What to do in Stromboli?
Stromboli is a volcanic island that is part of the incredible archipelago of the Aeolian Islands , in Sicily. The island is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea basin, in the western Mediterranean, and occupies an area of 12.2 square km and the volcano is 996 meters high. Although it is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, it presents little danger and can be visited. Let’s get to our post of the day: What to do in Stromboli? Here at Your Travel to Italy with Ana Patricia you make the trip of your dreams !!! ALSO: see our “Accommodation in Italy – Tips for your holidays!”
Video about Stromboli in Sicily
(Source: Marc -Volcano- Szeglat)
Important
First of all! If there is danger to visitors, access to the Island is PROHIBITED! There are usually notices, mainly at the embarkation ports from which the boats that take to the Island leave. It happens very rarely, but it is good to know why it may happen, OK ?! Find out more about the Aeolian Islands in Sicily by clicking here! and How about a Day Trip to the Aeolian Islands from Tropea? Click here to learn more!
A little of the history of Stromboli
Stromboli is one of the most fascinating places in the Region of Sicily, its inhabitants are called Iddu (he) and they are passionate about their precious volcano. The area of the volcanic crater is formed by 3 active cones where the volcanic activity is predominantly explosive. The lava flows, however, are directed to a wide steep basin towards the sea, called Sciara del Fuoco. This activity consists of intermittent explosions of medium energy, lasting a few seconds at intervals of 10 to 20 minutes, during which small amounts of magma, ash and blocks are emitted, with an output speed between 20 and 120 meters per second, reaching some hundreds of meters high.
Stromboli is the only volcano in Europe and one of the few in the world that has a permanent eruptive activity, but it rarely offers risks. At night, its brightness can be seen from a great distance and, for this reason, the island has been called “Faro del Tirreno” (Lighthouse of the Tyrrhenian Sea) since ancient times. The most violent eruptions of the volcano occurred in 1919 and 1930 and both were apparently caused by the infiltration of sea water into the volcanic chimney, since magma when in contact with water causes violent explosions, which causes an enormous amount of vapors and waste, which can even cause earthquakes. Take a Sunset Trekking at Sciara Del Fuoco in Stromboli! Click here to learn more!
1) What to do in Stromboli – LANDING IN THE PORT OF STROMBOLI
Let’s visit the city! To start, we lande in the Stromboli Port area, which is also the center of the island. Arriving at Punta Scari, you can see all the charm of this island, with high broken cliffs and small black-sand beaches, which alternate with coves and caves, white houses, the color of citrus fruits that rest in a volcanic cone that looks rugged , but it is simply fascinating. The sea has a very intense and brilliant blue and the sun gives a magical touch to the panorama!
2) What to do in Stromboli – CLIMB THE VOLCANO
Leaving the port, follow the road that will take you to the city itself, where you will find typical craft stores and local delicacies . There we find San Vincenzo Square, named after the church located on the site. From there, we started the “ascent” to the volcano. The path reaches up to 450 meters and, despite what it may seem, it is not so rugged, but it has dense vegetation, mainly of bushes. Once this part is overcome, the most “annoying” part comes, and it is from here that the presence of a guide is mandatory! DO NOT CLIMB THE VOLCANO ALONE! The guides are trained to even help visitors in an emergency or in the event of a sudden eruption; if something happens, they will know what to do!The hike takes about two hours and the view from the top is impressive!
Tips
- Take a shirt in your backpack because of the height, the wind there is cooler!
- Remember to go up with comfortable and safe shoes for your walk!
3) What to do in Stromboli – VISIT THE CHURCH AND THE BLACK-SAND BEACH
After the tour return to the center, there is also the Church of San Bartolomeo , built in 1801. It was here that Roberto Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman stayed during the filming of Stromboli Terra di Dio, 1949 film. Leaving the Church, go to Piscità. The road from there leads to a wide black-sand beach that marks the end of the inhabited center and the beginning of Sciara del Fuoco, which is a show at night!
