Gran Cratere
Sulphur vents.
Benjamin Smith — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Benjamin Smith — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Carsten Steger — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Effems — CC BY-SA 4.0
Vulcano is the southernmost of the Aeolian Islands, about 20 km off the north coast of Sicily and 8 km in a straight line south of the town of Lipari, a short boat ride away. The Romans believed it was the chimney of Vulcan, their god of fire, and the English word «volcano» comes from its name. The island is still volcanically active. Its main cone, the Gran Cratere of La Fossa, last erupted in 1888–1890 and steams constantly from yellow sulphur vents along its rim. When it is open, a path of about an hour climbs the bare slope to the rim, with views into the crater and across all the Aeolian Islands. Near the harbour, a natural mud pool and warm water bubbling up in the sea have long drawn visitors. The island's black sand beaches, such as the Spiaggia delle Sabbie Nere, contrast with the blue sea, and the wild northern tip at Vulcanello holds a valley of strange lava shapes. The south of the island is greener, with farms and quiet viewpoints. Volcanic gases are closely monitored, and access to the crater path and the mud pool is governed by local orders that can close them at short notice, so check before going. The Aeolian Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sulphur vents.
Volcanic beaches.
Lava shapes.
Vulcano, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy
It is governed by local orders because of gases, so check before going.
By boat from Lipari or Milazzo.