Stromboli Volcano: the Gem of Aeolian Islands

Stromboli: the island of fire, known as "Iddu"

Stromboli, known in the local dialect as "Iddu" (meaning "He"), is an active volcano that emerged 160,000 years ago. Rising approximately 900 meters above sea level, its name comes from the Greek Στρογγύλη (Strongýlē), meaning "round", due to its nearly circular shape.

The myth of predictability

There are many theories about the frequency of Stromboli’s eruptions, and some have proven dangerously misleading.

Some say Iddu erupts every hour;
Others claim it erupts every 15 minutes;
The truth? Iddu is unpredictable, changing its rhythm and vent locations from year to year.

Sometimes, explosions occur just minutes apart. Other times, they make visitors wait in anticipation for over an hour.

Cautionary tale

One year, a tourist believed the volcano erupted every 15 minutes. After witnessing an explosion, he ventured dangerously close to the vents to take photos,only for Iddu to erupt again just 3-4 minutes later.

The recovery of his remains was both difficult and hazardous, as he had stepped into one of the most dangerous areas of the volcano.

Respect Iddu. Observe from a safe distance.

How to experience Stromboli’s eruptions (and be happy)

Today, there are several idyllic ways to admire Stromboli’s spectacular eruptions. Whether you seek adventure or a more relaxed experience, witnessing Iddu’s fiery outbursts is an unforgettable experience. Nowadays it is possible to admire the outburst of Stomboli in several idyllic ways.

Climbing the Volcano: a challenge worth every step

The most demanding, but also the most rewarding, way to experience Stromboli is by hiking to the craters.

The challenge:

The four-hour climb is exhausting, even for the most trained hikers;
The terrain constantly changes, making it difficult to maintain a steady pace;
The final meters are the toughest, you’ll find yourself slipping back in the sand with every step, feeling like you’ll never reach the top.

Stromboli vulcano attivo in eruzione The reward:

The moment you reach the summit, every ounce of fatigue disappears;
You catch your breath, only to lose it again in awe of the breathtaking view;
The eruption spectacle under a starry sky is an experience beyond words;
You’ll feel stronger than ever, almost as if you’ve unlocked a superpower.

Are you ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

By boat at the "Sciara del Fuoco"

One of the most breathtaking ways to admire Iddu’s eruptions is from the sea.

First of all, you have to head to the port of Scari, where several tour operators offer excursions to the Sciara del Fuoco.

Most boat tours depart after 10 PM, allowing you to enjoy the eruptions in complete darkness for the most dramatic effect.

Why it’s unmissable:

Seeing the volcano from below, with red-hot lapilli shooting into the night sky, is an unforgettable sight;
If you're lucky to be on a boat with quiet and respectful travelers, you’ll experience something truly magical, the absolute silence, broken only by the volcano’s rumbles and the gentle waves of the sea.

From the Observatory Stromboli restaurant

This was the perfect solution for enjoying Iddu and his little burps, and rather louder ones, in the company of friends, over a lovely dinner. The Observatory is located outside the village of Stromboli, in a strategic position for viewing the craters from the side, halfway up the mountain.

A good restaurant and pizzeria once stood here, run by a historic and very friendly Strombolian family. You could enjoy a lovely plate of spaghetti alla strombolana, or a pizza, from the comfort of a large terrace facing the craters, with that typical expression of astonishment and wonder on your face, usually with your fork suspended in mid-air, every time Iddu put on his show, while all the diners exclaimed in unison with a triumphant: “There he is!”

Unfortunately, the Observatory restaurant is now closed, but it is still possible to walk up there and admire Stromboli’s explosions all the same.