A high bluff broken in to small beaches with black sand alternating between caves and inlets. The white Mediterranean houses, the green from palm and olive trees and citrus trees all rest on a baron but fascinating volcanic cone, in the middle o fan intense blue sea. This is the black pearl that has always attracted people looking for uncontaminated nature and total relax.

“Iddu” and incredible volcanic island on the sea bubbles giving a unique show that reaches it’s peak during the night with explosions and lapilli launches, with a starry sky as it’s background.

A mile from Stromboli, a small volcanic island stands out like a fort and rapresents the most northern point of the Sicilian region. Baron and an uninhabited Strombolicchio is up to 50 m high and extends over a surface of 300m2. Not to forget Ginostra the small town on the southeast bank of the island, reachable only via sea and has a number of only 30/40 resisdents during the winter. the harbour called “il pertuso” – “the hole” known for it’s size is set in the rocks and opens to a ripid stairway that leads to the tiny urban town with a unique atmosphere of relax and peace that surrounds it.

The Aeolian Islands have origin from the eternal struggle between sea and the bowels of the earth, from the unstoppable strength of lava, which centimetre after centimetre, grain after grain, managed to win them against god Neptune from deep waters of the Tyrrhenian sea. A millenary war still lasting.

The magnificence of the volcano of Stromboli struggles yet today with the implacable anger of the lord of the abysses, who tries to get back the territories which were robbed to him. Entering in contact with the volcanic origins of these places is an amazing experience which will remain impressed like a motive of conversation and of pride in the memories of everybody who visits them. Stromboli is one of the most active volcanoes of the world, and its explosive eruptions occur on average every 15 minutes; the conquest of the peak, even if very difficult, deserves new emotions. The history of Stromboli starts around 200 thousands of years ago, the period when the first crater emerged: Strombolichhio, of which only the volcanic neck (solidified volcanic eruption channel) is today visible. The island’s foundations, as they appear today, emerged 150 thousand of years ago; the stratifications of lava emissions , and pyroclastic, in the course of millennia, created what today is the second highest peak of the Aeolians.

The climb towards the peak of Stromboli (named after the local idiom “Iddu”) can occur only if you are accompanied by a volcanologic guide, and starts from San Vincenzo Square. The whole route is an unmatched inebriation of colours and fragrances, surrounded by unique landscapes which transform it into an exciting experience. The climb lasts around 2,5 hours, with stretches of elevated slopes alternated with those more plain, useful for rest. Once reached the peak the view is assured, the explosions follow one another, and the starry sky is like the frame of the volcanic activity of Iddu (He), which with its rumbles, is able to strike terror even to the most fearless of the explorers. For those who do not want to afford this demanding climb, but at the same time do not want to give up this amazing view, anyway they can admire it from the sea. During the sunset there are various boats who organize excursions under the Sciara del fuoco; it is properly in the sea that the pyroclastic materials of the eruptions are poured. The eruptions provoke amazing clouds of water vapour. The excursion via sea finishes quite always with an aperitif in a small village of Ginostra, where in past the littlest port of the world was situated. Another option is that of the dinner at Osservatorio, an old building “converted” into a restaurant-pizzeria, where it is possible to have a characteristic dinner at candlelight, enjoying the lights and the rumbles of volcanic eruptions under the limpid and unmatched starry sky.

