Do-it-yourself climb to the Gran Cratere, it takes an hour, and at every step a breathtaking panorama opens up over the archipelago and the Sicilian coast. Once you arrive at the crater, the spectacle of the fumaroles is impressive.
The climb from the base of the volcano to the Gran Cratere is a trekking route approximately 800 meters long, all uphill, mostly on sandy ground, a bit like walking on the beach.
Climbing the crater can be done in total autonomy and in the company of at least one other person, it is not permitted alone for immediate rescue reasons.
Access is free and regulated by a traffic light at the beginning of the climb, which warns of safety conditions (weather, wind, etc..). Red means closed access, green means access permitted.
The Path to the Great Crater
Una piacevole passeggiata di 45 minuti tra ginestre, massi vulcanici e il fondo nero e sabbioso, composto prevalentemente di polvere vulcanica.
One of the main reasons for reaching the Gran Cratere is certainly the view, as you go up in altitude you can admire Alicudi, Filicudi and Salina, but it is when you reach the summit that becomes fully aware of the magic of this archipelago, it will be possible to see the silhouettes of all seven islands and the Vulcanello Peninsula.
The Great Crater of Vulcano is the only place where it is possible to admire the entire archipelago in a single glance; turning towards the south, however, it is possible to admire the northern coast of Sicily and Mount Etna, some of the most evocative shots of the archipelago come from this place.
After reaching the summit, you arrive at the crater of vast dimensions and with a diameter of approximately 500 meters and the fumaroles.
The fumaroles, composed mainly of sulfur and sulfur dioxide, are one of the most incredible sights, a natural phenomenon that colors the ground with a particular yellow ocher and red that contrasts with the black of the ashes and the green of the lush vegetation.
Be a little cautious when approaching and perhaps bring a handkerchief with you to place over your nose and mouth near the sulphurous gases.
The descent takes place along the same route!!
For the climb to the Vulcano crater we recommend
– avoid the hottest hours of the day
– bring lots of water
– dress appropriately: Trekking shoes, comfortable clothing for walking, a windbreaker for when you get to the top of the crater, a scarf or something else to protect your face from the volcano’s fumes.
Vulcano Island
Eolie (Messina)
Sicily – Italy