Vulcano island italy. Volcanoes of Sicily. Vulcano Island. What is Vulcano Island famous for?
13.01.2016 by Victor Komlev
Vulcano - the island of the god Hephaestus
IN Tyrrhenian sea, very close to the picturesque one, there is another Italian island, attracting the attention of tourists from all over the world - island Vulcano. It is named after one of the ancient Roman gods who patronized blacksmiths. For a long time, the ancients believed that it was on this island that there were huge chimneys of its forge furnaces, from which smoke and fiery jets burst out.
Administratively and geographically Vulcano refers to Liparsky archipelago. The entire territory of the island is, in fact, several volcanoes. Only one of them is considered valid today - Fossa. IN last time it erupted large-scale more than a hundred years ago, but to this day it does not forget to remind local residents and travelers that the calm is temporary and the time will come when it will wake up again and show its power.
Moreover, the whole life of the locals, one way or another, is tied to volcanoes. In ancient times, the island's main source of income was the collection, processing and sale of volcanic sulfur, which remained in abundance after eruptions. Nowadays, almost everyone who lives on Vulcano is involved in the tourism sector. And they have something to do, since every year the island receives tens of thousands of tourists from different parts of the planet, who enjoy beautiful nature, clean air and healing sulfur baths. Local wine made from grapes growing on the slopes of mountains and volcanoes is also popular.
However, there is always something interesting for travelers here. This is confirmed by statistics - today it is Vulcano that remains most visited island Liparsky archipelago. Most often people come here for the unique mud and sulfur baths, which are famous for their healing effects. They are most useful for those who complain about rheumatism. Finding these baths is not so difficult - the same sulfuric smell that permeates the entire island comes precisely from the mud baths of Vulcano. Holidays in them are an adventure. After you have been in the mud for the required time, you are offered to bathe in a real volcanic spring, which bursts out to the surface in small bubbles of water a couple of meters from you. Swimming there is literally beneficial all year round. The water temperature in such springs varies from pleasant and warm to scalding hot.
Travel to the volcano crater
It is worth mentioning separately the main “highlight” of the island - traveling to the crater of a volcano. You have to climb almost four hundred meters and see something amazing. Even an unprepared traveler can cope with such a journey.
On top An incredible panorama of the entire archipelago, a beautiful sunset and a feeling of true freedom await you. Locals claim that this is one of those unique places where they meet immediately four earthly elements. On the one hand, this is fire - volcanic lava, although it does not appear on the surface, carries sulfur smoke upward and heats the earth. All around there is land and water - endless expanses of sea and islands scattered across them. And the air that is felt in every gust of wind at the top of the volcano. It is simply impossible to convey in words the feelings and emotions that such an ascent to one of the island’s volcanoes gives you. Truly, this moment must be lived.
Once down, your next destination should be the eerie . This place is created by volcanic sand and plants. Black spaces are filled with mysterious figures reminiscent of terrible monsters. It becomes clear that it was after visiting such places that some of the monsters of ancient Greek myths appeared. True, after just ten minutes in the Valley, you will quickly get used to it and realize that it is actually very calm and quiet there. Moreover, it is very difficult to describe the beauty of this place. Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful corners Vulcano Islands.
If speak about beach holiday , then Vulcano attracts tourists due to the unique black sand on the coast. It looks really very unusual. In addition, the influx of vacationers is directly related to the year-round season - the water and air on the island are practically all 365 days per year Great for sunbathing and swimming.
On Vulcano you will find some of the largest black beaches, one of which even has its own hot spring. True, you need to rest on it, observing all safety rules, since the sand heats up very much.
The most popular and largest black sand beach is located near Porto di Ponente- capital of Vulcano. This place has long been chosen by those who relax with their families. The beach infrastructure is very developed - there is all the necessary equipment, many entertainment facilities, children's and sports grounds. True, all this is slightly overshadowed by the really large number of vacationers. Those who love privacy will not be too comfortable here.
A beach is considered a freer beach Gelso, named after the lighthouse of the same name installed on it. Traditionally, there are not too many vacationers here, since the beach is located far from the tourist trails. Even further away, behind the mountainous terrain, you can find a beach Spiaggia dell'Asino, famous for its warm shallow waters and very beautiful nature.
