Stromboli

Introduction

Stromboli is one of the Aeolian Islands and officially within the Italian region of Sicily. It is a very active volcano island.
The island of Stromboli is little more than just the 900 metres high volcano itself and thus has a very small size of only 12.6 square kilometres. Two kilometres northeast of Stromboli is the small, uninhabited sister island Strombolicchio. The volcano was notably featured in the famous novel by Jules Verne, Journey to the Centre of the Earth (French: Voyage au centre de la Terre), and was where the protagonists exited the bowels of the earth after making the underground journey all the way from Snæfellsjökull in Iceland.

Cities

There are two villages on the island: the larger Stromboli and the much smaller Ginostra, a former fishing village rarely visited by tourists (although tourist services are about all that remains there). It is not yet feasible to walk between the villages (although a trans-island hiking trail is under construction as of 2007), and the only way to travel between them is by boat. Together, both villages only have about 350 inhabitants.

Sights and Activities

• 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!) of 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.
• 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," yet in relative safety - most of the time. However, conditions vary from year to year, and the summit region may be closed owing to unusual activity posing hazards to the climber. In most conditions you can hike unaccompanied to an elevation of 400 metres, 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.
• 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.
• Scuba diving is possible at the small island of Strombolicchio, offshore from Stromboli town. The water is very clear, and you can see the continuation of the volcanic plug comprising Strombolicchio far below the surface. Dry-land activities on Strombolicchio are generally not allowed as the island is a nature preserve. Lighthouse on top.

Getting There

Access is by boat, there being no place on the island to put an airport. The hydrofoil and ferry operators SNAV, SIREMAR, Ustica Lines, and NGI all connect Stromboli village and Ginostra to other points in the Aeolian Islands and to Sicily, Naples and other parts of the mainland. You may have to change boats in Lipari. Don't even think of bringing a full-sized 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. The shortest (1.5 hours) and cheapest (about €30 EUR in 2015) water route is with Comerci Navigazione from Tropea where also a night train (with sleeping carʂ) from Rome stops.

Getting Around

Due to the size of the island and its lack of streets, neither cars, buses nor trains exist. The only available means of transport are "ape-cars", small motorbikes and boats (luckily battery powered cars and bikes are on the rise). The only other way to move around the island is by walking. Note that there are no streetlights in either village, and if you're out after dark, you'll be well advised to use a flashlight.

Eat

• Pizzeria Punta Bronzo, Via Acquaro Antonino, ☎ +39 090 986013. At the foot of one of the trails to the 400-metre platform at the Sciara del Fuoco. Food is nothing special, but entirely serviceable, and the setting is highly atmospheric.
• Trattoria Ai Gechi, Via Mirabito Giuseppe (Up a steep hill from the downtown area of Stromboli village), ☎ +39 090 986213. Daily 7:30pm-2:00am in August; daily 12:30-2:30pm and 7:30Ppm-2:00am in all other months. "Mediterranean" fare rather than mainstream Italian, ranging from very good to outright sensational depending on the mood of the owner/chef. The sepia-ink pasta is not to be missed, and some of the tuna dishes are extraordinary. Reservations recommended.
• Trattoria Incontro, Via Petrusa Salvatore, Ginostra, ☎ +39 090 9812305. You don't have a lot of choices in the remote fishing village of Ginostra, but fortunately, this, the primary one, is excellent for lunch.
• Ritrovo Ingrid, Via Cincotta Mario, ☎ +39 090 986083. If there's any place in Stromboli village that can be called "bustling," it's probably this open-air bar and restaurant next to the large church. Gorgeous views out to sea, excellent kitchen and adequate munchies to accompany your libations as you enjoy the view.
• Zurro, at the port. Traditional Strombolian fish restaurant.
• La locanda del Barbablu.
• Ristorante Punta Lena.
• Il Malandrino.

Drink

• Pardès. A lovely wine bar/bistrot surrounded by a beautiful garden and a breath-taking view of the volcano. A good place for a glass of wine or cocktail at happy hour or for dinner with a delicious and authentic meal. The place is open in the morning too, offering a wide range of fruits salads and fresh fruit juices.

Sleep

• Hotel Villaggio Stromboli, Via Regina Elena (Stromboli village), ☎ +39 090 986018. Open April-October. Rooms from €47, with seasonal variations. Comfortable accommodations overlooking the beach, west of the main part of the village but within easy walking distance of the town and dock. Luggage can be ported up from the dock by prior arrangement (small charge). Multilingual staff, which isn't automatic in the islands. edit

Various other hotels exist and additionally many inhabitants of the villages rent rooms.

Camping is not permitted on the island.

You can use the form below to search for availability (Travellerspoint receives a commission for bookings made through the form)

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