Stromboli: Sunset Trekking at Sciara del Fuoco
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Famous for its explosive volcano that puts on spectacular eruptions, earning it the epithet “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean”, Stromboli is the northernmost and easternmost of the islands in the Aeolian archipelago.
Captivating and enchanting, Stromboli is nothing more than the peak of a large active submerged volcano, with the volcanic structure reaching 926 metres above sea level and 1,700 metres below, where you’ll find magnificent black sand beaches, the most beautiful in the Aeolian Islands.
High cliffs characterise much of the island’s coastline, which boasts only two inhabited centres. The main settlement is Stromboli, along the north-eastern coast of the island, formed by the villages of San Vincenzo and San Bartolomeo, picturesque with their brilliant white houses nestled along the lower slopes of the volcanic crater, whilst the second inhabited centre, Ginostra, is a tiny village on the south-eastern coast accessible only by sea.
One and a half kilometres from Stromboli lies the Strombolicchio islet, a remnant of an ancient volcanic chimney, rugged and uninhabited. Among the activities most loved by tourists is the ascent to the crater to witness eruptions at nightfall; the trek takes around 3 hours and is strenuous in places, as well as a visit to nearby Panarea.
During the summer season, Stromboli is easily accessible from the ports of Naples, Reggio Calabria, Milazzo, Messina, Palermo and Cefalù.
Stromboli is undoubtedly the most remarkable of the archipelago’s islands. Its volcano, in constant explosive activity, treats you to incandescent displays of lava every 15 minutes that, especially as darkness falls, seem to tear the sky apart.
Beyond the volcanic crater, the island boasts marvellous black sand beaches or dark shingle nestled between cliffs of lava rock, including Piscita and Scari, inlets and caves. The best way to appreciate Stromboli’s coastline is to take part in a boat trip around the island.
Don’t miss the charming fishing village of Ginostra, reachable only by boat, from where you can enjoy splendid views of the Sicilian coast and the other islands of the archipelago.
Stromboli is also an ideal destination for wonderful hikes and trekking enthusiasts. The trails traverse a unique natural environment composed of palm trees, citrus fruits, olive trees, prickly pears, capers and bougainvilleas, reaching the lunar landscape of the Sciara del Fuoco1 in the northern part of the island. The most beautiful excursion is undoubtedly the climb up Stromboli itself, but it’s only recommended for fit individuals accompanied by local guides.
Just one and a half kilometres from Stromboli lies the Scoglio dello Strombolicchio2, the oldest volcano in the Aeolian Islands, a tower of rock rising sheer from the sea.
For diving enthusiasts, Stromboli is an enticing destination. The Secca di Scirocco, on the southern side of the Strombolicchio, is home to numerous fish species and spectacular red gorgonians.
With a slow and relaxed pace, Ginostra is a small fishing village on Stromboli that can only be reached by boat.
Ginostra’s houses are arranged in amphitheatre style along the rocky and rugged coast of the south-western part of the island and overlook intricate and narrow cobbled alleyways walked by donkeys for transporting goods. Nestled between the rocks, Ginostra maintains the classic traditional Aeolian architecture intact.
The village has no proper beach, but nearby there are 3 spots for bathing including some natural pools set into the rock near the port.
The beautiful and enchanting beaches of Stromboli are famous for their glittering black sand and the rocks that stand out against crystal-clear waters. Cacti, broom and wildflowers frame a unique and captivating setting considered by many to be the most picturesque in the entire archipelago.
The main beaches at Stromboli are found in the northern sector of the island, along the stretch of coast running from Ficogrande to La Petrazza.
Ficogrande4, a small beach of very fine black sand and volcanic rocks, is easily reached with a 10-minute walk from the hydrofoil pier. A little further on are the beaches of Piscità, Scalo Balordi, Grotta di Eolo, Spiaggia Castriota and Forgia Vecchia, the latter a long expanse of dark shingle beneath the slopes of the volcano.
Spiaggia di Scari5, with lava shingle, is separated into two parts by the pier, right below the San Vincenzo settlement, and offers fine views of the Strombolicchio rock, whilst the peaceful Punta Lena beach boasts a shore of grey granite. If you’re after privacy and stunning sunsets, head to Spiaggia Lunga, or the Piscinette di Ginostra, accessible only by sea, where the rocks form natural saltwater pools.
Near Ginostra, a 15-minute walk away, is the beautiful Spiaggia Lazzaro, also known by diving enthusiasts for its underwater arch. For diving enthusiasts, Punta dell’Omo is the ideal spot to explore the island’s rich underwater landscape.
Don’t miss a boat tour around Stromboli to fully appreciate its marvellous jagged coastline and picturesque views.
The wild Spiaggia di Forgia Vecchia is located approximately 300 metres south of the port and is the most beautiful beach on Stromboli.
The long and narrow stretch of dark shingle smoothed by water and wind has the green slopes of the volcano behind it. The sea, crystal-clear and very calm, won’t disappoint you.
Forgia Vecchia beach is easily reached on foot via a small path branching off from the nearby Scari beach.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
The small island of Stromboli consists of two small inhabited centres not connected to each other, San Vincenzo and Ginostra, and nonetheless hosts several hotels, as well as B&Bs, apartments and holiday rentals.
Stromboli is the northernmost island of the Aeolian archipelago, making it the farthest from Sicily, and covers an area of more than 12 km².
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