The history of Stromboli as the entire archipelago revolves around the sea, as a source of income, employment and news. Cinema in the sixties showed the undeniable and important link between these islands and their vocation to fishing and seafaring. In 1960 the team Panaria Film with remarkable spirit of adventure, made the first underwater shots, with the intention to explore a world only known to a small circle of enthusiasts. The vocation of this people to the sea and the close connection formed over thousands of years have marked the culture, that is still visible in the local traditions. The primary need for thousands of years forced the inhabitants into the sea, an unlimited source of food, that bond was transformed into a relationship so strong that the two are now one, visible to all those who venture in the archipelago. Taking to the waters of which sink rapidly over two thousand meters is a unique experience that will satisfy you completely, but navigating the Aeolian without paying attention to the dangers that lead you to find unpleasant surprises. be careful of the dry rock between Punta Lena and Strombolicchio; the rock that sticks out at Punta Lambronzo, located about 100 m. from the coast and the forbidden zone between Punta Lambronzo and Punta Chiappe staying 500m. from the shore to avoid falling boulders. anchoring and fishing is prohibited in the area adjacent to Point Lena due to the presence of under water cables. Stromboli, the northernmost island of the archipelago with a circumnavigation of nine miles,that consists of two residential units, the first takes its name from the island itself, the second, Ginostra, is located in the south-west. The main moorings of the island are Scari and Ginostra, but there are other two piers in the area of Ficogrande, one is used by a tanker that supplies water to the entire island, and the other was the old port is now partially silted recommended when there are southerly winds.

Pier of Scari:

a pier fifty feet long, this is the main port of the island, but fully exposed to all weather conditions. The dock is used for unloading of ferries and hydrofoils, and allows temporary landing permits. Pay attention to the remains of an old metal sbarcatoio; in this area is possible to fill up with fuel and water. The area near the old harbor is full of restaurants, hotels, bars, supermarkets.

Pier of Ficogrande:

Sea bed: sandy. Depths: dock from 2 to 9 m

In the Bay of Ficogrande are two piers, one is restricted to the tanker that supplies water to the entire island and the other allows fishing and pleasure boat sto moor. The pier is partially silted up and is recommended in case of wind from the south. Il porto di Ginostra: the port is located in the south-west and until a few years ago held the record for smallest port in the world, in 2004 a second jetty was built to facilitate the disembarkation. The new pier was built for hydrofoils and ferries and doesn’t allow people to stop there, this can be done in pertuso (the area that corresponds to the old port), embedded in rock that can contain only three small boats at a time. The port does not offer any facilities, a long staircase however will lead you to the residential area where there are few restaurants, a bar and a shop. Less than one hundred meters from the port there is a buoy that you can tie off to. Pay attention to the small port of Ginostra, and operate with extreme caution, the dimensions are very limited, and there are many sharp rocks.

Anchorage:

If you want to anchor, there are not many places where you can do it due to the great depth of water. Below you will find places where you can. The best place to anchor is located in Ficogrande, infront of the restaurant at the Tartana, easily visable from sea. East of Punta Lena, facing the visible fishing boats hauled up to shore, the depths are around twenty meters. About 100 m from the port of Ginostra a rocky irregular twenty meters will allow you to drop anchor. Docks on the island are absent but during the summer there are buoys operated by Sabbienere transfer service that will allow you to leave the boat safely and enjoy the magical atmosphere that this Island offers.

The Aeolian Islands, the seven pearls of volconic origin located in the deep waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea a few miles from the Sicilian coast. The archipelago has always attracted sailors and tourists from all over the world for its unique landscapes, its history, its clear waters and rich life, full of contrasts and a history full of eruptions, tidal waves, invasions and piracy. Despite the tourist destination that has developed over the past 50 years has managed to preserve a wild and uncontaminated sea. The depths from contrasting white pumice to those blacks of volcanic origin; a coastline full of cliffs and caves, coves, and the waters full of life witnessed the wrecks of time,

The Strombolicchio

Depth: min 4 – max 55; Difficulty: very hard; Current: medium; Visibility: very good The Strombolicchio, is a magical place in itself and as the symbol of Stromboli it deserves to be explored below the surface. it is possible to schedule two dives around the slopes of the islet: the first on the south-east where a wall of volcanic rock full of life sinks vertically to a depth of 50 m; the second on the south-west where the wall is rich with cracks and crevices. When diving around the Strombolicchio is easy to see fish, bream, grouper, barracuda, bream and sea urchins ; plus there are also many benthic organisms such as parazoanthus, and astroides clavelline. The last lives only in an environment totally free from pollution.

