Aeolian Islands Sicily

After your arrival, you will have a chance to relax before meeting in the evening at the hotel for a welcome drink and pre-trip safety briefing in which the week’s plan will be discussed in more detail.

Today is an early start with an acclimatisation swim in the bay outside the hotel. Following breakfast, we head out to the uninhabited headland of Testa Grossa. We will also have a technique advice and video playback session with your swim guides, where you will have the opportunity to watch the playback providing valuable feedback on your stroke.

In the afternoon, we embark on a coastal swim into Cala del Formaggio before crossing into Baia di Ponente, passing dramatic rock formations along the way. It’s an ideal first swim of the trip as you can see the sea floor throughout the entire coastal route.

We travel by boat to the stunning northwest coast of Lipari. Starting at Scoglia dell’Innamorata, we undertake a swim along the beautiful coastline to Scoglia La Scarpa, passing imposing cliffs and numerous caves on the way. Once we arrive, we have lunch on the boat and have a chance to relax and reminisce on the morning’s activity. In the afternoon we swim from Punta delle Fontanelle, finishing at the black sand beach of Punta di Levante. The boat ride back from Lipari to Vulcano is an excellent opportunity to spot either the bottlenose and/or striped species of dolphins.

Our first crossing of the week sees us swim from Vulcanello (separated from Vulcano by a narrow isthmus) to the rocky outcrops of Faraglioni, which lie just off Lipari’s south coast. Our sighting points during the crossing are the tall rock formations that rise from the water. Following lunch, we carry out a coastal swim along the southeast of the island from Punta della Crepazza to the pretty harbour of Marina Corta, which is a fascinating place to briefly explore before we head back our hotel on Vulcano, where the day comes to an end.

Today is exciting! We travel to Punta di Legno Nero, in the northernmost part of Lipari to start our biggest crossing of the week across the deep blue water of the Salina Channel, finishing at Punta Lingua on the island of Salina. The old lighthouse is an ideal sighting point as we carry out the crossing. We arrive near the large salt lagoon which is a point of sustenance for migrating birds that pass through enroute to and from the African mainland. Salina is the Aeolian Island’s greenest isle, and home to two dormant volcanoes. The afternoon swim is a stunning coastal journey along Salina’s lush eastern coast.

There are numerous stopping off opportunities here, so after the morning’s exertions you can swim as little or as much as you like.

For today’s last full day of swimming, we journey to Rinella on Salina’s rugged southwest coast where we start our swim from the shallow waters of the small harbour northwest to Grotta di Racina. After a relaxing lunch we continue our swim along the coastline to the small hamlet of Pollara, which sits inside an extinct volcanic crater, half of which was washed into the sea long ago. Pollara is home to prehistoric caves and the Punta Perciato sea arch, which if conditions allow, presents a unique swim-through.

We take a leisurely morning swim in the local bay before breakfast to conclude our journey around the Aeolian Islands.

We have given this trip a ‘Challenging’ grading. These trips are for experienced open water swimmers who want to push themselves.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during the course of your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and sea conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the sea is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures, however if you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

Walking Conditions

While walking is not a significant part of this trip it does help us reach some of the swim sites. Any walks we undertake are on either waymarked paths or mixed ground, which can sometimes be challenging and tricky underfoot.

Temperatures

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. As a consequence, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15 guests. The group will be split into a maximum of two groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip includes one main boat and two support boats to be piloted by your SwimTrek guides and a local boat pilot. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Extra Activities

Explore the 500-metre wide crater mouth ‘Cratere della Fossa’, enjoy the scenic views and spot the fumaroles – the only sign of volcanic activity. Take good walking shoes as the 390 metre climb, over volcanic sands, takes around an hour.

Mud Baths: On arrival in Vulcano you will notice the smell of sulphur emanating from the fumaroles. Close to the village the ‘Pozza’ are areas of bubbling warm mud pools. After your mud bath rinse clean in the ‘Acque Calde’, waters warmed by submarine fumaroles emitting high pressure steam.

Equipment Checklist

In addition to your daily non-swimming clothes, we also recommend that you bring the following items:

For more information please visit: www.swimtrek.com/packing-list

*Try to bring one clear lens and one tinted lens for different light conditions. **It is advisable to bring a rash vest along with you for protection from sun and marine life

SwimTrek will supply swim hats, water, and electrolyte drinks. The guides will no longer distribute shared drinks bottles but will fill your personal drink bottles. Please ensure these are clearly marked to help our guides identify yours. If you would like to use a wetsuit, rash vest, snorkel, or fins during your swims, please ensure that you bring these with you.

The nearest international airport to the Aeolian Islands is Catania. You can also fly to Palermo, although it is a longer transfer. From Catania you’ll then need to make a road transfer to one of two ports and a ferry crossing to Vulcano island where we are based. It is also possible to fly to Palermo but the road transfer is longer.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

Catania Airport to Vulcano

From Catania airport you must travel by road to Milazzo port which takes about 2 hours. For full details of bus services including up to date timetables go to Giuntabus (www.giuntabus.com/orari.htm)

From Milazzo Port the Siremar line (www.siremar.it) offer Ferry crossings to Vulcano (the Hydrofoil by Liberty Lines only operates at certain times of the year)

Ferries arrive in Vulcano at Porto Levante from where it is a 5–10 minute walk to our accommodation.

For assistance in arranging your travel to Vulcano contact Hotel Rojas info@hotelrojas.com

The simple Hotel Rojas has views across the sea and of the Fossa Volcano and is a short walk from the departure point for our daily swims. Rooms have a terrace or balcony with either a sea view or volcano view. The ensuite bedroom are air-conditioned with satellite TV, safety box, small fridge, hairdryer and telephone. Rooms are offered on double or twin-share basis. There are a limited number of single occupancy spaces which can be reserved during the booking process, subject to availability.

Pre/Post Trip Accommodation and Trip Extension Options

If you require additional nights’ accommodation before or after the SwimTrek tour, this can be arranged directly through Hotel Rojas

Food and Drink

Six hotel breakfasts are served buffet style on the panoramic sea-view terrace. Then five lunches are included on this trip and dinner on the first night, Day 1. This Dinner, at restaurant located next to the Hotel, is a great way for you to get to know your guides and fellow swimmers and avoids the need to book somewhere suitable on arrival. Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request. Please add special dietary requirements to your profile on booking.

Other dinners are not included, allowing you to experience the local restaurant of your choice over the course of your trip. The average cost of dinner in a local restaurant is €30-35.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as entertainment, dinners, snacks, and souvenirs. The local currency in Italy is the Euro (€).

In some countries tipping, gratuities, is not part of the culture in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent it may be something, you wish to do. Your SwimTrek guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek guides, but many groups like to present something to the guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information please visit: www.swimtrek.com/sustainable-travel

Passports and Visas

Non-residents of the EU require a full passport to enter the country, which should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of the UK, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand do not currently require a visa to enter the EU. Please note that visa regulations are subject to change, and we advise that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference. For further information about travel insurance, please visit: www.swimtrek.com/travel-insurance.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our www.swimtrek.com/travel-health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Internet Access, Electricity and Travel Plugs

Due to our remote location, mobile signal around the islands can be limited. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi in all public rooms.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit worldstandards.eu.