Stromboli

Stromboli - darkometer rating : 2 - ---------------------- UPDATE January 2026: I’ve just booked a trip to Sicily and the Aeolian Islands, including a two-day stint on Stromboli with a guided volcano hike (see below). When I’m back I’ll update this chapter, expand it to a full-length one and add a photo gallery (hopefully including images of Strombolian eruptions). ---------------------- A volcanic island off Italy , to the north of Sicily, and part of the Aeolian Islands archipelago, which also include the "original" Vulcano, after which all volcanoes are named, and which also has an active cone (though it’s not as spectacular as Stromboli). Stromboli stands out in the world of volcanoes in that it's been active continuously for 2000 years and in that its activity can famously be viewed by ordinary tourists (much of the time), i.e. without it requiring an expedition. It’s still quite a hike, though. Going all the way to the crater rim at 926m above sea level has been impossible for several years, since in 2019 a hiker was killed by lava bombs (flying volcanic rock). But you can reach a good viewpoint at 400m, albeit only on a pre-booked hike with a professional guide (organized by the outfit “Magmatrek”). These set off from the main settlement about two hours before sunset, allow one hour of volcano observation and then it’s another two hours’ hike back down in the dark. So you need to have a good torch. Also wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots, adequate clothing with extra layers for the night-time descent and carry enough drinking water and perhaps some snacks for sustenance. Another viewpoint at 290m elevation but further away from the action, can be freely reached without a guide at any time.