Stromboli Island

There is an active volcano on the island of Stromboli and this makes the most famous among the Aeolian Islands. A Single cone measuring 926 m, this volcano has caused the island to be evacuated several times. But the danger it possess isn’t enough to keep away a few inhabitants and lots of holidaymakers.

Stromboli and Ginostra are the island’s two settlements. Located on the southwestern shore, Ginostra, has a few summer homes with only 15 year-round residents. On the northeastern shore is Stromboli. It is a collection of the villages of Ficogrande, San Vincenzo, and Piscita and the only attraction is offers is its black-sand beach. It is safe here even during volcano eruptions as the lava flows to the northwest.

The best show this island has to offer is a one-of-a-kind spectacular natural display of fire and brimstone. The entire surface of Stromboli, which is a sluggish yet active volcano emits puffs of smoke that can be seen all day long. At night the lava is glowing as it makes its way down Sciara del Fuoco (Slope of Fire) to meet the sea with a loud hiss. This is fiery display of nature’s incredible power will impress you like never before but at the same time make you feel weak in comparison.

Another highlight you shouldn’t miss is the 92 m hike to Gran Cratere. Though your hike will be steep and seem sometimes impossible your efforts will be rewarded when you see pools of simmering lava, which glows radiantly at night. The bubbling lava is also accompanied by thick clouds of steam that smell of sulphur.

Getting Around

To take a boat cruise, book you trip at Strombolandia, Via Marina. It's open daily from 9am to 1pm and 3 to 7pm, between Easter and September. It will cost you €130 plus fuel costs for a day.

To get around the island you can rent a scooter again at Strombolandia for €18 a day (fuel not included).

You can also take a boat excursion around Stromboli. The trip lasts 3 hours and costs € 13 per person. There are also trips to see Sciara del Fuoco at night. This €15 tour will last 2 hours and 20 minutes. Make sure that while booking you check where your boat departs from.

What to do

The most sought after activity is the scaling of the volcano. If you’ve seen the film Stromboli, follow Via Vittorio Emanuele to the Chiesa di San Vincenzo. This is a small church which is anything but spectacular. If you are a film buff, it definitely warrants a visit as just two doors down on the right, is the little pink house where Ingrid Bergman and her director and lover, Roberto Rossellini, lived in sin during the movie’s filming in 1949 flick Stromboli. However, you can only view the house from the outside.

The cone of the volcano, Gran Cratere, can be visited with a guide. In fact, the law states that you can climb the slope only with a guide. The island's authorized guide company is Guide Alpine Autorizzate, which charges 24€ to 36€ per person to scale the volcano. The 3-hour trip up the mountain, leaves at 6pm and returning at midnight. The trip down takes only 2 hours. The extra hour can be spent to explore the rim. A day trip to the volcano is not recommended as it isn’t as magnificent as it looks at night. In daylight the glow of molten lava is barely noticeable, the fiery red shimmers under the night sky. The explosions at night seem far more dramatic than those during the daytime.

Strombolicchio is a steep basalt block measuring 43m. Located on the northeastern coast of the island, this striking rock reached by climbing steps cut out of rock. From the summit you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Aeolians. Calabria on the Italian mainland is visible on a clear day.