Visit Vulcano, Sicily: Mud baths, Great Crater, travel guide
- Nature Source Chaude
- Published on
- Updated on 17 August 2025
The Aeolian Archipelago, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea to the north of Sicily, is made up of 7 main islands and is a true paradise for nature lovers, hikers and adventure seekers. However, these lands are also home to more or less active volcanoes that can produce hot springs, geysers and fumaroles.
The island of Vulcano, the gateway to the archipelago, has developed an original character in the field of spa tourism, in particular with its sulphur mud baths, which have immense benefits. The mud baths, the hot waters and the spectacular fumaroles will make your stay even more pleasant.
Vulcano is undoubtedly the place that can reconcile the modern man with the demands of everyday life, offering tranquillity, comfort and an eminently regenerating experience.
Table of Contents
How do I get to Vulcano?
How do I get there?
To reach Vulcano from Sicily, the first stop is Milazzo (or Messina). From Milazzo railway station, the port and ferry building are a 45-minute walk away. There is a regular hourly bus service between the station and the port. You can also book your tickets in advance on the Liberty Lines website. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes (by hydrofoil).
How do you get around the island?
The island is small enough to do everything on foot. The distances are not too great to get from one end of the island to the other. There is only a small climb to the Gran Cratere (Great Crater). This is the island’s must-do hike.
A charming island
When I disembarked in Vulcano, it was like being at the end of the world. And with good reason: the hydrofoil (Liberty Lines’ fast ferry) dropped off passengers off in the south of the island, at the Porto di Levante (Port of levante), in front of the imposing Gran Cratere della Fossa (Great Crater of the Volcano). Spectacular fumaroles belched smoke near the summit, filling the travellers with wonder.
I also smelled sulphur, which was slightly bitter but bearable. The port exuded an air of cleanliness, comfort, and serene beauty that appealed to me immediately.
If you go left or right, you’ll quickly reach Vulcano di Porto, a small symmetrical town with straight, calm lines and a certain elegance. You will find shops and restaurants there. A little further on, on the left, you will find the trail leading to the Great Crater.
If you go right, you will find a pretty cobbled road winds its way between two mounds dotted with pleasing yellow hues of sulphur. This leads to the island’s main attraction: the mud baths, known in Italy as ‘Pozza dei fanghi‘.
Vulcano, mud baths
Once you have crossed this cobbled street, you will arrive at the Mud Baths of Vulcano. The site is surrounded by a barrier of rocks and a wooden fence that prevents access. A small pavilion welcomes visitors.
ℹ️ Access:
The Vulcano Thermal Baths are managed and maintained by the company Geoterme Vulcano S.R.L. (official website).
To access the mud baths, you must pay €3 (this includes shower access for one adult).
⚠️ The mud baths are currently closed. After reopening on 1 June 2025, the site unfortunately had to close a few days later after a person with diabetes experienced complications from soaking in the mud pool.
There is currently no reopening date planned (it is still closed in August 2025). Please email me at natureetsourcechaude@gmail.com to keep me informed of situation updates.
Closure and reopening of the mud baths
These thermal baths have been operated by Geoterme Vulcano for several years. However, they were temporarily closed in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Since autumn 2021, volcanologists have observed a significant increase in volcanic gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO₂) and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S). Under normal circumstances, these gases, which are present in most hot springs, are not dangerous when they disperse quickly into the atmosphere.
In this case, however, they have accumulated in dangerous concentrations near the ground, posing a risk of fatal poisoning. I will come back to this later in the article.
The insular administration responded by restricting access to the area and closing the mud baths. There was also a dispute between the bath operator and the municipality of Lipari concerning planned development work, which has since been abandoned.
In June 2025, the site reopened after magmatic activity on the island decreased and the operating company, Geoterme Vulcano S.r.l., implemented enhanced safety measures in consultation with the authorities — such as installing gas sensors, warning signs and video surveillance systems.
