Vulcano has an area of 21 sq Km and 400 inhabitants.
The very existence of the island results from the fusion of four volcanoes. Although the last major eruptions were in 1888-90, fumaroles of sulphurous vapour testify to continuous volcanic activity, and its "Gran Cratere", 386 metres high, is still active. Vulcanello, the smallest peak, 123 m high, sprung out from the sea in 183 B.C. when the lava moulded fantastic forms: the charming valley “Valle dei Mostri”. The highest mountains are Monte Aria and Monte Saraceno which are about 500 m. These two volcanoes extinguished since the prehistoric age. The isthmus that connects Vulcanello to the island  gave rise, in turn, to Porto di Levante and Porto di Ponente bays. The former boasts a magnificent semicircular sandy shore, whilst the latter is bathed by warm waters that are heated by bubbles of sulphurous steam. The whole island is a volcanic wonderland where one can bathe in warm gurgling waters all year round or immerse oneself in therapeutic volcanic mud. The smell of sulphur, upon arrival, is soon forgotten in this haven of fantasy.

Vulcano, the nearest Aeolian island to the Sicilian coast is separated from Lipari by a 1.6 km canal. It has a surface area of 22 sq km. Of the four principal craters (Mt. Aria, Mt. Saraceno and Vulcanello are extinct) only “Gran Cratere”, which faces the east Harbour (Porto di Levante), has maintained its activity (nowadays it’s a dormant volcano). According to Greek mythology, here was placed the forge of Hephaestus, the god of fire who worked as a blacksmith with the assistance of the Cyclops. But the island was named after the Roman name of the God  Vulcano, hence the term vulcanology. Alum, sulphur and timber were the main commercial products for a long time, exactly up to the Bourbon period. When their reign collapsed the northern part of the island was bought by Lord Stevenson, an Englishman, who reopened the mines and planted the first vineyards. Stevenson was forced to abandon the island after the eruption in 1888.