Everything You Need To Know For The Stromboli Hike

I didn’t just get to see Stromboli volcano. I also got to listen to its voice. And the Stromboli hike was a thrilling experience.

As a proper volcano and hiking junkie, I could no longer postpone a trip to the Aeolian Islands. I had hiked various active volcanoes in the world. I had gone volcano boarding on Cerro Negro, in Nicaragua. I had looked down the crater of Mount Bromo, in Indonesia. I felt a bit embarrassed that I had been to far away places and had yet to travel to the South of Italy.

It was finally time to fly to Sicily and explore some of the world’s most active volcanoes, which incidentally are at a stone’s throw from where I live.

A one hour flight from Cagliari, Sardinia, to Catania, one of Sicily’s most beautiful cities; then a 2 hour car or bus ride to Milazzo (a small town near Messina); and finally a hydrofoil ride from Milazzo took me to the Aeolian Islands archipelago.

Located off the North East coast of Sicily, this is composed of 7 islands, all of them of volcanic origin. It literally is a volcano extravaganza.

In my very brief time there, I had the chance to visit Vulcano (the name says it all!), where I hiked Vulcanello and Gran Cratere, and Stromboli, the island that takes the name from Volcano Stromboli, one of Italy’s most active volcanoes.

Hiking Stromboli volcano was the highlight of my brief time in the Aeolian Islands. In fact, it was one of the best hikes of my life. And I am sure it will be the experience of a lifetime for you as well.

In this post, I highlight everything you need to know to hike Stromboli Volcano and make the most of the island.

Should You Go On A Stromboli Hike?

I fell in love with Stromboli at first sight, as soon as I set foot there after a hydrofoil ride from Vulcano. Come to think of it, I actually fell in love with it as soon as I saw it in the distance, right after sunrise, from the balcony of my room in Vulcano.

The island is tiny – no more than 12 square km and around 600 inhabitants that reside there throughout the year in one of the two villages (Stromboli and Ginostra), although the island gets a large influx of tourists during the summer months. There’s hardly any car – just tuc tucs, golf carts and scooters.

I visited in mid October, at the very end of the summer season, when most businesses that cater to tourists have either already closed for the winter or are just about to.

It was great. The weather was sunny and warm (without the terrible heat of the summer months). I got to experience the best of the island – its environment, the narrow alleys of the small village, the food, the locals – without any of the crowds.

And, more importantly so, I got to go on a Stromboli hike, and experience one of the most active volcanoes in the world.

It was a thrilling adventure. One that I recommend to anyone who enjoys hiking, and who wishes to admire one of the most spectacular sunsets in the South of Italy. The following is a recollection of my experience on Volcano Stromboli.

This post also includes tips on how to hike Stromboli Volcano.

What To Expect On The Stromboli Hike

Although I had hiked other active volcanoes in the past and had even seen the lava explosions on Volcano Pacaya in Guatemala, my experience on the Volcano Stromboli hike was ten times better.

I can’t quite explain why hiking Mount Stromboli is such an incredible experience. It may be because Stromboli itself is an island, and during the hike, you can enjoy splendid sea views.

It may be the all-encompassing experience, where you can see, hear, and literally feel the lava explosions. It is simply fantastic.

A few facts about Stromboli Volcano

Mount Stromboli reaches an elevation of 926 meters above sea level. There are three craters at its peak, all of them regularly throwing smoke and lava.

The most recent major eruption occurred in 2019. Indeed, Stromboli is a very active volcano, characterized by what is known as Strombolian eruptions: explosions of lava that occur at more or less regular intervals.

The sights along the Stromboli hike

Let me start by stating that you can no longer hike all the way to the craters of Mount Stromboli, This is because an eruption in 2019 resulted in the death of a tourist.

Until 2019, the highlight of a Mount Stromboli hike was seeing the lava explosions. The best time of day to see them would have been when it was dark, and the bright red of the lava struck against the darkness of the surroundings—although keep in mind that there would be no guarantee that you’d be able to see the eruptions, as this would depend on the weather conditions.

I hiked when it was still permitted to reach the craters. Even then, as I walked out to meet my guide and the rest of the group for the hike, the owners of the hotel where I stayed mentioned that guests who hiked the day before didn’t get to see much because it was foggy at the top.

