The word volcano itself is derived from the small Eolian island of Vulcano, itself named after the Roman god of Fire. Although dangerously dormant for over 100 years now, it must have been highly active in Ancient times.
Vulcano is mostly known for its hot springs and famous mud pools on the beach, allegedly having beneficent effects on your health. The other main attraction on the island is the large crater of La Fossa - the type example of a volcanic crater. Hot, sulphur steam belching fumaroles align the rim of its crater and are equally impressive.
Geologically, Vulcano is a complex of overlapping edifices, including two calderas, that have formed during the past +- 150,000 years. The northern tip of the island is lava platform that forms a low, roughly circular peninsula called Vulcanello (= "The small Vulcano") that was formed as an island beginning in 183 BC and later was connected to Vulcano in about 1550 AD.
It is one of Italy's most active volcanoes, and one with a high hazard potential. Directly at the feet of the Fossa crater, the site of violent explosive eruptions in the past centuries, a small village that becomes a major tourist resort during summertime would be at serious risk in the case of a new eruption.