La Sciara del Fuoco

Depth: 11 min – max 44;: difficult, Visibility: excellent; Current: medium A unique and fascinating dive for its morphological characteristics of the marine environment. At a height of 12 m a plateau is made of volcanic rock which falls along a vertical wall colored by astroides, anemones, and sponges to the bottom of black sand, and then sinks in to the deep and dark waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Where it is easy to meet with groupers, moray eels, bream, and turbot.  This dive traces ideally the geological history of stromboli and is considered unique in the world for the extraordinary volcanic landscape.

Secca di Scirocco

Depth: Max 54, Difficulty: difficult, Visibility: good, Current: High A dive for experts with an advanced licesnse begins at about a twenty feet depth, in front of the Lena Point area where the wall is colored by huge sea fans, sinks into the deep blue. At the base of the wall large boulders forming canyons are inhabited by groupers, forkbeards, barracuda and moray eels. Scuba diving is only possible if the sea conditions are very calm.

La Secca di Mezzo

Depth: 25 m Difficulty: easy, Visibility: good Current: High La Secca di Mezzo is situated between Ficogrande and Strombolicchio about 500m from the shore it is a simple immersion that suits even beginners, but diving is reccomended only when the sea is flat. In this area it is not difficult to find schools of barracuda, large golden anf brown grouper and looking out from the crevices of the wall hidden octopus and moray eels.

The repeated and constant eruptions are always accompanied by the emission of bombs and lapilli that during the night to create a real fireworks show. The observation from Pizzo the top is a unique and exciting experience where many explosions change in both intensity and type. The phenomenon is relatively safe to watch at the observation point from Pizzo over the pit. The volcano of Stromboli, well known already for its continuous eruptive activity, apparently calm hides in its depths a constant whirlwind. The volcanic activity in 2002 led to the collapse of part of the Sciara del Fuoco with the resulting in a seaquake banned the climb to the crater for two years. In 2005 with a new regulation and reorganization of the trails excursions began again. Access, once totally unristricted, today it is only when below 400 m, exceeding this quota requires one to be accompanied by volcanic or alpine guides. The network of paths leading to 900 m were projected by the regional forest and the Civil Defence, who designed and created safer and easier paths. The hike to the volcano does not allow more than eighty people on the crater, and the guide is to inform the police station providing a list of vistors, the location, time of departure and return. Compliance to simple precautions can avoid unpleasant accidents, the approach to the mouths to photograph or film never justifies the risk. Stromboli volcano like all others is subject to unpredictable variations in intensity that can affect the entire summit area. The release of eruptive material can be blocks weighing up to 10 kilograms and be lethal to anyone struck by such, which is why one should pay attention to the giudes instructions and never stray from the paths. The climb to the volcano presents considerable difficulties, especially at night so it is recommended to be accompanied by tour guides who are familiar with the trails and who are currently updated on the eruptive activity. An experienced guide will help durring the climb and will also show you the natural beautys of the area and make sure of your safety for watching the “fireworks”.

There are several paths through the island:

The path of the cemeteries, this route, starting from Piazza San Vincenzo is by far the easiest and is also suitable for children and the elderly and there is no need for an escort. The trail begins by taking the path that leads from Via. Soldato Francesco Natoli to the geological station, from here, having left the main road, you get onto fascinating path surrounded by mediterranean vegetation. The path leads to the old cemetery that has been recoverd in recent years. Dating to the begining of the century, it contains the graves where ceramics typical of the place can be seen. The descent continues to the new cemetery, where a long staircase takes you back to the main road.

