Islands and Volcanoes: Enchanting Landscapes in Sicily

Today, you’ll be privately transferred to Milazzo port and cross by hydrofoil to the island of Salina. When you arrive, you’ll be met by a private driver who will transport you to your home for four nights in Malfa, on the north coast of the island. Unwind after your journey with a pampering treatment at the spa or a drink on the large terrace as you take in the panorama of Stromboli, one of Italy’s four active volcanoes. If you need to cool off, a beautiful swimming pool and the sparkling sea are yours to enjoy.

You’ll spend this morning on the water soaking up views of the island: its high reliefs, extinct volcanoes and dense vegetation. Along the way, you’ll stop off at the sleepy town of Pollara, and in Rinella to visit its superb black sand beach. When you return from your boat trip, you’ll have the rest of the day to spend enjoying Salina and its relaxed pace of life.

You’d be forgiven for wanting to spend all your time in this beautiful archipelago lounging by the pool and swimming in the glittering sea – dolce far niente is a concept Italy is famous for, after all. But the Aeolian Islands have so much more to offer, beginning with Salina’s hiking routes that offer splendid panoramas of its two extinct volcanoes that dominate the landscape. If you’d like to explore further, you can take the one-hour ferry over to Stromboli to experience its small, intimate beaches. The atmosphere is more festive in Panarea, a stylish resort with white and blue houses that are reminiscent of Greece. Here, the beautiful seabed is the perfect place for underwater exploring, so don’t forget your mask and snorkel. Whichever island you choose, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a relaxed lunch of freshly grilled fish. As the day fades, return to your hotel to unwind ready for another day of exploring tomorrow.

Today, you’ll wave goodbye to Salina and the other Aeolian Islands and take a return crossing to Milazzo. When you arrive, you’ll be met and privately transferred to Taormina. This pearl of the Sicilian Riviera combines rich historical heritage and stunning natural surroundings, home to ancient remains including a magnificent theatre that opens out onto the sea; majestic Mount Etna looks on in the background. You’ll spend two nights in a sophisticated hotel in the heart of the Medieval old town. When you’re not outside exploring the winding streets and taking in the views of the beautiful bay (made famous by the 1988 film The Big Blue) spend your time relaxing by the pool or enjoying a treatment at the hotel’s excellent spa.

For your last full day in Sicily, we’ll arrange for you to take a guided hike on the Saracens trail that runs between Taormina and Castelmola. Along the way, you’ll enjoy jaw-dropping views of Naxos, Mount Etna and the Gulf of Catania; on a clear day, you can even see Calabria in the distance. Walk among olive trees, prickly pears, acanthus and wild capers as your guide shares anecdotes about Sicilian history and culture. You’ll also stop at Porta Saracena, a stone passage used during the conquest of Taormina, and in the enchanting village of Castelmola where you’ll sample delicious pastries to conclude your walk.

When you return to Taormina, you’ll have the rest of the day to spend at your leisure. There’s plenty to pack into your final afternoon here. Get lost in the garden of the picturesque Villa Comunale, sip a glass of vino di mandorla (a local speciality wine) in Piazza IX Aprile, or escape to the Isola Bella nature reserve, linked to the beach according to the tides. For a particularly memorable experience, attend an open-air concert at the ancient theatre.