At the moment, you can only really hike to a viewpoint located about halfway to the craters. Don’t worry; the view from there is amazing, and you can still see the lava explosions.

Soon after meeting the guide and the rest of the group, you’ll start walking to Volcano Stromboli, cutting through the village. The guide will let you through the narrow alleys to eventually follow a path that goes all the way to the peak.

A few minutes after leaving the center, you will notice that nature is claiming its place: the vegetation is thick, and the soil dark and sandy, as it often is on volcanoes.

Walking up, the vegetation occasionally opens to reveal the breathtaking views: the intense blue of the Mediterranean sea against the darkness of the volcanic sand of Stromboli beaches and the whiteness of the village.

At around 400 meters above sea level, vegetation starts becoming sparse. Eventually, the landscape gets completely bare, and it feels like walking on the moon.

That’s when you will realize that, indeed, it is a volcano you are hiking. That’s also when you will notice the presence of several other guided groups hiking Mount Stromboli.

You’ll get the impression that the few tourists on the island are all doing the same thing. You won’t be able to blame them!

The incredible sunset

By the time you’ll reach the viewpoint, the sun will be setting. The light is simply spectacular. On a clear day, the islands of Alicudi and Filicudi will be easily visible.

The sea and the sky will look like one big cloud. Your guide will lead you to a viewpoint where you can literally sit and enjoy the show that is taking place in front of your eyes.

You will be able to hear (and even see, most of the time) the lava explosions on the craters – though keep in mind at first you won’t be able to recognize what the loud roar you’ll be hearing is! You will even feel the ashes from the explosion on your skin.

Most groups spend around 30 minutes admiring this incredible show of nature before eventually making their way back to the village.

Practical Guide For The Stromboli Hike

Due to the high activity of the volcano, only guided groups can hike to Mount Stromboli’s highest viewpoint (in any case, I hardly recommend hiking alone in general: read here why), which is located at 400 meters above sea level (around 1,312 feet). The views are stunning, and you can hear and (generally) even see the lava.

If you don’t want to hire a guide, you have the option of hiking independently to the Sciara del Fuoco lookout point (more about that below).

Guided hikes are offered between the end of March and the end of October. I wouldn’t recommend hiking in the summer months, as it really gets too hot!

There are various companies that offer guided hikes in a variety of languages. Group expeditions of up to 20 people cost around €30 euro per person, though it is also possible to hire a private guide (which is inevitably more expensive). Advanced bookings are essential.

I walked with Il Vulcano a Piedi and had a good experience.

You can book guided hikes to Stromboli Volcano online.

You may want to consider this Mount Stromboli hike – it’s an excellent guided tour option.

Hiking expeditions to Volcano Stromboli depart directly from the village in the afternoon—depending on the season—between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. The overall experience lasts around 5 to 6 hours, based on the number of breaks and the time spent at the viewpoint.

The idea is to get to the viewpoint right in time for sunset and walk down when it is dark already.

Make sure to carry some snacks and plenty of water for your Stromboli hike. The groups usually return to the village well after dark, and it’s nice to have a little something to hold yourself until dinner.

The path is sandy: a steady uphill on the way up, and downhill on the way back to the village.

I didn’t find the hike to be difficult or strenuous, though I suppose that depends on your level of fitness, and I would recommend not underestimating that.

What You Need For The Stromboli Hike

Here’s a short list of what I recommend wearing and carrying to hike Mount Stromboli:

Hiking boots are vital: the soil is very sandy and good ankle support makes it much easier to walk. The good news is that all companies that offer guided hikes also rent boots and other gear, and there’s plenty of shops in the village where it is possible to buy them too.

Wear layers, and carry at least one extra t-shirt: I recommend wearing a thermal, quick dry t-shirt and carrying an extra one to get changed during one of the breaks. Long Hiking Pants are necessary, as it gets cold at the top, especially as the sun goes down.

Also take a good wind jacket, a Avalon fleece sweater, a scarf and if possible also a hat and gloves. I hiked in mid October and I wished I had gloves, as my hands almost froze. I am not exaggerating!