Access to the mud baths is also subject to certain conditions:
- Strict rules regarding access times must be observed.
- People with respiratory diseases or low blood pressure are not permitted to enter the area.
- It is also strictly forbidden to approach the fumaroles (located near the pool) or to go beyond the marked safety zones.
Discovering the muddy pool
This muddy pool is close to the Warm Waters beach. The two form a whole and represent the thermal baths of Vulcano, where bathers and curists can be found at any time of the day. The Italians call this place ‘Terme di Vulcano‘.
When I came face to face with the mud pool, it gave off a really intense and persistent smell of rotten eggs. I’ve never smelt such a strong smell of rotten eggs.
Opposite, the sea gnaws at the foot of a very original rocky cliff crowned with coloured rocks. There is no better vantage point from which to admire the entire Baia di Levante. However, despite there being a trail leading to the top, access to these ‘faraglioni’ (rocky peaks) is prohibited.
Fortunately, the sea keeps a safe distance from the muddy pool. So there’s no need to be afraid of its eddies and fast currents when it’s agitated.
The thermal water (steam and gas) comes from natural springs located in a sedimentary zone.
For this reason, the thermal area is fortified with rock barriers. A wooden path is also provides a useful precaution. The area around the pool is remarkably soft, smooth and free of pebbles or large stones, which is much appreciated. Two almost insensitive slopes allow clumsy bathers to enter the muddy pool unhindered.
The temperature of the water mixed with the mud is lukewarm. But the temperature is hot, sometimes scorching, where vapours and gases escape from the ground.
These gases rise to the surface in the form of large bubbles, before bursting. Watching this is both fascinating and soothing. It has the same effect as watching the waves in the sea.
On the other hand, the water is very murky and the mud baths look uninviting. Who would want to soak into a murky pool?
A precious thermal mud
The water is full of whitish mud. I cannot see through it, which is not reassuring.
In fact, this milky water is opalescent and does not absorb any wavelength of the light. It neither absorbs light nor lets it through, just like milk. These waters are therefore loaded with tiny solid particles, called colloids, which deflect the light. What’s more, these negatively charged colloids keep themselves in the water by repelling each other.
Due to their tiny size (less than 0.002 millimetres), these colloids are actually clays, often accompanied by soil bacteria and living organisms, all of which are negatively charged. This bacterial population is adapted to the conditions of the environment and is specific to the source.
This muddy, milky water is rich in metabolites, the products of a long maturing process. It’s a real rejuvenating bath: in the same liquid you can find living colloidal clay, mineral salts, gas, micro-organisms and much more.
Thermal mud, on the other hand, which the bathers apply to their bodies, is held at the bottom of the water by its own weight. It is neither negatively charged nor a colloid.
In fact, it’s better not to use it, so as not to disturb this living medium. I will explain why in a moment.
Just taking a bath brings you into close contact with this beneficial mud. This allows you to take full advantage of the properties of these colloids suspended in water. These muddy waters contain organic molecules that can penetrate the skin barrier, but only when they are moist.
On the other hand, if I cover myself in mud and leave it to dry, there is no exchange with the skin. The more water that evaporates, the harder the mud becomes and the more its cracked deposits dry out and irritate the skin. The clay paste that is often left to dry on the face is actually harmful to the skin.
What’s more, this living mud, rich in micro-organisms , is perfectly adapted to the conditions of this medium (water temperature, pH, lack of light, minerals, gas…). If it is removed from the water, the conditions are suddenly very different (light, oxygen, evaporation, etc.).
So it’s best to do nothing and let the bath do the rest: the colloidal clay (negatively charged) is attracted like a magnet to the skin (positively charged).
Finally, this clay, whether colloidal or not, does much more than passively deposit substances that the body needs. Knowing its composition is not enough to explain its action.
Note that this mud pool is slightly radioactive (like many hot springs) and highly sulphured. It is therefore very stimulating for the skin but can irritate certain sensitive skins.
