Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For nature lovers, climbing Stromboli is one of Sicily's not-to-be-missed experiences.
Since 2005 access has been strictly regulated: you can walk freely to 400m, but need a
guide to continue any higher. Organised treks depart daily (between 3.30pm and 6pm, de-
pending on season), timed to reach the summit (924m) at sunset and allowing 45 minutes
to observe the crater's fireworks.
The climb itself takes 2½ to three hours, while the descent back to Piazza San Vincenzo
is shorter (1½ to two hours). All told, it's a demanding five- to six-hour trek up to the top
and back; you'll need to have proper walking shoes, a backpack that allows free move-
ment of both arms, clothing for cold and wet weather, a change of T-shirt, a handkerchief
to protect against dust (don't wear contact lenses), a torch/flashlight, one to two litres of
water and some food. If you haven't got any of these,
Totem Trekking
( 090 986 57 52;
www.totemtrekkingstromboli.com
;
Piazza San Vincenzo 4; 9.30am-1pm & 3.30-7pm)
hires out all the ne-
cessary equipment, including boots (€6), backpacks (€5), hiking poles (€4), torches (€3)
and jackets (€5).
Sciara del Fuoco View Point
(Trail of Fire)
If you don't fancy climbing to the summit, you can go up to 400m for fabulous
panoramas of the Sciara del Fuoco (the blackened laval scar that runs down the moun-
tain's northern flank) and views of the crater's explosions from below. You're allowed to
go to the Sciara on your own; bring a torch if you're walking at night.
The explosions usually occur every 20 minutes or so and are preceded by a loud belly-
roar as gases force the magma into the air. After each eruption, you can watch as red-hot
rocks tumble down the seemingly endless slope, creating visible splashes as they plop into
the sea. For best viewing, come on a on a still night, when the livid red Sciara and explod-
ing cone are dramatically visible.
Arriving here around sunset will allow you to hike one direction in daylight, then stop
for pizza and more volcano-gawking at L'Osservatorio on the way back down. Making the
trek just before dawn is also a memorable experience, as you'll likely have the whole
mountain to yourself.
The trail starts in Piscità, 2km west of Stromboli's port. From here it's about 30 minutes
to L'Osservatorio, and another half hour to the view point. Bring plenty of water - the
climb gets steep towards the end.
VIEW POINT
Beaches
BEACH
