From trekking paths to climb the Stromboli volcano to Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman’s house: the best things to do and see.
The charm of Stromboli Island, one of the most extreme of the Aeolian Islands, has its roots in a majestic past. With its nearly 1000 meters in height, Stromboli and its volcano have always been a destination for travelers, directors, actors, and “hermits” seeking nature and tranquility. With its trails of fire, visible even on the darkest nights, its crater still accessible on foot today, and the curious stories surrounding houses and remains, this island has never stopped capturing the imagination and fantasy of geologists, pilgrims, and lovers of travel and trekking.
Jules Verne set the conclusion of his “Journey to the Center of the Earth” in the Stromboli volcano, Rossellini filmed his famous movie “Stromboli: Land of God” there, some scenes from Nanni Moretti’s “Dear Diary“ are set among the island’s alleys, as well as some clips from “All the Women in My Life“ with Luca Zingaretti.
The name comes from what locals called it in ancient times, Struognoli (or Iddu), identifying the magical and divine nature that animated the Stromboli volcano. Today, its eruptions occur with an average frequency of about one per hour, which is why many travelers, armed with cameras and walking sticks, undertake the nightly climb. Once at the top, the spectacle is thrilling.
TREKKING PATHS TO THE STROMBOLI VOLCANO
There are several paths you can take once on the island to discover the wonders of the Stromboli volcano. For the path leading directly to the crater, we recommend contacting one of the many trekking agencies near the port. Here you can find the map and routes, each suited to your needs. They range from “Path A,” a nature and landscape trail (which starts from the center of San Vincenzo and reaches Sciara del Fuoco) to “Path B,” more challenging, which begins in Ginostra and ends at Portella Ginostra.
“Path C” is certainly the most fascinating, as it leads you directly to the craters via the northeastern slope. The trail is well-marked and develops on alternately sandy and rocky terrain. The climb along the Liscione presents some difficulties due to the numerous hairpin turns, and the absence of shady areas is not to be underestimated. But once you reach the ridge that divides Sciara del Fuoco from the eastern slope, you’ll understand the meaning of the word “emotion.” The Stromboli volcano never ceases to amaze.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE IN STROMBOLI
- Punta Scari, a port from which you can reach all points of the island, book a boat tour or an excursion to the top of the Stromboli volcano crater;
- Church of San Bartolomeo, built in 1801, from which you can look out to observe the panorama;
- Piscità , a residential area famous for its many black sand beach coves;
- Sciara del Fuoco, the path that leads to the northernmost point of the island, where (if you’re lucky) you can see the fire trails of the Stromboli volcano;
- Observatory, now a characteristic restaurant;
- Strombolicchio, a small island about a kilometer from Stromboli (northeast direction) representing the northernmost point of Sicily. According to legend, Strombolicchio is the volcanic plug thrown into the sea during a violent eruption;
- Rossellini and Ingrid Bergman’s Red House, which stands not far from the Church of San Bartolomeo.