It may be a good idea to start gradually or to limit the amount of time you spend in muddy water (at least the first time). A sign around the pool will give some health advice.
Bathing advice:
Sulphur can be stubbornly impregnated into clothing. Some textiles (towel, swimsuit, underwear) may end up in the rubbish. It may also be advisable to wear water shoes to avoid burning your feet.
The presence of volcanic mud puddles always indicates hidden underground gas reserves. What’s more, the strong rotten egg smell emanating from the area explains the presence of large quantities of sulphur in the form of hydrogen sulphide (H₂S).
To understand the sulphurous nature of the mud bath, it is enough to observe the effect of the water on certain reagents. In particular, its ability to blacken silver jewellery or bracelets should prompt their removal. The same applies to lead objects, which will also precipitate and turn brown. Even gases in the air will tarnish these reagents.
As the pool is uncovered, the gases can escape freely (despite some accumulation on the ground) without fear of denaturing the milky water. The effect of contact with air on the dynamics of sulphurous water is enormous.
So, according to a meta-analysis[1], concentrations of 30 to 50 ppm of hydrogen sulphide have been found in the air near the mud pool. There is no other hot spring in Italy or France with such a high concentration of H₂S. Moreover, this gas has been shown to have curative properties for respiratory diseases (widely used in spas), rheumatism and skin diseases. But how about this unusual concentration?
The mud pool also releases large quantities of carbon dioxide, as do many hot springs. This CO₂, although beneficial when dissolved in water, can be toxic in the air when it reaches high concentrations. Small peaks below 1000 ppm have been recorded around the mud pool, which is far from alarming.
The normal concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere is 430 ppm. Our daily intoxication with our own CO₂ (due to our lifestyles) is much higher and can even rise to 5000 ppm at night (i.e. for about ten hours).
Thus, when thermal gases accumulate, especially in a closed and poorly ventilated space, bathers experience breathing difficulties, followed closely by a sense of oppression. The history of thermalism also reports cases of asphyxiation, which can be fatal, occurring in less than a quarter of an hour.
If you’d like to know more about this subject, I invite you to read the beginning of this article: How to Cleanse your Lungs with Simple, Natural Ways?
According to the meta-analysis, other gases are associated with hydrogen sulphide. Hundreds of parts per million of methane (CH4) and hydrogen (H2) have been found.
All of these gases (hydrogen sulphide, methane and hydrogen) have powerful healing properties. To find out more, I talk about them at the end of this article: How to Cleanse your Lungs with Simple, Natural Ways?
Finally, this mud, which is typical of volcanic mud, is probably made up of a large amount of silica. Silica is essential for cartilage, joints, bones, skin, etc. By the way, this mud bath often produces impressive results from the very first bath.
This bath is also extremely rich in micro-organisms, a source of organic molecules,enzymes, vitamins, anti-inflammatory molecules, etc. Without this diversity of micro-organisms, the properties of the mud bath would not be the same. To find out more, read this article: The Soil, Base Layer and Living Medium of a Hot Spring.
The ‘Acque calde’ (warm waters) beach
Warm Waters Beach, also known as Fumerolles Beach, is well worth a visit. It is located just a stone’s throw from the mud baths. It boasts a long stretch of fine, dark brown sand bordering dazzlingly turquoise waters.
Its waters are so distinctive that you can easily see where they meet the deep blue sea.
Every year, countless tourists come to enjoy the natural spectacle of these famous ‘Acque Calde’ (warm waters).
Underwater fumaroles forcefully emit steam and volcanic gases, thereby warming the sea.
These gases are identical to those found in the mud pool (H₂S, CO₂, etc.), but they react differently with seawater, creating incredible white precipitates. The high mineral content of the sea causes the sulphur to flocculate.
