.