Therasia Resort & Spa, Vulcano

First-hand review

Read our first-hand review of Therasia Resort and Spa.

Read our review

Location

The hint is in the name; Vulcano’s smoking crater and sulphurous fumes are true volcanicity. While the Romans thought it to be the vent for their fire god’s furnace, today mud baths and hot springs offer a more genteel alternative to the mythology. There’s also an abundance of nature walks that bring you to steaming fumaroles, beaches and volcanic pyrotechnics. And, perched on the Vulcanello cliffs, Therasia is poised to explore it all, with paths from the resort affording guests private access to crystal clear swimming and snorkelling spots along with idyllic volcanic beaches. It’s all secluded on the island’s northern peninsular jut.

Accommodation

Across the resort, soft Mediterranean lines blend with gentle Aeolian sensibilities, characterised by whitewashed arches, Sicilian cotto tiles and pale ceramics. In turn, interiors aim to evoke the island’s wild nature, making full use of such local materials as lava stone and cedar wood. Many of the 97 rooms enjoy a sea view, looking at across the archipelago and its surrounding sea stacks that emerge from the water as severe monoliths. Satellite TV, complimentary soft drinks and a WiFi connection are available throughout the room choices, with each featuring the same commitment to an elegantly minimalist style. Upgrades mix in private terraces, marble accents and suite layouts.

Dining

Whether it’s cheese from Siracusa, fresh fish from the Aeolians or tender meats from the Nebrodi mountains, Therasia’s chefs know the value of high quality ingredients. Its signature Il Cappero restaurant was awarded a Michelin star for its rich Mediterranean menu, prepared in an open kitchen. For more Sicilian gastronomy, perhaps dine on L’Arcipelago’s terraces that all but float on the sea or take some time out between dives at I Grusoni. This relaxed favourite serves up a range of Italian classics among a stage of palm trees, wild flowers and sea stack views. Breakfasts are equally indulgent, featuring everything from fresh yoghurt and fruit to crepes, omelettes and the highest quality cold cuts. If this all inspires, book onto a cooking course. 

Facilities

The resort’s standout amenity is certainly its spa. Let relaxing baths, toning massages and a full complement of beauty treatments spirit you away or a fully equipped gym and qualified personnel guide you through a fitness session. You’ll also want to get out and explore with snorkelling equipment, boats and quad bikes all available to rent. For that quintessential Italian experience, perhaps make use of the resort’s scooters to zip around the island. Of course, no trip to Vulcano would be complete without an aforementioned volcano walk; the hotel’s guides can bring you right up to the magmatic eruptions. Or just spend your time relaxing by the hotel’s beautifully tiered pools.