One advantage of swimming in the often rough sea is that it removes large quantities of carbon dioxide from the air. As we know, excessive amounts of carbon dioxide in the air can harm our breathing. Therefore, there is no risk of CO₂ poisoning in this warm sea.
The sea bathing season usually runs from late June to late September. However, here in Vulcano, the sea does not cool down easily during the long autumn nights and water temperatures can reach 30°C at the end of October. Needless to say, diving into these waters is an incredibly pleasant experience.
Hike to the Great Crater of Vulcano
The numerous volcanoes on Vulcano provide a striking backdrop to the landscape. One volcano in particular stands out, boasting a large crater with numerous visible fumaroles that offer a spectacular sight from several kilometres away.
The Great Crater of Vulcano is the island’s only active volcano, and climbing it is one of the most beautiful hikes you can experience. The hike is the perfect activity for filling a day, providing intense emotions and lasting memories.
For the best panoramic views of the Aeolian Islands, choose a clear day on which to take this hike. However, if you want to enjoy a memorable sunset, it’s important to ensure there’s sufficient cloud cover. Make sure you wear sturdy, waterproof shoes, as the trail is covered in volcanic ash at the beginning and is rocky at the top of the volcano.
This hike can be completed without a guide, as the trail is straightforward and the ascent is gradual. Alternatively, you can opt for a guided hike, during which local experts will regale you with tales of the island’s fascinating geological past.
From Porto di Levante, it takes around ten minutes at a leisurely pace to reach the crossroads where the trail up the volcano starts.
Access to the site: according to the information board, climbing to the great crater of the Fossa is permitted at certain times:
- From 1 April to 20 October each year, from 6.30 a.m. to 10.30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.
- From 21 October to 31 March each year, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The duration of the climb: The ascent to the crater (1.1 km with an elevation gain of 202 m) takes approximately one hour. To reach the highest viewpoint on the south-eastern side, you will need to add another 140 metres of elevation and walk an additional 1.1 kilometres.
On the side of the volcano, the trail is mostly covered in ash vomited from the crater, in which your feet sink and have no grip. This slope is also dotted with shrubs and fragrant plants that thrive in arid conditions.
The climb is gentle and, despite the ash, you can ascend easily without getting tired. The island of Vulcano lies at your feet, with the Aeolian Islands before your eyes.
The trail soon looks completely different, with compact ground and no volcanic ash. It is much more pleasant to walk here, and the view from this high point is much more beautiful.
The Aeolian Islands are clearly visible from here, surrounded by the sea. On a clear day, you can see the islands of Alicudi and Stromboli, located at opposite ends of the archipelago.
From the crater, just nearby, you can admire the entire Aeolian archipelago. Vulcano is close to Lipari and Salina. Alicudi, Filicudi, Panarea and Stromboli are further away.
Vulcanello, which has three craters, is the closest island. It was once separated from Vulcano by a stretch of sea, but volcanic eruptions have since filled this in.
From the crater, you can hike around three-quarters of its rim. The rim is wide enough to walk along safely. This route leads to the highest vantage point. However, you should avoid the fumarole area on the northern edge of the crater.
Thick, suffocating white fumes escape from the 500-metre-wide crater, filling the surrounding area. These sulphur-containing gases accumulate in the depression, creating a hostile environment that should not be entered. 🪨 However, it is possible to roll a stone into the crater from the edge. This is both safer and more entertaining.
This will enable you to view the crater from various angles and take some magnificent photos. On clear days, you can also see the north coast of Sicily and Mount Etna from the crater’s highest point on its southern side.
Diliberto, I. S., Cangemi, M., Gagliano, A. L., Inguaggiato, S., Jacome Paz, M. P., Madonia, P., Mazot, A., Pedone, M. and Pisciotta, A. (2021) Volcanic Gas Hazard Assessment in the Baia di Levante Area (Vulcano Island, Italy) Inferred by Geochemical Investigation of Passive Fluid Degassing