Trail from Piazza San Vincenzo to the Sciara del Fuoco 

This track, designed for easy walks leads from San Vincenzo to Punta Lambronzo which rises to an altitude of 400 meters horizontally along the mountain. The path, one and a half meters wide, From about 200 to 250 m the ground is sandy and rocky, the sandy part of the walk is terreced making it easier to complete. To make the trip more pleasant areas were built equipped with wooden tables and benches for resting.  The begining of the trail is on the road that runs alongside the church of San Vincenzo until you reach the old cemetery at 125 m where the well recognized Strombolicchio is visible; from here a path leads to an old oak tree where his shadow was made a small little square where you can admire the town center of San Vincenzo. Leaving the square you will continue the climb through a grove of oaks that will take you to the rocky ridge overlooking Cannestrà towards the west. The point offers a unique view of the village of San Vincenzo and Piscità. The path continues along a ground of black lava that reaches an altitude of 250 m, leading to an equiped resting area before the junction of the paths to the crater. The walk continues towards the west and leads to Vallonazzo, where you can appreciate the grandiosity of the gully. The crossing in this part is a descent of 40 m and a rise of 20 m on the opposite side of the trail that connects to a path in stone at an altitude of 230 m. The trail was designed to make the volcano known while minimizing exposure to hazards, the area that presents the greatest risk is Vallonazzo, where it is advisable to pass through without stopping. The few sections that run along the cliffs are marked by wooden railings, however it is maxium attention is recommended in particular in case in the change of weather.

Trail from San Vincenzo to Pizzo (above the pit)

The trail, built from scratch in 2004, allows you to reqach the north-east summit. This route is traditionally recognized as the safest way to reach the summit. The path leading to the crater has an average width of one meter, it is well marked and easily traveled, the ground alternating from sandy to rocky.  The first part of the climb to crater follows the path from the San Vincenzo chruch to Labronzo, from here the flat natural trail is left to the right to begin the upward path on the laft. . The area covered by bushes of cistus, goes through the classic stone walls made for agricultural purposes. At an altitude of 340 m in the vicinity of an oak tree there is a resting area from which the climb continues to the summit of the rocky ridge called Cannestrà at 500 m. Past this ponti there are is no shade during the summer and the hike can become somewhat tiring, so it is recommended to hike in the late afternoon and then one can also also fully enjoy the spectacular night view of volcanic activity. The climb along the ridge on the Liscione is characterised by lava of brick red color, has been simplified with the creation of numerous corners, covered by black sand and rocks, throughout the journey you will be accompanied by the sight of Stromboli and the Strombolicchio. Reaching the ridge which separates the Sciara del Fuoco at the eastern side is an exciting time, you’re face to face with the smoking craters, at this point it is important to choose the suitable place to stop and admire the volcanic activity because of the winds that move the fumes of sulfur dioxide.The descent can be made using two different paths other than that of the climb. The most conventional is on the south-east from Pizzo to Pontella delle Croci from which, even at a quick pace you can walk along the sandy area of​Rina Grande (one of the trickiest paths, having been covered by an avalanche of hot material during the eruption of 1944) until Liscione. This point is also known as the “shoe cleaner” due to the habit of emptying ones shoes of the sand collected in the descent. From this point onwards, the descent continues on a steeper slope until reaching the concrete road. The path is not considered highly difficult but is always good to pay considerable attention, a few points near the cliffs are not equipped with protective railings.

Path from Ginostra Portella Ginostra

The track from Ginostra can reach an altitude of 800 m, along the western edge of the Sciara del Fuoco to lead to Pizzo, the peak, where the spectacular eruptions are it’s owner. The well marked out route, starts from the terrace before the church of Ginostra, and continues along a steep trail and through the urban area, where the Aeolian architecture, the stone walls of lava stone and crops of capers, olives and prickly pears will provide as the backdrop. At an altitude of 50 m, the left fork takes you up lava stone steps to 120 m altitude, where a sign indicates the beginning of the trail called Piano di Vigna. The trail leads to Punta Corci where you begin to walk along the Sciara del Fuoco, which has very specific morphological characteristics of marine erosion, you will be suprised by the unusual boulders that cover the entire Sciara that break between the waves. From Punta dei Corvi, on a bed of gravel and volcanic material, the trail climbs steeply through dry walls built for the cultivation of capers and bushes of broom and cistus. Once in Portella Ginostra you can admire the eruptive activity of the southwest crater . It ‘s not recommended reutrn by the same path because of the steep slopes and unstable ground, one should instead go to Portella delle Croci where a well-trodden path leads you to Stromboli to then return by sea to Ginostra.

The history of Stromboli began about 200,000 years ago, when the first mouth emerged from the sea in the north-east in respect to the island today

corrisponding with what is currently Strombolicchio. Today the mouth is only the neck, the eruptive duct solidified and is very resistant to the erosive sea. The current island emerged about 40,000 years later, which are still evident eruptive units belonging to the era of paleostromboli I and II.

