As soon as you set foot on the island of Vulcano, you’ll be hit by strong hydrogen sulphide fumes, which rise to the surface through the fumaroles of the dormant volcano. On this small island, it’s simple: you can swim at either the light-coloured or black public beaches, take a dip in the mud pool, or set off on a trek to the crater.

Swimming in the mud pool is said to be good for your health, so you can do a few laps – mud, sea, mud, sea (watch out for the hot fumaroles under the water; you could easily get scalded).

Entry costs 2 euros, and don’t forget to pack some soap to mask the odour. Off we go on the trek. It’s very straightforward – you simply head for the highest hill (you can even do this without a mountain guide). Although you won’t see any lava geysers, Vulcano is at least as interesting as Stromboli. Along the way, gas and smoke rise, and you’ll see the varied colours of the dried rocks and minerals already washed up onto the surface. The climb takes about an hour, and the descent about 20 minutes. You’ll be treated to magnificent views of the formerly active craters and the other islands of the Aeolian archipelago. 

What to see around

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