Vulcano: Day Trips and Tours from Taormina

The island of Vulcano is famous for its volcanoes, but it’s also a relaxing destination with its turquoise waters, invigorating mud baths and sulfur-induced warm seas.

It also offers impressive panoramic views, fine beaches and secluded bays. A day trip from Taormina to Vulcano – with a stop at beautiful Lipari along the way – is the perfect opportunity to discover the enchantment of the volcanic island.

Here's all you need to know about Vulcano, one of the most exciting day trips from Taormina.

How to get to Vulcano from Taormina?

Vulcano is located approximately over 100 kilometers away from Taormina, and can only be accessed by ferry.

By car and ferry

Sicily is connected with the Aeolian Islands by the Milazzo-Lipari ferry route. You'll have to drive just over an hour from Taormina to reach Milazzo.

From here, you can take a ferry either operated by Liberty Lines Fast Ferries (up to 16 runs per day, for 50 minutes) and Siremar (7 runs per day, for 1 hour and 35 minutes).

By guided tour

Your most hassle-free way to get to Vulcano is through a guided day tour from Taormina. Your tour operator will organize all of your travel arrangements for you, and you will benefit from a knowledgeable guide who will accompany you for the trip.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Vulcano from Taormina?

On a day trip to Vulcano from Taormina, you’ll travel by air-conditioned bus to the Port of Milazzo, board a motorboat and cruise to the island of Lipari.

Here, you can explore the stunning Old Town of Lipari, and head to the Archeological Museum to learn about local marine life, volcanoes and Aeolian Archipelago history. Enjoy a delicious lunch, and then return to sea to continue to the island of Vulcano, to see its four steaming volcanoes and mud baths.

Relax on the beach, swim in the Tyrrhenian, or bathe in mud before returning to Taormina. On the way back, you’ll pass by the fascinating Faraglioni Rocks and Horse Cave.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Vulcano?

Most day trips to Vulcano include a stop at Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands.

Day trip to Vulcano plus Lipari from Taormina

Discover two of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari and Vulcano, in a single day on this guided tour from Taormina. Enjoy some free time to explore the Old Town center of picturesque Lipari and enjoy wild Vulcano with its soothing mud baths and black beaches.

From Taormina you will travel by bus to the port of Milazzo on the north coast of Sicily. From here you’ll cruise by private boat across a turquoise ocean to the islands of Lipari and Vulcano.

First stop is Lipari, the most populated of the Aeolian Islands. Discover the Old Town with its lively-colored buildings, beautiful cathedral and old fortification walls, which were built atop ancient Greek acropolis walls in 1556 during Spanish king Charles V's reign.

From Lipari, head to Vulcano, where the last reported eruption of its volcanoes occurred between 1888 and 1890. Their activity has since never completely ceased, but this is not a concern for visitors.

Take free time to enjoy Vulcano's black beaches and wholesome mud baths. On the way back to Milazzo, you’ll see the Faraglioni Rock formation, the Horse Cave, and Mermaid's Rock. At the end of your tour, you’ll return to Toarmina.

How much does a tour to Volcano from Taormina cost?

A day trip to Vulcano from Taormina costs €80 per person for a maximum group of 15 people. The cost includes transportation by bus and boat, and the services of a local guide.

You will have to cover any meals and drinks yourself, and pay the eco-tax entrance to the Aeolian Islands.

What will you see and do?

The island’s name comes from a combination of the four volcanoes, namely Vulcano della Fossa (Biggest), Vulcanello (Youngest), Monte Aria (Tallest) and Monte Saraceno (Peculiar Shape).

The last reported eruption of the volcanoes occurred between 1888 and 1890. The phenomenon of ‘fumarole’ is still present – sprays of steam on the volcano crest and underwater that indicate volcanic activity.

Should you do a volcano hike, you will see the Gran Cratere or Cratere della Fossa, about 500 meters in diameter. In Vulcanello lies the Monster Valley, with the natural shape of an amphitheater and lava rock statues all around, eroded by sea and wind.

Vulcano Island has steep, rocky coastlines, so there are no vast beaches. Existing beaches consist mainly of black sand. These include Spiaggia delle Fumarole, surrounded by rocks and fine greenery, and Spiaggia del Gelso, a secluded sandy spot on the south coast of the island.

The mud baths (pozza) lie right next to the port, where many visitors benefit from its sulfurous properties. Close to the pozza is the “warm sea,” a sea portion with sulfurous gasses released directly from the seabed which naturally warms the water. The bubbles rising to the surface are mineral-enriched, and circulate through a natural whirlpool.

When is the best time to visit Vulcano?

The best time to visit Vulcano for sunbathing, swimming and enjoying the island's vibrant atmosphere is the summer months from June to August. However, this is also high tourist season. Consider visiting in the shoulder months when the weather is still pleasurable and there are fewer crowds.

What other day trips can you do from Taormina?

• Day trips to Etna from Taormina
• Day trips to Alcantara from Taormina
• Day trips to Isola Bella from Taormina
• Day trips to Syracuse from Taormina
• Day trips to Stromboli from Taormina

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your tour to Vulcano from Taormina in advance, as they can get booked out quickly, especially in peak tourist season.
• Wear an old swimsuit for mud baths as the sulfur smells are difficult to remove, and you won't want to damage any clothing.
• Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, towel and sunscreen.