4) What to do in Stromboli – VISIT THE RESTAURANT OF THE OLD OBSERVATORY
At the end of the Piscità route, there is a small forest, where an observatory, today a restaurant, used to be. Here, you are just 100 meters from the crater, choose to dine there: at night, you can see the volcano explosions that, with the black of the night, resemble fireworks, are beautiful! Be sure to look at the sky: it looks like we can touch the stars on brighter nights! Take a flashlight: the island has no lighting in that area!
5) What to do in Stromboli – VISIT GINOSTRA
The next day you can visit Ginostra , which is a small village along the southeast coast, but you can only get there by the sea. Its 30 inhabitants (yes, 30 inhabitants!) Will receive you in a loving and kind way! The city is on a steep slope and the few houses are still intact and are very traditional when it comes to Aeolian architecture. If you don’t like big crowds, your place is here!
6) What to do in Stromboli – VISIT LAZZARO
On the island, it is also possible to dive, but always with instructors close by, as the seabed there is very deep. In Lazzaro there is an old walkway that takes us comfortably to the sea. Over there, in the sea, there is a wrecked military ship that is 20 meters deep, if you like diving, it can be interesting!
Where to eat in Stromboli?
Here are some tips on where to eat in Stromboli.
Pardès
- Notes : typical cuisine, good food and great wine options. It is a small, discreet restaurant, but with great dishes!
- Where is it: Via Vittorio Emanuele – Stromboli
- Hours: from Monday to Saturday, from 12:30 pm to 02:30 pm and from 06:30 pm to 10:00 pm. On Sundays, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
Observatory
- Notes: with a great menu, it offers dishes for all tastes! The view, especially at night, is fantastic!
- Where is it: Via Salvatore di Losa | Punta la Bronzo – Stromboli.
- Hours: every day, from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm.
How to get to Stromboli?
How to get? From June to September, you can reach Stromboli from Naples, Milazzo, Messina, Palermo and Reggio Calabria.
From Naples
From Naples, the boat that goes to Stromboli leaves the port of Naples, Molo Angioino, at 8:00 pm, the trip is long, about 9 hours and the company responsible is Siremar; however, there are no stops. If you want something faster, there is the company Snav, which takes you to Stromboli in four hours. The boat departs at 2:00 pm from the port of Beverello.
Leaving Milazzo
Another option is to leave from Milazzo. The good thing is that the service is offered throughout the year, even during the winter. The company that operates the stretch is also Siremar and makes the journey in two hours.
Leaving Messina
From Messina, you can reach Stromboli in 1 hour and 45 minutes. The company responsible for the stretch is Usticalines, the service only works during the summer and early spring, between June 1st and September 30th.
Leaving Salerno
Departing from Salerno, the trip takes 5 hours and is not direct, it is necessary to change boats in Salina. The company is also Usticalines , but only serves the route between June 15th and September 15th, daily.
Leaving from Tropea
Are you in Tropea? No problem! There are small kiosks of private companies that operate the stretch, just go to the port and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Tip
- If you have time and are in Tropea, choose the Stromboli by Night tour, which allows you to admire Sciara del Fuoco in the dark of the night! It’s really worth it!
Leaving Reggio Calabria
Leaving Reggio Calabria, Usticalines operate the stretch to reach Stromboli, but it is necessary to go to Messina and change boats.
Tips
- If you are coming from other parts of Italy, I suggest you take the train to get to the departure city that takes you to Stromboli.
- Did you know that Trenitalia is the main Italian company dedicated to the management of rail transport? Find out here “What is the difference between trains in Italy ?”. Buy your ticket online in advance and save a lot, read the Post “ How to buy a train ticket in Italy? “.
Watch this video and learn: What is the average cost of a day in Italy?
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Conclusion
What to do in Stromboli? Visiting an active ‘city-shaped’ volcano is truly a unique experience! Remember our recommendations: hire a guide if you want to visit the craters, don’t try ‘to save’ and venture out on your own! Before thinking about economy, think about your safety! Apart from that, pack and have a good trip!
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