Vulcano: Vulcano is the island that strikes the sense of smell the most due to its characteristic sulfur odor. It’s the closest to the Sicilian coast and probably one of the most visited, but it hides some unmissable gems. There are two ports: the eastern and western ones. Next to the eastern port, past the Faraglione, is the mud pool for treating skin and joint diseases, or simply as a spa. Right next to the mud baths is the beach where you can find ‘fumaroles’ in the sea that make the water boil… staying immersed in the bubbling water is a unique experience! Continuing on foot, you reach the western side at the equipped Black Sand Beach, located in a beautiful cove. Further on, you can reach Vulcanello and the Valley of Monsters, where rocks, immersed in a desert of black sand, have taken on particular shapes molded by wind and sea. The MUST-DO of the island is certainly the climb to the crater, from whose summit you can enjoy the panorama of Vulcanello, Lipari and its sea stacks, Salina, and then, on clearer days, the view can embrace even Filicudi and Alicudi to the west and Panarea and Stromboli to the northeast. It’s worth renting a scooter to get to Piano, the locality where most of the inhabitants reside, and to the panoramic points near Monte Lentia and Capo Grillo. By boat or even by scooter, it’s possible to reach the other side of the island with its quieter part almost out of time, the village of Gelso. A small port, an old abandoned lighthouse, a small church, and a good trattoria, a simple and genuine place where it’s possible to unplug from the frenzy of modern days. Nearby, accessible by sea or by facing a steep staircase, is the secluded Asino Beach, which is also equipped. Circumnavigating Vulcano is beautiful… there are many points of interest. Starting from the eastern port, you coast along the Vulcanello peninsula with the Valley of Monsters, pass the black beach to the west and the Sirens’ sea stack, you encounter the Coves of Cheese and Mastro Minico, solitary beaches with a very jagged coast. After Punta del Monaco, you discover a small bay surrounded by the sheer rocks of Monte Lentia. We have then arrived at the Bath of the Virgins, a natural pool with crystal-clear water of a beautiful emerald color. At the end of the cove opens the Horse Cave, inside which it’s possible to swim among the plays of sunlight. Absolutely recommended at sunset. You then reach the old lighthouse in Gelso, immediately after Asino Beach and Cannitello. You pass Punta Bandiera, Punta Molo della Femmina up to Monte Aria, an ancient volcano. Finally, Punta del Grillo, where the lava flow has created a series of small caves and in whose stretch of sea there is a hot water spring. You then arrive at Punta Luccia and Cala Rossa, past the crater of the old forge, we are back at the eastern port.