A head lamp is necessary: the walk back down to the village is all done in the dark, and a light comes in handy. Companies usually provide that, too, along with a helmet that must be worn once near the crater.

Wear sunglasses: most of the walk is actually done in the shade or in the dark, but there is a lot of dust.

Bring a small daypack that can be used to carry extra clothes, plenty of water, and some snacks.

Carry a camera: the views along the hike and from the top are simply stunning.

Other Useful Things To Know

Other things to do in Stromboli

The Stromboli hike to the crater is certainly the highlight of visiting Stromboli. There currently is no information as to when it will be possible to hike up there again – though rumor has it that it won’t be allowed again.

In any case, there are many other things to do in Stromboli, so give yourself time to enjoy the atmosphere of this lovely, remote island and everything it offers.

Hike to the Sciara del Fuoco lookout

This is the only hike in Stromboli that you can actually do independently. The Sciara del Fuoco is the blackened Laval scar visible on the northern side of Mount Stromboli. If you are lucky, you may even be able to see the explosions from there.

The trail starts in Piscità, which is about 2 km (1.2 miles) west of the harbor and it is fairly easy to follow. You will get to a viewpoint located at 290 meters (little over 951 feet) above sea level.

While this hike can be done independently, if you prefer, you can also join a guided tour.

I recommend this Volcano Stromboli Sciara del Fuoco hike as it is the best available option.

A walk around the village

The village of Stromboli is actually lovely! Spend some time walking around its narrow alleys, take in the quaint atmosphere, and admire the whitewashed buildings with colorful doors and windows and all the gorgeous pergolas.

If you make it all the way to the Parrocchia di San Vincenzo Ferrari Church, you will also be able to enjoy views of Strombolicchio, an islet whose name literally means “small Stromboli.”

Check out the Red House

You can only see the Red House from outside, but it’s still worth going. This is the actual house where actors Ingrid Bergman and Roberto Rossellini lived together in 1949. At the time, they were filming Stromboli, Terra di Dio in 1949.

Enjoy time at the beach

The beaches in Stromboli aren’t exactly the definition of turquoise waters and fine white sand – quite the opposite, indeed. Remember, the island is volcanic, and as such, the sand is very dark, and this, in turn, makes the water look dark too. But it’s actually very clean and a nice place for a dip if you are in the mood (and in season).

The most popular beach here is Spiaggia di Ficogrande, an easy 10-minute walk from the harbor. Another nice beach to check out is Spiaggia Piscità, around 2 km (1.2 miles) west of the harbor.

Where to stay and eat in Stromboli

Though the island is small, there are plenty of accommodation options and places to eat in Stromboli. I only spent one night there, and opted to stay at Hotel Miramare. Rooms there are plain but comfortable, and they all have a large balcony with incredible views of the sea.

The owners are two lovely, incredibly sweet, and kind ladies. There’s a bunch of friendly cats hanging around – they are all rescues. That added to the relaxed atmosphere to me!

Another option, if staying longer, is that of renting one of the many villas in Sicily by the sea. I have seen several walking around the narrow alleys of Stromboli. They all have beautiful gardens and the benefit of having a kitchen to enjoy cooking using fresh local produce.

A good place to eat is Pizzeria Da Luciano. Pizza is perfect: it has a delicious, soft, and crispy crust and some great fresh toppings. There are also other great options, including fish and seafood, lots of pasta dishes, salads, and a great, creamy tiramisu.

The best gelato is that of Lapillo, which also makes the freshest typical Sicilian granita.

Getting to and from Stromboli

Stromboli can be easily reached via hydrofoil. There are two direct ferries leaving daily from Milazzo, near Messina, to Stromboli. There are also ferries that go to Stromboli after stopping in Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, and Ginostra (another settlement in Stromboli) before reaching Stromboli. Ferries are operated by Siremar and Liberty Lines.

You can book your hydrofoil to Stromboli on Ferryhopper.

There are 4 daily hydrofoils leaving from Stromboli and going to Milazzo. Keep in mind that if the sea conditions are too rough the connections are stopped. That happens regularly in the winter months.

Traveling to Sicily? Make sure to read my posts A Great Guide To The Things To Do In Catania, Italy and A Fantastic 8 Days Sicily Itinerary.

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