Also you might like the beach Delle Fumarole. Here you will find truly hot water - this is a unique feature of the beach. Most often people come here not to swim, but to get a good tan in the sun. Head to the beaches to get healthy Levante. there in coastal waters are healing springs gas from underwater volcanoes.
Gastronomic journey to the island of Vulcano
What is an Italian resort without tasty food? Naturally, upon arriving in Vulcano, you simply need to enjoy the local cuisine.
Let's start with wine Malvasia, which we wrote about just above. The taste is unusual and memorable. The aftertaste makes you forget about all your problems. It is usually served with dessert Cotognata, consisting of quince and marmalade. In addition, he works for Vulcano a large number of small cafes and restaurants where you can try any of the famous Italian seafood dishes.
When the sun drops below the horizon, the time for nightclubs and entertainment venues begins. Since almost everyone on the island lives from tourism, there are more than enough such vacation spots. First of all, we advise you to look into Castello – night club under open air. In addition to the romantic atmosphere, you will be enchanted by wonderful live music.
You can’t ignore the main “ night beach» Vulcano – Asino. There are several clubs and dance floors on the beach, which operate exclusively at night.
Legends of the island of Vulcano
The legends for which the island is famous also deserve special attention. The most famous of them is considered story about Venus. According to legend, in ancient times the goddess descended into a natural pool on the island and managed to regain my virginity. This is how the reservoir got its second name - Pool of Virgins. They say that in order for a miracle to happen, you don't have to be a goddess, since magical waters also affect mere mortals. Actually, it won’t be difficult for you to check this legend yourself. The pool can be reached by a special boat.
Well, what about the legends that under the island of Vulcano there is huge forge, go back to the world of the ancient Greeks. They believed that it was there that he lived Aeolus, which stored the eight world winds in special bellows. Somewhere in the depths of the island there were ovens Hephaestus's forges, in which the powerful Cyclopes forged weapons for themselves Zeus. A little later, when the island was conquered by the Romans, they renamed it to match their blacksmith god - Vulcan.
How to get to Vulcano
Excursion to Vulcano
Photos of Vulcano Island
Let's admire the island some more. Some photos of the island of Vulcano
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Articles about other places in Sicily
: best places for relax.
To Palermo.
: from time immemorial to the present day.
This island is small and sparsely populated (500 people), but its beauty attracts thousands of tourists every year. The name of the island comes from the name of the ancient Roman god - the blacksmith Vulcan. It was believed that his forge was located on this island.
- it's the same active volcano, Although last eruption it was at the end of the 19th century.
Having arrived on the island, at the port of Levante (porto di Levante), it is better to immediately go to the top of the sea cliff of Levante, from where you can see the entire island and the small adjacent peninsula of Vulcanello, also visible natural lake with thermal mud and fumaroles. Thus, it is worth going not only for the beauty, but also for your health, because, as mentioned, there are thermal springs here that will help cope with arthritis, rheumatism and skin diseases.
Let's start the journey with Vulcanello. The peninsula is rich in diverse flora and in its northern part there is Valley of the Monsters(Valle dei mostri), so named because of the strangely shaped lava rocks.
Black Sands– the most visited beach of the island, it is located in the natural port of Potente and is characterized by black fine volcanic sand. 2 kilometers away is the Lentia area, located in the north-west of the island, here you can admire views of Mount Etna and the islands of the archipelago.
Next, the road leads us to the main crater of the volcano, which is located in the high part of the island, about 7 kilometers from the port of Levante. The path that leads to the top offers mesmerizing views of the archipelago. Halfway along the path you begin to encounter rammed terracotta earth and it seems that you are somewhere on Mars. The higher you go, the stronger the smell of sulfur becomes. At the top of the crater there is a wonderful panorama: the great abyss of the Fossa crater, surrounded by sulfur vapors that color the nearby stones yellow ocher and red. These are the so-called fumaroles.
Having descended from the crater, we will head north, where Cape Grillo. On clear days, here you can admire the beauty of the nearby islands, Church of the Holy Angels– guardians, built in the 30s and Ferlazzo caves, in which a live nativity scene is held. Moving south, we reach the small town of Gelso, memorable for its lighthouse and beautiful beaches.
Marine attractions
The path begins with port of Levante, characterized by its fumaroles and thermal springs. Heading northwest, we go around Vulcanello; we pass the strait between Lipari and, in a southern direction we reach Grotta di Cavallo(Grotta di Cavallo) - a cave inside, in which the reflected rays of the sun form a fantastic play of light and color.
