Stromboli: Volcanic Landscape, Nature and Island Culture

Stromboli is the northernmost island of the Aeolian Archipelago and rises to 924 metres above sea level at Serro dei Vancori. Steep slopes, volcanic formations and a distinctive coastline give the island its own character. If you would like to combine nature, geology, the sea and history, you will find a variety of aspects in a compact area here.

Volcanic Landscape and Protected Nature

The Sciara del Fuoco is a depression shifted and widened towards the northwest, into which ejected material flows. Stromboli’s coasts are generally rocky, steep and difficult to access; only on the northeastern side are there short stretches of dark beach. The “Riserva Naturale Isola di Stromboli e Strombolicchio” is an oriented and integral nature reserve.

The nature reserve was established to protect Stromboli’s permanently active volcano, which has been active for at least two millennia. Rare or endemic plants such as Cytisus aeolicus, Genista ephedroides and Koekia saxicola are found there. Koekia saxicola is particularly widespread on Strombolicchio. Stromboli also belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Aeolian Islands.

Hiking, Beaches and Excursions

With suitable equipment, good health and accompanied by an authorised guide, you can hike to the summit at around 900 metres and observe the explosive activity of the craters from a safe distance. Three routes are recommended for tourists who wish to visit the nature reserve; each comes with detailed technical data sheets.

Ficogrande Beach can be reached in ten minutes on foot from the hydrofoil landing stage. The bay consists of sand and volcanic rock. Forgia Vecchia is an unspoilt beach with black pebbles smoothed by water and wind, accessible by land from the nearby beach of Scari below San Vincenzo. At dusk, it is possible to take a boat trip from Scari to the Sciara del Fuoco.

History, Wine and Volcanic Knowledge

Historically, pilgrims stopped over on Stromboli every year; most then went on an excursion to the crater zone and the summit of the mountain. Stromboli was historically known for its renowned Malvasia production. The wider island context is also shaped by volcanism: the Aeolian Islands are known for the formation and destruction of volcanic islands, as well as for volcanic phenomena that continue to this day.

The INGV Information Centre in Stromboli is located at Marina Garibaldi, about five minutes from the port of Stromboli. During its opening hours to the public, the Sala Visitatori of the INGV provides information about active volcanoes, basic volcanological relationships and the geology of the places visited by hikers. The Museo del Cinema di Stromboli is dedicated to the theme “Stromboli negli archivi dell'Istituto Luce” from 1930.

Getting to the Island

In summer, Stromboli can be reached from the ports of Naples, Reggio Calabria, Milazzo, Messina, Palermo, Cefalù, Tropea and Vibo Marina. Ginostra can only be reached by sea.

Further destinations: Falcone, Pettineo, Barcellona Pozzo Di Gotto, Mongiuffi, Vulcano Porto, Castelmola, Canneto

To the higher-level travel overview: Messina.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Hiking at the crater of Stromboli volcano.