Aeolian Islands - Vulcano

Vulcano is a most fascinating island, primarily due to its volcanic and post-volcanic phenomena. The most peculiar and identifying characteristic of Vulcano is its plateau, formed by lava, tuff and quaternary deposits, buffered by a deep, colorful valley. It is surrounded by undulating, naked hills which seem to just fall off into the sea. Along the high slopes of the island, the extensive panorama is picturesque and absolutely mind-boggling. The circular tour of Vulcano is a succession of phantasmagorical scenes famous for their variety and beauty of scenery.

The island of Vulcano is formed by three geological units: the first consists of Monte Aria, Monte Saraceno, Monte Luccia, and a great, encapsulated crater which opens toward Vulcano Piano. The second unit consists of the Caldera of Vulcano, whose central part makes up the Vulcano Fossa. This is deeply cut and is formed by two craters: the Fossa I and Fossa II. The third unit is made up by Vulcanello, with its three craters that fall into a grandiose line. This smaller unit ejected several lava bursts that now make up the plateau of Vulcanello and Punta del Roveto.

The eruptive activity of the Fossa craters were fierce and intense until the beginning of the 4th century. During that time, it seems the volcano gave rise to violent explosive activity -- during the succeeding centuries, we have uncovered evidence of these powerful and numerous eruptions.

After exploring the historical aspects of the island, you may wish to actually get out and visit the collapsed allum grottos of the Eastern fumarole. You can follow these around to the black sands of the Western Bay. The sand is incredibly exotic - not many actually lay out in it (can we say HOT?) but portable chairs, if you're willing to drag them through the grottos, are a lifesaver. And don't forget the towels... this stuff is rather difficult to remove from wet skin without them, as any sand would be. But be sure you get it off before walking around - many tourists and locals walk around in nothing but bathing suits, and the black sand can make skin look very dirty from afar.

If you're looking for more of an adventure, the crater pit is only a one-hour walk from the Eastern Port. If you're up for a trip to Vulcanello, you can catch a glimpse of the Valle dei Mostri, which always attracts tourists during the heavy summer season. From Capo Grillo to Piano, one can reach the Southern side of the island (the Gelso beach) where the old Lighthouse remains as an icon of times past.

Vulcano is an island filled with rugged terrain and gorgeous scenery. For more information on the island and what kinds of things it holds for your interests, check one of many good Web sites we've found, Sicily Tourist.com.