Near the caves there is Venus pool- shallow pond with the purest waters. Moving further along the coast, there is lighthouse of the town of Gelso.
Underwater attractions
Diving lovers are offered the most beautiful underwater caves and grottoes.
Little Mermaid Slope(Scoglio della Sirenetta). The starting point is the port, a hundred meters from the coast there is a large rock with a statue of the Little Mermaid. Descending, at a depth of 15 meters, you can admire the yellow-red sand and air emissions under water.
Capo Grosso(Capo Grosso) is a strange rock that extends into the open sea like a fortress. The underwater slope is steep and deep and dotted with madrepore corals.
Slope Quaglietto(Scoglio Quaglietto) is a small bay, one of the most beautiful in the entire archipelago. There are beautiful reservoirs with clear and emerald water here, the place is also known as the “pool of virgins.” At the end of the bay there is a wide cave that you can enter by boat.
Shopping and local delicacies
Basically, all the social life of the island is concentrated in the port of Levante and its square. Here you can taste delicious ice cream and granita and typical products such as capers, ricotta, olives and Malvasia wine. Also on the island you will find interesting souvenirs: jewelry made from lava stone, coral, shells and other minerals, and Sicilian ceramics.
This is a short trip we took to an island that has not only beautiful nature, but is also a wellness center.
The zone of volcanic activity is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Strait of Tunisia. We talk about the most interesting volcanoes that you can visit.
Etna
Etna is the highest active volcano in Europe, the symbol and heart of Sicily. The height of the peak is about 3300 meters, but it changes due to constant eruptions.
The most active craters are located in the center, in the north and southeast, with some reaching a diameter of 200 meters. There are many foothills around small towns which in the past were under constant threat. Several times the lava even reached Catania, which is located three dozen kilometers from the volcano.
Now, during an eruption, hot streams descend to the seashore along the eastern side of the mountain, where there is almost no settlements. But nature still shows its strength: the last major eruptions in 2001-2002 destroyed the cable car, ski slopes and a station at the top of Etna. In addition, ash emissions from the capricious volcano greatly interfere with the work of the airports of Catania and Reggio Calabria and generally affect the environmental situation in the region.
The landscape of these places is amazing. The entire surrounding area is covered with lava: black - more recent and grayish-brown - from ancient eruptions. In a lifeless landscape, islands of southern greenery look like bright spots. But the higher you go, the less vegetation remains. Along the way you can see destroyed houses filled with lava - reminders that the danger is real. Further, the landscapes become completely “lunar” - no buildings, only black sand and stones.
Snow lies on the top of the mountain almost all year except summer season. In winter you can ride here alpine skiing. A best time for excursions – from May to October.
To climb the volcano, it is most convenient to enter from the south side, through the town of Nicolosi, then towards Rifugio Sapienza (height 1923 m), where there is a funicular station, parking, souvenir shops and cafes. Small craters with traces of yellow sulfur begin here, which you can climb onto.
The funicular will take you to a height of 2500 meters. If you want adventure, you can continue on foot (the journey will take about 2 hours). For an additional fee, everyone is taken to the upper station in SUVs. When climbing, even in the warm season, you must have warm clothes, suitable shoes, water, sunglasses and cream with you.
Stromboli
Little Stromboli, which belongs to the Aeolian Islands group, is a unique place.
The island appeared due to the activity of a volcano, which is still constantly erupting. Every 10-20 minutes it throws hot lava a hundred meters up. These lava emissions are visible from afar, so Stromboli has long served sailors as a beacon. When the volcano fell asleep for a while, they had to build a real lighthouse on a rock not far from the island.
Stromboli is sometimes called Aeolia because the wind god Aeolus lived here in Homer's Odyssey. The heroes of Jules Verne's novel “Journey to the Center of the Earth” return to the surface through this volcano. And director Roberto Rossellini filmed the film “Stromboli, God's Land” here with Ingrid Bergman in the title role.
Today no more than a thousand people live on Stromboli. There are three villages on the island, many hotels and villas, and beaches with black volcanic sand. Regular ferry services connect Stromboli with the neighboring islands of Messina, Milazzo, Naples and Reggio Calabria.
Unlike other volcanoes, you can climb Stromboli right during the eruption. laid along the slope walking routes of varying complexity.
