Gran Cratere della Fossa

Gran Cratere della Fossa is a dramatic volcanic crater, 500 metres wide and rising to 386 metres above Vulcano. Its ochre, brown and yellow interior is ringed by active fumaroles, where steam vents hiss and sulphurous gases have left vivid yellow deposits on the surrounding rocks.

The approach from Porto di Levante follows a 3.5-kilometre trail, taking around 45 to 60 minutes each way, or roughly three hours for a leisurely round trip. The route is free to walk independently, although access may occasionally be regulated or ticketed according to local municipal rules or volcanic safety alerts.

From the crater rim, the views extend across the Aeolian archipelago: Lipari and Salina appear close by, while Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi recede into the distance. On clear days, Mount Etna and the northern coast of Sicily can also be seen.

Look down into the immense circular depression, but do not enter it: toxic gases can accumulate inside, making the crater interior unsafe and access restricted. The nearby mud baths and black-sand beaches provide natural companions to the walk.