Vulcano, the island nearest to the Sicilian Coast, is separated from Lipari by a 1,6 km canal.
The surface area of 22 sq. km. is divided into two principal localities: Vulcano Piano, which is cultivated (with an average altitude of 400 metres) hemmed-in by Mt. Aria and Mt. Saracen; and, Vulcano Porto, which comprises the southern part of the island and includes the eastern (Porto di Ponente) and western (Porto di Levante) harbours.
Of the three principal craters (Mt. Aria and Mt. Saracen are extinct) only the Gran Cratere, which faces the harbour, has maintained its activity.
This great crater has a circumference, at its base, of 7 km. and forms a cone 386 metres high; with completely smooth sides showing traces of alum and layers of pure sulphur.
As recent as 183 B.C, a small volcanic island rose out of the sea to a height of 123 metres and formed an isthmus connecting it to Vulcano. This smaller formation is called Vulcanello and the isthmus by which it is connected to Vulcano gave rise, to Porto di Ponente and Porto di Levante. Porto Ponente boasts a magnificent semi-circular sandy shore.
Porto Levante is rich in sulphurous fumaroles scattered on the seashore and underwater.
In Vulcanello, there is a stretch of very fine black sand sloping seawards, upon which are scattered strangely shaped volcanic rocks, giving rise to the imagination of monsters, It is no surprise that the area is called Valle dei Mostri (Valley of the Monsters).
