Stromboli

There are two villages on the island, the larger Stromboli and the much smaller Ginostra, a former fishing village rarely visited by tourists. The villages, which are almost unchanged by tourism, are worth a closer look, especially the rather hidden Ginostra with the smallest European port (one boat only!) at all is nice to see. There is a nice beach with fine black lava sand in Stromboli, where one can relax and swim in the sea. Most visitors to the island come to climb (or at least hike on) Stromboli Volcano (however, other opportunities for outdoor recreation exist). It is not yet feasible to walk between the villages (although a trans-island hiking trail is under construction), and the only way to travel between them is by boat. Together, both villages only have about 400 inhabitants. Due to the absence of a touristic harbor and large hotels the island has kept its original atmosphere: life in this spot of the world is simple and relaxing.

Getting around: Due to the size of the island and lacking streets, neither cars nor buses or trains exist. The only available means of transport are "ape-cars", small motorbikes and boats. The only other way to move around the island is by walking. The residents have decided to light the streets at night exclusively by torches, lanterns and starlight... a new dimension out of time... a sensational and marvellous atmosphere. Since there are no streetlights in either village, and if you're out after dark, you'll be well advised to use a flashlight. We recommend light clothing for beach life and more thick and sporty clothing for trekking excursions to the volcano.

Stromboli Volcano: This continuously active volcano is one of the few in the world where a visitor can see an eruption "up close and personal" most of the time. Excursions to the craters, whose visit with licensed guides is recommended, is a unique experience but quite demanding as it requires 3 hours walking along footpaths to reach the volcano logic observatory just 100 metres from the 3 active cones. In most conditions you can hike unaccompanied to an elevation of 400 meters, but beyond this level you will need a guide. Don't climb without a guide; the access limitations are enforced (sporadically) and fines are substantial. Stromboli gives its name to a type of volcanic eruption that's frequent visually spectacular, and fairly safe to approach most of the time. "Strombolian eruptions" are characterized by nearly continuous emission of blobs of lava shot a small distance into the air as "fire fountains". They're seen to best advantage at night, and a camera capable of timed exposures of several seconds is required to get the most interesting photos.

Take a boat ride around the island. The picturesque little village of Ginostra is on the opposite side of the island from Stromboli town and is only reachable by boat. Outfitters near the harbor in Stromboli town offer rides, which can usually be arranged on site.

Sports: The nature of the island invites you to go hiking and Strombolicchio, offshore from Stromboli town, is a real diving paradise. The water is very clear, and you can see the continuation of the volcanic plug comprising Strombolicchio far below the surface. Canoes can be rented on the beach. If the sea is calm, you can get around the island in about 5 hours.

In Stromboli there are a handful of trattorias and pizzerias. If there's any place in Stromboli village that can be called "bustling," it's probably the open-air bar next to the large church. Gorgeous views out to sea, and adequate munchies to accompany your libations as you enjoy the view.

Sightseeing trips to 6 islands nearby: Stromboli is usually headed for day trips, many tourists visit it for only a few hours and leave after a short stay. If you decide to stay longer, you can use the island as a base for traveling to the Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the neighboring islands of Stromboli, which are also volcanic in origin and only partially "sleeping": Lipari, Volcano, Panarea, Salina (some of the film "Il Postino" was shot here), Filicudi and Alicudi.

Getting in and out: Access is by boat, there being no place on the island to put an airport. The hydrofoil and ferry operators SIREMAR, Ustica Lines, and NGI all connect Stromboli village and Ginostra to other points in the Aeolian Islands and to Sicily and the mainland. You may have to change boats in Lipari. Don't even think of bringing a car with you, as you'll have no place to use it. Consequently, it's highly advantageous to ride the fast hydrofoil rather than a ferry.

During high season we strongly recommend to book ferry tickets for Stromboli in advance. Please contact your local travel agency for the ferry tickets.

Getting there via Naples: Flights to Naples (BA/Alitalia/Easyjet from London Gatwick or Stansted). From Naples, two options: 4 hours in hydrospeed (Aliscafo) from the company SNAV (telephone +390814285555) the last departure is around 2pm. Or a whole night crossing with company Siremar (telephone +390813172999). Book a cabin. Departure from Naples at around 9 pm, arrival at 6am at Stromboli.

Getting there via Milazzo, Sicily: Daily connections between Milazzo and Stromboli with Ustica lines or Siremar. Stops at Lipari, Vulcano, Salinas, Panarea, Ginostra, Stromboli with Ustica (2 1/2 hours). Lipari, Panarea, Ginostra, Stromboli with Siremar (2 hours). First boat leaves around 7am and last boat around 1pm. There is a train from Rome to Milazzo which arrives early morning in Milazzo. Otherwise the closet airport is Catania.