Stromboli

With its towering volcano, black beaches, small population and buildings made of volcanic rock, Stromboli is no average touristy island. Its spectacular volcano has been continuously erupting for over 2,000 years. Make an evening walk up the volcano’s flanks to see craters spewing extraordinarily “volcanic bombs”. See the sun set over the Tyrrhenian Sea. At the summit, you can view 6 active craters. It can be a risky place to visit: visitors have been killed (hence the requirement to be guided up its slopes); in 2002/03, eruptions, landslides and tidal waves caused a lot of damage, including to Stromboli village, and forced the island to be closed to tourists for months.

Weather permitting, you can start climbing the volcano in the early evening. It is non-negotiable that you are (guided in groups of around 20), after some unnecessary tourist deaths, where they unwittingly found themselves in places known amongst locals and guides to be in the line of lava fire. Book your walk in advance: total numbers limited.

On the way up, you pass through varied vegetation before reaching the barren upper flanks of ash and rock. You should get a beautiful sunset over the Tyrrhenian Sea, and, at the main crater, see “volcanic bombs” – lava being blasted high into the air, a mesmerising experience. The peak, with its view over six of the eight craters, is another 300. Above.

The return journey will be in the dark, so, armed with head torch and masks against the volcanic dust, you will make a careful walk back to the village.

Alternatives: Stromboli volcano is not an easy walk, and if you feel you are not up to the challenge, then there is an easier route available. It takes less time, although inevitably will not be quite as good as the longer walk, with the final viewing point being significantly lower.

From Milazzo in Sicily, the journey by hydrofoil takes 2 hours. Ferries go to Stromboli from various places, including Siremar Ferries ( www.siremar.it )

Magmatrek ( www.magmatrek.com ) organises evening treks.

Accommodation in various places in Stromboli. The guidebooks have a selection of possible accommodation.

See also our Aeolion Islands page for a heap more practical and other information and photos.