Stromboli (Stromboli) - a small island in the Tyrrhenian Sea (Mar Tirreno), belonging to the group of Aeolian (Aeolian, Isole Eolie) islands north of Sicily (Sicilia), unique in that it has a volcano that has remained active for 20 thousand years.
The island is 12.5 km² in area. A population of several hundred people lives in the villages of San Bartolo, San Vincenzo and Ginostra.
- We recommend reading about the islands of Italy
San vincenzo
A small town will not let tourists get bored. There are restaurants, a small old church in Piazza San Vincenzo (Piazza San Vincenzo). Travelers can visit the Museum of Volcanology.
A cinematic legend is also connected with the town: here, in 1950, the film “Stromboli, the Land of God” was shot by Roberto Rossellini with Ingrid Bergman in the title role, as well as a stormy romance of the director with a young actress was developed.
Not far from San Vincenzo is a beach with rare black and blue sand and pebbles. It is believed that the proximity of the volcano gives the tan an unusual shade, and the sand - healing properties.
It is from this city that the ascent to the vent of the famous volcano is organized.
Lighthouse
The volcano on the island of Stromboli was originally underwater. When he appeared above the surface of the sea, he repeatedly fell into the scientific works of ancient scholars; lines in the poem of Homer "Odyssey" are devoted to him.
On the island there is an extinct and partially collapsed volcano, which is now a basalt rock called Strombolicchio, on which a lighthouse was installed.
There is such a unique natural object called Sciara del Fuoco ("Fire Stream"), - it is a hollow resulting from the fall of large fragments of rock.
The active volcano has 3 craters, they rise above the island by 926 meters. Volcanic activity makes itself felt every 15-60 minutes with mini-eruptions, accompanied by noise and small emissions of hot volcanic rocks, gas and ash. At the same time, lava is only occasionally thrown up in small quantities, but does not form streams flowing to the foot.
The last time lava poured in 2002 caused rock landslides, the fall of large rock fragments and tsunamis. In 2003, a large splinter broke away and destroyed a nearby village. There are also strong eruptions, the last of which occurred in 2009. A devastating eruption with human casualties occurred in 1930.
In general, volcanic activity does not pose a threat to human life. Excursions are organized to the top of the volcano so that tourists can look into the fire-breathing crater. The volcano is visible from afar, especially in the evening and at night: above its summit fiery emissions glow and clouds of white vapor and gas flicker.
Walks to the vent of the volcano
Climbing excursion groups to the top of the volcano are organized by tourist centers in San Vincenzo. Climbing the volcano on its own, without accompanying persons, is prohibited and subject to a fine.
For lifting, special equipment is required, which can be rented for 7-8 EUR:
- Thick jacket and waterproof tight coat;
- Protective helmet;
- Sunglasses;
- Comfortable flat shoes;
- A flashlight that attaches to the headgear.
Walks are organized after lunch to get to the top at dusk, when the spectacle is the most spectacular and you can take unique photographs. At the top, each group can stay for 1 hour, enjoy the views. A volcanological center operates on the island, monitoring the activity of the crater and monitoring the safety of ascents.
According to the forecasts of volcanologists, climbs can be canceled during the day or week.
If the climb is prohibited by the service of volcanologists or is contraindicated in age or health, you can go to inspect the volcano by sea on a boat or boat. The views from the water are no less remarkable than at the top of the crater. You can also take a boat ride to the rock of Stromboliccio and climb the lighthouse at its top or go scuba diving at its foot.
Kitchen
The island became famous in the culinary area. Stromboli, just like an island, is called a closed mozzarella cheese pie. Before baking, a hole is made in the center of the top layer of the pie, and when the dish is cooked, steam comes out of this hole and flows of cheese lava flows, like from a crater of a volcano.
Hotels
There are 31 accommodation options on Stromboli Island. Large hotels are constantly working: Ossidiana Stromboli and Villaggio Stromboli. More common are apartment options and bed and breakfast. We have selected for you the best reviews from tourists.
3 stars
Reasonable prices, sea and mountain views make 3 star hotels popular, and relaxing in them is unforgettable.
Hotel Ossidiana Stromboli
Offering stunning sea views, Ossidiana Stromboli is a 2-minute walk from the sandy beach. The rooms are equipped with split systems, appliances, free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have balconies to relax. Guests are offered a buffet breakfast, local drinks and dishes.
Hotel Villaggio Stromboli
Hotel Villaggio is minutes from the beach area. The hotel has a restaurant with a panoramic terrace, the menu - Mediterranean cuisine, local traditional wines. The rooms are comfortable, with air conditioning and fans, television, minibars. Some rooms have balconies with sea views.
4 stars
On Stromboli, the only hotel has 4 star status, it offers the most comfortable stay and a varied gourmet cuisine.
Sirenetta park hotel
Sirenetta Park is just 100 meters from the seashore with pebbles of volcanic origin. The hotel has a garden, pool, restaurant. The rooms are equipped with split systems, TVs. The restaurant offers seafood specialties, a traditional Italian menu, and a breakfast buffet. The restaurant has a rooftop terrace for relaxation, where sun loungers and parasols are installed, offering refreshments.
Apartments and B&B
Apartments are the most common way to stay on Stromboli. All options are located within walking distance of the sea.
Aquilone residence
The new Aquilone Residence, 6 minutes from the beach area, offers 3 comfortable rooms with terraces and mountain and sea views.
The rooms with bathrooms and free cosmetics are equipped with air conditioning, TVs, hairdryers, everywhere there is free Internet access.
Pedra residence
Situated in a garden 200 meters from the coast, Pedra Residence offers to relax on the terraces overlooking the sea and mountains. The hotel has a gym with fitness equipment, the rooms have all the necessary appliances, small kitchens, balconies.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner can be enjoyed in the restaurant next door, where hotel guests receive a discount.
How to get there
You can get to Stromboli Island by boat or boat. The most convenient routes are from the neighboring island of Sicily, from the city of Milazzo. From there, transfer to the island is organized by Tarnav and Navisal.
Travel time on a pleasure boat is 3 hours, with stops on the islands encountered on the way. If you plan to climb the crater, you need to leave in the morning flight.
