Stromboli
The active volcanic island of Stromboli is one of the most dramatic locations in the whole of Italy. Geographically-speaking, Stromboli is ever so slightly closer to the Calabrian seaside town of Tropea than it is to the Sicilian mainland but nevertheless it's officially part of the Sicilian province of Messina and one of the seven Aeolian Islands.
Despite the constant volcanic activity, the island is home to around four hundred hardy residents. As such, there's a town of sorts with churches, shops, restaurants and bars. Such a small number of residents wouldn't themselves warrant the number of eateries and hotels but those are required by the large numbers of visitors the island receives every summer.
You can by all means enjoy the island's charms during the daytime, taking advantage of the black-sand volcanic beaches or climbing up the volcano itself; but it's perhaps in the evenings when Stromboli comes into its own. This is when the volcano bares its teeth with sparks, rocks and lava issuing from its crater at irregular intervals.
Ferries and hydrofoils are available from the Sicilian mainland town of Milazzo with a journey time of 1 hour and 10 minutes (hydrofoils - the ferries take slightly longer), while it's also possible to get here from fellow Aeolian Islands: Lipari, Salina (both Santa Maria Salina and Rinella), Vulcano and nearest neighbour, Panarea.
It's worth noting: there are two ports on the island, "Stromboli" and Ginostra. The second of these, Ginostra, is located on the west coast of the island and can be reached in around 10 minutes by boat from the main port.
Connections to the remaining two Aeolian Islands of Alicudi and Filicudi are available from Salina, Vulcano and Lipari.
Despite the constant volcanic activity, the island is home to around four hundred hardy residents. As such, there's a town of sorts with churches, shops, restaurants and bars. Such a small number of residents wouldn't themselves warrant the number of eateries and hotels but those are required by the large numbers of visitors the island receives every summer.
You can by all means enjoy the island's charms during the daytime, taking advantage of the black-sand volcanic beaches or climbing up the volcano itself; but it's perhaps in the evenings when Stromboli comes into its own. This is when the volcano bares its teeth with sparks, rocks and lava issuing from its crater at irregular intervals.
Ferries and hydrofoils are available from the Sicilian mainland town of Milazzo with a journey time of 1 hour and 10 minutes (hydrofoils - the ferries take slightly longer), while it's also possible to get here from fellow Aeolian Islands: Lipari, Salina (both Santa Maria Salina and Rinella), Vulcano and nearest neighbour, Panarea.
It's worth noting: there are two ports on the island, "Stromboli" and Ginostra. The second of these, Ginostra, is located on the west coast of the island and can be reached in around 10 minutes by boat from the main port.
Connections to the remaining two Aeolian Islands of Alicudi and Filicudi are available from Salina, Vulcano and Lipari.
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Category: Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie)
Administrative area: Messina Province Population: Around 400 Size: 12.6 km² Highlights: Volcanic beaches, volcanic activity Island hotels: 6 |
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Arrival ports: Stromboli, Ginostra
Journey time from Sicilian mainland: 1 hour 10 minutes (Milazzo) Distance from nearest Sicilian mainland port: 67 km |
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