Barefoot: the Vision of Casa Erica

Unplug and step back in time

Let me share a friendly piece of advice, inspired by my personal experience and deep love for Stromboli. These simple suggestions come from one fundamental principle: embrace nature and reconnect with your true self.

Turn off your phone for a few hours and experience the magic of disconnection. Avoid television, radio, and noisy distractions, instead, listen to the sounds of the island. Rediscover the wild, free spirit within you, the part of us that finds joy in simplicity.

At Casa Erica, happiness lies in living as close to nature as possible.

Barefoot: a simple pleasure at Casa Erica

Once upon a time, everyone in Stromboli walked barefoot. Today, only the younger generations continue this tradition, but at Casa Erica, you can rediscover the joy of going shoeless. Leave your shoes at the entrance and experience the island as it was meant to be.

The warmth of terracotta under your feet

When Casa Erica was renovated in the 1970s, we chose terracotta tiles not just for their beauty, but for the pleasure of feeling their warmth underfoot. Unlike cold ceramic tiles, terracotta creates a natural, comforting connection with the space around you.

Try it, and you won’t want to stop

Give it a go! After just a couple of days, you'll find that putting on shoes feels unnatural, a small discomfort that reminds you of the freedom you've enjoyed. That’s why we only bring flip-flops and sandals, because in Stromboli, barefoot is the way to be.

At Casa Erica, simplicity is luxury.

Less clothes, more joy: the freedom of Casa Erica

At Casa Erica, you are sheltered from indiscreet eyes, allowing you to fully embrace a sense of freedom and comfort.

Experience true relaxation:

• Lounge around in just your underwear or take a nap in the patio without worrying about being seen;
• Enjoy the feeling of absolute privacy, where you can truly let go of daily constraints;
• A little tip: if you choose this kind of freedom, better lock the main door, just in case!

This is real freedom. And it’s priceless!

Water: a precious resource in Stromboli

In Stromboli, there is no natural water supply. Traditionally, rainwater was collected from rooftops, and Casa Erica followed this system until recently. Now, the house is connected to the local water system, but the island’s water remains a scarce and valuable resource.

Water is brought to the island by tanker ships and distributed only on specific days and at set times. This means that careful water usage is essential, running out at the wrong time can be a real inconvenience.

Water conservation is key. For this reason at Casa Erica, I kindly ask guests to:

• Take quick showers to minimize water waste;
• Turn off taps when not in use.

In Stromboli, water is as precious as gold, let’s use it wisely.

The outdoor shower: a natural refreshing experience

At Casa Erica, the outdoor shower has no hot water, and this was a deliberate choice.

To be honest, until just two years ago, we didn’t even have a water heater. We never needed one. When we wanted a warm shower, we simply left a couple of basins of water under the sun, a simple and effective trick.

The outdoor shower starts warm, as the pipes are heated by the sun, but soon turns ice-cold as fresh water flows from the holding tank. It’s a refreshing experience like no other.

Yes, there’s a brief moment of shock when the water cools, but if you embrace it, it becomes pure pleasure.

Ladies, take note! After a week of hot-cold showers in the garden, your skin will feel firmer and more toned. After all, isn’t this the principle of expensive spa treatments? At Casa Erica, it’s free! 😉

Do you prefer a hot Shower? No Problem! For those who prefer a hot shower, you can always use the indoor bathroom, just like at home.

But if you’re up for it, try the outdoor shower, you might love it more than you expect!

The sky or the torch? A lesson in light

In Stromboli, there are no streetlights, which makes it a magical place but also something to keep in mind, think twice before wearing stiletto heels!

At night, many people rely on flashlights, but I’d suggest using them sparingly.

On the streets, the light from houses and shops is often enough. Along the seafront, the moon and stars provide all the illumination you need. If you keep your flashlight on all the time, you’ll likely miss out on one of Stromboli’s greatest wonders: the breathtaking sky of the Aeolian Islands.

A piece of advice: bring a flashlight with you (just in case) but use it wisely.

The silence: a love story

In Stromboli, you fall in love with silence, but only if you have the sensitivity to notice and appreciate it.

My generation grew up with the saying: "Quiet down, you're disturbing everyone." It seems that today, this is no longer taught with the same diligence.

But here, silence is almost sacred. In August, there are times during the day when you don’t even hear a pin drop. Suddenly, you find yourself wondering:

• Am I in a parallel dimension?
• Why is it so much easier to reconnect with myself here?

At night, the silence becomes even more mesmerizing, shaped by the wind’s whispers. The only sound accompanying you to sleep is the gentle rhythm of the sea, lulling you into a deep, restful slumber.

At Casa Erica, silence is not the absence of sound, it’s a presence, a gift to embrace.

Pets in Stromboli: a unique coexistence

In Stromboli, there are no particularly troublesome animals, but the island is home to a few interesting creatures that might surprise you.

Geckos: your tiny, lucky housemates

Many people have never seen a gecko on a wall and may be astounded when they spot one. In Stromboli, geckos are common, and according to local belief, they bring good luck. But beyond superstition, they serve an even better purpose: they eat mosquitoes!

If you see a gecko, remember that it’s more afraid of you than you are of it. If you’re curious and observant, take a moment to watch its incredible ability to catch insects: you might even find yourself grateful for their presence!

Other animals on the island

Stromboli has a few spiders, cockroaches, and other small creatures, but nothing particularly troublesome.

Cats are everywhere, sometimes friendly, sometimes cautious, but always useful, as they help keep mice away. They definitely deserve our appreciation!

Stromboli’s dogs are free spirits and they deserve a special mention. Many of them have owners, but they live freely on the island, roaming as they please. They often have thick, untamed fur, reminiscent of Bob Marley’s dreadlocks.
Extremely devoted, they may decide to follow you everywhere if you pet or cuddle them.