Stromboli: Sunset Trekking on the Volcano

About This Experience

This is a hike on Stromboli itself, not a boat trip, so you need to be on the island already, either staying there or arriving by ferry or tour. The group meets at Via Soldato Francesco Natoli 51 in the village, and the departure time moves with the time of sunset. The operator stresses that you must stay overnight on Stromboli, as there are no connections off the island after the hike.

The walk starts straight from the village and soon reaches the old cemetery, a small group of tombs from the early 1900s set among thick vegetation. From there a path climbs steadily through the scrub to 400 metres above sea level, the turning point of the hike, with the sea and Strombolicchio opening up below as you go. It does not go to the summit or the crater rim.

From the 400-metre viewpoint you look towards the craters, about 350 to 400 metres away as the crow flies, and across the Sciara del Fuoco. The group stays there for a long stop through sunset and into the dusk, when explosions show up best, although activity varies from evening to evening. Wind can be strong at the viewpoint, so a jacket is useful even on a hot day.

The return follows the Punta Labronzo mule track back to the village. The operator rates the hike easy to medium, about five hours in all, with 500 metres of total ascent. A helmet and headlamp are provided, and hiking shoes can be supplied if needed. Bring your own food, water and a jacket, and expect the last part of the walk to be in the dark.

Highlights

• Guided ascent to 400 metres above sea level
• Craters about 350 to 400 metres away as the crow flies
• The old cemetery with tombs from the early 1900s
• A long stop facing the Sciara del Fuoco through sunset
• Descent along the Punta Labronzo mule track
• Authorised volcanological guide speaking English and Italian

What's Included

• ✓ Helmet
• ✓ Headlamp
• ✓ Authorised volcanological guide
• ✓ Hiking shoes if required
• ✓ Long stop at the 400-metre viewpoint at sunset

Not Included

• Food
• Water
• Jacket
• Ferry or boat to Stromboli
• Overnight accommodation on Stromboli

What to Bring

• Hiking shoes, or ask for a pair from the guides
• Water
• A windproof jacket
• Snacks
• A small daypack

Good to Know & Caveats

• The hike starts in Stromboli village, so you must already be on the island; boat transport is not included.
• You need to stay overnight on Stromboli, as there are no connections off the island after the hike.
• The turning point is 400 metres above sea level, not the summit.
• The operator rates it easy to medium, with 500 metres of total ascent over about five hours.
• Departure time changes with sunset, and volcanic activity varies, so explosions are never guaranteed.

Meeting Point

Via Soldato Francesco Natoli 51, Stromboli village; you must already be on Stromboli (the boat to the island is not included).