It is most interesting to see it in the evening, so most excursions start in the afternoon in order to reach the top after dark. In this case, you will have to stay overnight on the island. Climbing is only possible accompanied by a professional guide. You will need special equipment, which can be rented on site.
From Milazzo and other cities they organize day tours by boat in the Lipari Islands. In the evening, travelers arrive at Stromboli and can see the eruption from the sea. Tours are organized by many local companies that offer discounts when booking online.
Vulcano
Vulcano is another island of the Aeolian archipelago, which gives its name to all similar geologically active mountains. In ancient Roman mythology, the god of fire bore the same name.
Now the volcano is sleeping, only one of the craters is releasing gas and hot steam. Vulcano is relatively low and the climb does not take long. If you wish, you can take a guide who will tell you more about volcanic activity. From the top there is a beautiful view of the neighboring island of Lipari.
Vulcano has beaches with soft black sand; you can swim until mid-October. Spas in local hotels offer mud and sulfur treatments. Other entertainment options include underwater excursions and tours to thermal grottoes.
Vesuvius
The world-famous Vesuvius is located 12 km from Naples and 10 km from ancient Pompeii. Although the last eruption occurred in 1944, it is still considered active and very dangerous.
The volcano consists of two peaks: more ancient mountain The Somma and Vesuvius itself, which appeared after the famous eruption in 79 AD, which destroyed Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae.
Today, about 700 thousand people live at the foot. Vesuvius is under 24-hour surveillance by scientists from the volcanological observatory, which is located on the slope.
You can climb the volcano throughout the year, but during the winter months the park is only open in the morning. You can get there by car or bus from Naples, Pompeii and Boscoreale. Then you need to walk, the climb will take about 30 minutes. Entrance to the park is paid.
Phlegrean fields
The Phlegrean Fields are several craters located on the shores of the Bay of Pozzuoli, northwest of Naples. Thermal springs flow here and steam and gas emissions occur. Lakes formed in place of extinct craters.
The city of Pozzuoli has preserved many ancient Roman buildings, including amphitheaters and baths. This city, founded by the Greeks and subsequently conquered by the Romans, remained for a long time the main port of the empire.
The neighboring town of Baia was in ancient times a favorite vacation spot of the Roman aristocracy. But due to volcanic activity, the layers of the earth began to move, and most of the ancient buildings were under water. You can see this underwater archaeological park on glass-bottom boats or during a deep-sea dive.
An extraordinary, wonderful island (area 21.2 km²) of the Aeolian archipelago with black volcanic beaches, located just 25 km from the coast of Sicily, is named after the mighty Roman god Vulcan. According to ancient legends, one of the forges of Hephaestus was located under the island, but before the blacksmith god, the island had another owner: the god of the winds Aeolus, who stored all eight winds in leather bags, which is why the entire island group was called the Aeolian Islands. The Greeks called the island Hiera ("Sacred").
The volcano is believed to have incredible energy. After spending only half an hour at the top of the crater, many note amazing changes in mood and feel calm. And the reason lies in the energy of the four elements that meet at the top of the volcano: the oldest fire - underground lava, which, although not visible, makes itself felt with warm stones and sulfur smoke; land - neighboring islands; water is a boundless sea that does not allow the gaze to rest on anything other than the horizon; air - or rather, the wind that carries, blows out all troubles, grievances and other troubles from you.
Vulcano is one of the still active volcanoes in Sicily. Just stepping off the plane or getting off the ferry, you will immediately feel the persistent smell of sulfur, as if you really found yourself in an ominous forge. At first the smell is strong, but then you get used to it.
The island is a complex of four volcanoes of different ages. The main one is considered Vulcano della Fossa(Vulcano della Fossa) 386 meters above sea level. It arose no later than 10,000 years ago and was very active during classical Greece, as reported by many ancient writers, for example, the historian Fuchsides (5th century BC). At that time, Vulcano was much more famous than Stromboli. In the same 5th century BC. A strong eruption occurred, the roar of which was heard throughout Sicily, as ancient historians indicate. After this, the activity of the old cone Forgia Vecchia died out, and in the 6th century AD. The eruption was already coming from a new cone. After 1200 years, Forgia Vecchia woke up, and two new craters were formed: the upper one (1727) and the lower one (1731). This activity ended with an outpouring of obsidian lava (1739). The last breath of this crater covered all the neighboring islands with ash, and a strong earthquake occurred on the northern coast of Sicily.
