It is called amicably He (he in Sicilian while Etna which can be easily reached from Catania is female), it Stromboli it is one of the most active volcanoes in the world, in periods of great activity eruptions occur every 15/20 minutes.
Although the most evocative way to witness the phenomenal activity of the volcano is the night climbingit is also true that, given that this walk can be quite demanding and not suitable for everyone, there are valid alternatives that allow you to enjoy the power of the earth which breathes fire and illuminates the dark but starry nights of the Aeolian Islands, witnessing one of the most explosive natural spectacles one can imagine.
For the trained, the untrained and those who do not know where to place themselves between these categories, they follow the three different ways of observing the Stromboli fire streak.
OPTION 1# – For the trained. Night climb of the Stromboli Volcano
An ascent of about 3 hours to reach about 200m from the erupting crater.
We start in a group and guides above 400m are mandatory. The climb is done at night, the departure is around 4.30/5pm.
For those arriving by boat, the dinghy will pick up the participants from their boat to take them to the meeting place, while those who reserve will be informed of the departure location. Here you can rent the necessary equipment before departure.
The ascent lasts about 3 hours while the descent about 2some find the descent rather complicated due to the first stretch on sand.
This trek is not recommended for those who are not particularly fit or have heart problems or pathologies that do not allow excessive effort, it is not a walk but it is very demanding, especially in summer, the period of the year in which the fatigue is also added heat.
The tour can be booked on site, in high season we recommend the skipper of the boat or your hotel contact at least 1 or 2 days in advance.
It’s not an easy climb. Consider carefully whether you are physically ready for this adventure or not. If you think it’s not right for you, continue reading to discover the other two softer and equally rewarding options!
The trek costs starting from €25 per personyou must book in advance. Here you can book your place.
What to bring for the volcano climb
To climb the volcano the following things are mandatory (it is possible to rent them for those who do not want to bring the equipment):
- Trekking shoes (can be rented)
- 2 t-shirts (one for the ascent and one for the descent)
- Windbreaker
- Stick to help you walk (not mandatory but recommended, it is possible to rent it)
- Torch
- Enough water
- Snacks
Helmet and dust mask will be provided.
OPTION #2 – For the less trained. Boat at night
This option is suitable for those who want to see the volcano erupt and, with luck, also see the Sciara sea.
The duration of the tour is about 1 hour and a half, you wait on the dinghy for the volcano to erupt, which happens more or less every 15/20 minutes, and if the eruption is quite strong you are lucky enough to see the flaming stones being thrown up to the sea.
The boat will wait at the foot of the Sciara, at a suitable distance, and it will be easy to witness the wonderful moment in which fiery bombs are thrown violently into the water.
Departure is at 10pm and return is between 11pm and 11.30pm.
Cost: €15 pp. To book, ask your hotel who will be able to show you a boat and put you in contact with the captain
OPTION #3 – For those who want to walk, but not too much. The Navy observatory
An alternative for those who don’t want to climb the volcano but decide to take a short walk in a desolate place with an exceptional point of view of the volcano.
To be able to combine walking and an erupting volcano then the Navy Observatory of Punta LaBronzo. It starts from the Church of San Vincenzo, crossing San Bartolo and taking the mule track that leads to the Observatory. The walk is not particularly difficult and takes about 40/50 minutes.
It is advisable to go at sunset and return when it is already dark, for this reason it is important not to forget to have a torch and appropriate footwear with you.
Where to sleep in Stromboli
I like to go by boat in the Aeolian Islands, generally there are shared boat solutions that offer 7-day cruises.
Se book a boat from this link and you sign up to the site you will receive €25 voucher to use on your first booking.
However, if the boat is not your thing, the hotels on Stromboli do not lack charm and elegance, in particular Il Gabbiano Relais in Stromboli e The Sciarathe oldest hotel on the island.
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