Mount Stromboli, one of the few active volcanoes in the world. Sitting atop a mountain which rises 2,000 metres out of the ocean floor it is truly one of most intriguing natural wonders that Italy has to offer.
 
Situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the volcano is an island unto itself and even has its own resident population that braves its periodical spurts of smoke, ash and lava to concentrate on guiding tourists around its paths. As one of the Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago north of Sicily, it is an area of much scientific interest especially as this horse-shoe shaped crater has been erupting continuously for at least the last 2,000 years. Known as the 'Sciara del Fuoco' (stream of fire) the curious shape has been created by various collapses on the north-western side of the cone, after explosions occur at the summit craters with mild to moderate eruptions of hot volcanic bombs at intervals ranging from minutes to hours. This characteristic Strombolian eruption, as it is known, is also observed at other volcanoes worldwide. Eruptions from the summit craters typically result in few second-lasting mild energetic bursts emitting ash, incandescent lava fragments and lithic blocks up to few hundred metres high.


Stromboli's activity is almost exclusively explosive, but lava flows do occasionally occur - an effusive eruption in 2002 was its first in 17 years.
However, it is this vivacity and withheld power that is Mount Stromboli's biggest attraction. Visitors throng to the island by boat to see its mystical energy and many stay overnight hoping that they can catch a glimpse of this precious sight, the streams of fire being a marvelous event in itself.

The island's unique state has also inspired writers and directors throughout the ages. In Jules Verne's novel Journey to the Center of the Earth, Axel and Otto Lidenbrock emerge from their subterranean journey from the volcano on Stromboli.

Meanwhile, J. R. R. Tolkien, in his connections of Middle-earth and modern-day Europe, had always thought of the tower Barad-dûr as being located on Stromboli.

Stromboli is also the title of a 1950 film starring Ingrid Bergman, shot on location on the island. She plays a World War II refugee who marries a local islander, but finds it difficult to adjust to the harsh rural lifestyle of the volcano. The red-painted house used for the film remains as a tourist attraction.

Then, in the final part of The Book of the Dead, by authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, there is a action-packed chase and firefight up the active volcano itself.

Life on the island is however, relatively placid. There are only two villages, the larger Stromboli and the much smaller Ginostra, which is a fishing village and rarely visited by tourists. It is not possible to walk between the villages - the only way between them is by boat. Together, both villages only have about 350 inhabitants each

Due to the size of the island and the lack of streets, neither cars, buses nor trains exist. The only available means of transport are 'ape-cars', small motorbikes and boats. Apart from that you can always move around on foot. In this way you will notice some very interesting things about the place, which has almost been unchanged by tourism. Of particular note is the the rather inconspicious Ginostra with the smallest European port (one boat only!) which is a very quaint and pretty sight. There is also a picturesque beach with fine black lava sand in Stromboli, where one can relax and swim in the sea.

Guided tours are the only recommended ways to see the volcano, which is clearly the main attraction. As of April 2006 it is again possible to get guided tours to the top of the volcano but you have to book your tour in advance especially as the number of people allowed to go up at once is limited by law. The best tours are those which take you there at sunset. The eruptions are still impressive in broad daylight, but nothing compared to the view at night. Local law permits walkers to remain on the top only for one hour. Be sure to have very warm clothes with you and charge the batteries of your camera! The trip down is through a field of loose volcanic ash, which is irritating if inhaled, so take something to protect your mouth and nose.

Another spectacular attraction is the "Sciara del Fuoco", a slope where the lava slowly floats down from the crater to the sea. The glowing lava's emitted light can be seen from the sea, so by night you can enter boats which bring you there. Lava flows occur here every three to five years and last for two to eight months so it might be best to inquire first if they are ongoing if you are keen to see this.

The nearby islet of Strombolicchio is also worth a visit and you can take a boat trip around it. Being the remains of a volcano chimney it is made out of magma having a lighthouse atop it and some good quality diving around its shores.

Why not buy your first property in Italy just opposite the island in Calabria and live this adventure over a period of time? Imagine the excitement of having your home on the doorstep of one of the most enthralling natural phenomenons on earth. This dream can be a very real possibility if and when you purchase in the latest developments on the southern-western Italian tip.

Make the most of this unique opportunity to invest or setup home in one of the most privileged areas in the world and see the marvelous site of the smoking volcano everyday.

To reserve tickets or for further information on trips to Stromboli, Aeolian Islands or the night cruise to the volcano please contact us via the website for further information. Thank you.