The highest volcano (500 m above sea level) is called Monte Aria(Monte Aria). Currently, the volcano has calmed down and, as scientists say, forever. The summit is a vast plateau composed of lavas, volcanic tuffs and river sediments. The neighboring cone is also inactive Monte Saraceno(Monte Saraceno), 481 m above sea level. In the north of the island, on a flat plateau covered with hardened lava, there is another volcano with a height of only 123 m - (Vulcanello), which arose quite recently in historical times. As if in a fairy tale, it grew out of the sea waves during the eruption of 183 BC. and existed as a separate island for over one and a half thousand years. However, in 1553, lava and volcanic debris poured out from time to time, connecting the island with a narrow isthmus to Vulcano. In stormy weather, this isthmus is flooded with water.
WHAT IS VULCANO ISLAND FAMOUS FOR?
Vulcano Island is the most visited of the Aeolian Islands. One of the reasons that attracts thousands of tourists here is the mud baths. It is they who exude that very persistent smell of sulfur that everyone who arrives on the island feels. The baths are located in bays on the eastern and western sides islands formed by this very isthmus between Fossa and Vulcanello, not far from Porto di Levante.
This space is called Dead zone. There, on land, on the beach with typically black and fine volcanic sand, and in the coastal shallow waters to a depth of 18 m, you can observe fumaroles, i.e. behind the outlets of hot volcanic gas and steam in the form of jets from cracks on the surface of the volcano. average temperature The temperature of these outlets here is about 100°C, which is why volcanologists call them cold.
In saturated sulfur water, as a result of oxidative processes, so-called sulfur milk and gray-yellow mud are formed, which is considered medicinal. In the Dead Zone there is a bathhouse with a water temperature of 35-52°C, which is called Acque calde.
There are also fumaroles underwater, so the water in some places bubbles like a jacuzzi and remains hot all year round. However, there is also a flip side to the coin - you need to go into the water only in beach slippers, otherwise you can burn your feet. It feels like a bee sting, not fatal, but still not very pleasant. For those who are wary, there is another beach 15 minutes away, without any underwater surprises.
The therapeutic effect of the sulfurous waters of the island has been scientifically proven and is used in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, and skin diseases. Bathers are advised to be careful, because under certain conditions, for example, with complete calm, the concentration of hydrogen sulfide can increase sharply to dangerous levels. It is not recommended to stay in sulfurous water for a long time. Learn more about the healing properties.
Tradition says that in the place where frozen volcanic rock formed a kind of pool near the rocky shores, the goddess of beauty Venus, after swimming, regained her virginity. Whether this is true or not, one can only guess, but the therapeutic properties of Vulcano mud baths are undeniable. You can only get to the pool of virgins, as the guidebooks call this place, from the sea on a small boat.
Another quite interesting attraction of the island is "Valley of the Monsters". Black volcanic sand and sparse low vegetation in themselves create a feeling of unreality and some creepiness, which is also enhanced by the boulders lying here and there, many of which in outline resemble animals frozen in the most unusual poses, which actually gave the reserve its name. Close to Port di Ponente ( Porto di Ponente) located Volcanology Center. South of the port is located beautiful bay Cala del Formaggio. And if you go around the island you can see a magnificent beach Gelso.
The climb to the top of the crater of the Fossa volcano also makes the journey exciting. The path to the smoking crater takes about 40 minutes and is not particularly difficult even for an unprepared person. The slope is quite gentle, and the path runs along it, meandering. Some particularly brave residents even ride bicycles and mopeds along it, but this is not recommended. Having climbed to the top, you will be rewarded with unprecedented beauty of views of the neighboring islands on one side, and no less mesmerizing views of the sea and sunset (or sunrise for those who travel early) on the other.
Some other sights can only be viewed from the sea. Departing from Porto di Levante to the north-west you will reach the Vulcanello peninsula and then immediately after the canal separating Lipari and Vulcano you will find yourself in Horse Cave (Grotta del Cavallo) with its fantastic lighting effects. The grotto is also known as Hermit's Cave (Grotta del Eremita). You can enter the cave from three sides. Inside you will find tunnels and lakes, bizarre stalactites and stalagmites, which, under the influence of water vapor and sulfur gases, formed a very interesting dome. Along the way you will meet Rock of the Mermaids (Scoglio delle Sirene).