Daisy recently returned from an unforgettable adventure exploring Sicily on our Walking the Islands and Volcanoes of Sicily adventure. Her trip took her across the stunning Aeolian Islands, up the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna and through charming historic towns like Taormina. With a perfect mix of scenic walks, authentic Sicilian food and cultural experiences, Daisy’s trip offered a true taste of island life in southern Italy. In this blog, she shares her favourite moments, top travel tips and what it’s really like to walk among Sicily’s iconic volcanoes...

I love Italy. I have travelled to a lot of other parts of Italy but never Sicily, so it felt great to go and see another part of a country that I already love! I liked that this trip has a mix of walking but also culture because when I go somewhere I love to see sights and architecture and I enjoy getting a feel for what the place is like and its authenticity. The trip gave us the opportunity to go up Mount Etna, which has been on my bucket list for a while.

The walks were not too challenging. There’s a bit of ascent and I’d say the trickiest part is walking on the volcano scree as the ground shifts under your feet whilst you are walking; but the beauty and fact that you were walking up volcanoes made all of it worth it. Salina was probably the toughest day with a big walk on quite rocky paths and steep edges, but it was more than manageable and the path is lined with railings most of the way.

I did! This definitely was not something to be missed and I am so glad I did this. It was actually the highlight of the trip for me. If you do the additional Etna Tour you are accompanied by an expert guide, who really gives you lots of in-depth facts about Etna and its history. You get to climb as high as possible on the volcano and although it’s cold and windy up there, just being up there is an unbelievable feeling. The walk itself had some tougher parts and the terrain was slightly harder to walk on but you are rewarded with the most amazing views.

Visiting Taormina was definitely one of my favourite experiences of the trip. It is probably one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It’s home to the ancient Greek theatre which is well worth a visit. Most of my time here was spent wandering the streets which were lined with beautiful shops and restaurants. If you have a bit of spare time in Taormina the Villa Cominale gardens are a great way to spend some time and soak up the sun.

The food was amazing! Italian food is just unbeatable. Lots of pasta, pizza and beautiful salads. In the Aeolian Islands, local fish was the main dish in most restaurants, which was great as you just know it’s fresh and caught there. If you do visit here, a must-try dish is Parmigiana.

The accommodation on this trip was great. You stay in one hotel and one villa style accommodation. The hotel in Catania is about as central as you can get and all of the beautiful architecture and sights are on the doorstep. In Lipari, the villa style accommodation is traditional but beautiful and again is very central to everything you need on the island.

Etna was without a doubt the highlight of the trip. I felt excited and even a bit nervous about going up Mount Etna as it did seem a bit daunting on the way up. The cable car takes you up to 2,500m and from there you hike to around 3,000m. The feeling of being above the clouds on an active volcano is one I am not sure I will be able to replicate or even describe to anyone! It was absolutely amazing. We were very lucky to have clear skies too so the view was outstanding. Sitting at the highest point and just admiring where we were is a moment I will never forget.

If you are considering it, go for it! This trip really did surpass my already high expectations. I would recommend planning an extra day in Catania either before or after the trip, as there is lots to do and explore. Read up about Lipari and things to do as you will have some free time in the afternoons/evenings and it will help you make the most of your time there.

From hiking active volcanoes to discovering Sicily’s rich culture, Daisy’s adventure was filled with breathtaking and unforgettable moments that she will cherish forever.
Check out Daisy’s adventure below or explore our self-guided Sicily walking holiday if you prefer to go at your own pace.
If you have any questions about the trip, Daisy would be more than happy to chat; give her a call on +44 17687 73966.