Right up front we want to let you know that the Aeolian Island of Vulcano smells a bit funny sometimes. But stay with us, because the reason it smells funny is because it’s dotted with sulphur-powered natural thermal springs and mud baths, and that’s one of the things that make it such a fantastic destination. Think of them as nature’s spas, and enjoy the healing powers of their bubbling, burbling, steam and naturally whirlpool tub-like waters. Then later on enjoy the fresh, unscented, breezes of Vulcano’s wild and rocky coastline, or its impressive peaks. And rest assured that the best places to stay on Vulcano don’t smell in the least. We have chosen a seriously luxurious resort, and a charming traditional, beachside hotel as their recommendations on Vulcano, and both are well away from the sulphurous fug.

The Romans thought Vulcano’s volcano, the Fossa di Vulcano, was the chimney of the fire god Vulcan's smithy, and it’s easy to see why. Though it hasn't been explosively active since 1890, you can still see it emitting jets of spiralling sulphuric smoke for miles and miles, and below the ocean steam bubbles from fissures and volcanic fumaroles, creating more opportunities for impromptu spa bathing. All entirely safe, but very unique for an island holiday, and rather thrilling for kids!

As well as families and spa-afficionados, we recommend the best places to stay on Vulcano to walkers and hikers; sailors; divers and snorkelers; and anyone looking for a uniquely magical island escape. And we advise everyone who arrives on Vulcano to visit the black sand beaches of Porto di Levanteand the Valle dei Mostri, or the Valley of Monsters, where great twisted and deformed natural statues of lava-rock made by the erosion of the sea and the wind, stand guard over a view of peaceable olive groves and vineyards.

The Best Places to Stay on Vulcano

For a luxury Island Resort

• The Therasia Resort is a five star, ocean-side resort. It’s big, with 97 rooms and suites, including some excellent family-sized options, but it’s set in an isolated spot and well spread out, so it still feels remote, peaceful and intimate. This is the kind of property with multiple restaurants, a huge range of watersports facilities, an impressive spa and gym, and the chance to have your own private pool or hot tub should you choose to splash out.

For a Beach Break

• The Hotel Les Sables Noirs is a charmingly simple hotel in a beachside spot. Its 53 rooms and suites are smart and unfussy, with a traditional feel and a white and blue colour scheme. The family suites have self-catering facilities and living space, but the hotel lays on a very generous breakfast too. The beach in front of the hotel is reserved for guests, but there are plenty of other beaches to choose from, and the hotel has a huge pool, plus a spa with sauna.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Villa?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Vulcano doesn’t have its own airport, the closest are on Sicily, or in Reggio Calabria. If you arrive into Palermo Airport you need to take the train or bus to Milazzo, then the ferry across to Vulcano, which can take around eight hours from the airport to the ferry port. Catania Airport requires a similar journey to the ferry terminal at Milazzo, or if you’re visiting in summer, you can arrive via Reggio Calabira Airport, which is a spectacular journey across the Strait of Messina via Stromboli and Panarea, taking about four hours all in.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• The Aeolian Islands have a Mediterranean climate, which broadly speaking means hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, but because they’re islands they get some temperature regulation from the sea, so it’s only really hot mid-July through mid-August. The busy season for visitors runs throughout summer, though, and if you want to visit at any time in July or August you need to book early. For that reason we recommend April and June, or September as the best times to visit the Aeolian Islands. Spring is beautiful, and the tourist resources are just starting to open up again, whereas during September the water is still warm, but many visitors have left, so there’s more space on the beach! Travelling in these windows will probably mean you pay less too.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include the best places to stay on the Aeolian Islands
• Expand further to include the best places to stay in Sicily, the best beach hotels on Sicily
• Consider one of the other Aeolian Islands — Panarea, Salina or Lipari
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.