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Stromboli
 The Island of Stromboli the most northerly Island on the Aeolian Island chain is the youngest volcano in Sicily at a mere100,00 years old. At over 2400 m from the base to the top of the cone Stomboli is one of the highest in Europe and commands this area. Stromboli is very active and erupts every 15/20 minutes making it a very spectacular sight. In ancient history the island of Stromboli has always acted as a beacon to guide sailors back to harbour with it’s night time flashes and bangs. There have been generations of inhabitants that have lived with it’s roars for a least the last 3000 years.
Over the last 70 years Stomboli has spouted over 700 cubic meters of lava a day accompanied by a muffled explosion sound which is caused by hydrogen given off exploding. The locals refer to this as “Iddu parla” he speaks !
 Originally Stomboli was only a farming colony of the nearby Island of Lipari and only inhabited at sowing and harvest time, but became a settlement in it’s own right in the 16th century when San Vincenzo was established. Life is Stomboli has always been linked with the sea, it was an important stopping off point for sailing ships crossing the Tyrrhenian sea to Naples. In the 1800’s the island had a fleet of 65 sailing ships and it’s economy was based around the trade of these ships. The introduction of steam ships and the railway being built from Naples to the Southern tip of Italy was the downfall of this industry and sent the economy of Stomboli into crisis. In addition to this the continued volcanic activity caused many of the population to flee and find homes elsewhere. The population of Stromboli has declined to 400 from over 5000 at one point, this has been increased by a steady emigration of the it’s people to Australia.
One of Stomboli’s claims to fame apart from the volcano is the film of the same name by director Roberto Rossellini which stared Ingrid Bergman. There is a plaque in Via Vittorio Emanuele which marks the house where the pair had their love affair.
There are several paths on and around the volcano varying from easy strolls around the base top walks to the top near the craters which are much more strenuous. If venturing on the paths to the top of Stomboli's cone it is always recommended that a party should engage the services of a guide, this is for both safety reasons and also for the wealth of information they can give you during the climb and make the day much more interesting. It is a must to be in good physical condition, wear good strong boots, suitable light but warm clothing and a torch with spare batteries which you will need if you stay on till dark for the fireworks to begin. Always take spare clothes and a good walking packed lunch as you never now what will happen and should be prepared for any eventuality.
If you contact a guide before you arrive they will be only too pleased to give you advice.
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