About 35,000 years ago, the vent moved to the north-west, the stratification of the emission of lava and pyroclastic rocks rose the cone to 700 m above sea level, this phase is referred to as paleostromboli III.

The history of Stromboli saw the series of events that led to the collapse and formation of various buildings, amoung these the erruptive complex of Scari that dates back some 34,600 years ago, where the frequent emission of lapilli etc can be observed.

The geological stratification can easily be identified through the analysis of pyroclastic deposits that mark the phases of Stromboli.

The Vancori complex, dates back to 26,000 years ago, is characterized by basaltic pyroclastic deposits and shoshonitics, this phase ended with the collapse of the north-west part of the volcano. The next stage sees the reformation in the northwest area that dates back to 13,800 years ago, and was called neostromboli. Simultaneously other erruptive vents gave origin to Timpone del Fuoco near Ginostra and to the lavas of San Bartolo and San Vincenzo. The north-west area suffered between 5,000 and 10,000 years ago, and another collapse changed the landscape, leaving a horseshoe-shaped dent that extends up to 2,000 m below sea level. This deep hole was filled by pyroclastic material and lava. Currently, the eruptive center is composed of three craters parallaly aligned on the top of the Sciara del fuoco.

The recent eruptive activity of Stromboli can be divided into two distinct periods: the first from the IV – VII century, characterized by bursts with classic Hawaiian fountain eruptions, the second shows the same characteristics as the current one with bursts of medium- low intensity followed by the leakage of dark ash such activity occasionally takes the form of paroxysms, eruptive crisis of greater intensity with the emission of pumice and golden brown flows.

The current activity takes place at 750 m height in the three craters aligned to Sciara del Fuoco, the morphology of these craters changes frequently because of violent explosions, with the subsequent migration of eruptive vents. The activity consists of regular explosions of medium-low energy lasting a few seconds at intervals of ten or twenty minutes. Emissions consist of bombs, lapilli, ash and blocks that rise from tens of meters up to several hundred.

Periods of inactivity are very rare; between 1908 and 1910 there was registered the longest period of dormancy. The normal activity can be interrupted by bursts of greater magnitude defined as paroxysms, characterized by violent and sudden outbursts during which the launching of pumice, ash and stone blocks to reach considerable distances to affect residential areas. These paroxysms may cause the falling of material onto the slopes steeper triggering avalanches of debris documented during eruptions in 1930, 1944 and 2003.

The lava flows, of which only twenty-eight were recorded in the last century, usually escape through the fractures of the eruptive crater within the area of the Sciara del Fuoco that continuously produces dark lava.

On the north-west of Stromboli is the underwater portion of the Sciara del Fuoco, which originates at 200 m depth in an underwater valley called the “Valle di Sciara.”

Many oceanographic researches showed a large valley on the side of the volcano that extends to a depth of 2500 m.

Stromboli has been well known since ancient times for its volcano was much to be called the “Lighthouse of the Tyrrhenian” In fact, just follow the route from Naples towards the Aeolian darkness where sudden flashesof light illuminate it at intervals announcing it’s position.The Arabs had named the island Strongyle, while the Greeks Stròmbos,spinning top, because of its volcanic cone that resembles a spinning top. Quoted in mythology as the abode of the god Aeolus, it seems that at Stromboli Odysseus met the god who gave him a leather bag containing the head wind that would be easily lead him back to Ithaca. A colony of Lipari, the island was inhabited for centuries, only during the sowing of seeds and harvest. The first town established in the island dates back to the sixteenth century. A.D. in the area of the church of San Vincenzo. It’s economy for centuries was based on agriculture, fishing and seafaring. Agriculture was based on typical Mediterranean products like olive trees, vines and figs, grown in carefully terraced land that over the centuries have forged the appearance of the island. Due to the lack of game and pasture land they based their economy on fishing, essential to the survival of local populations, due to the presence of a diverse fish species such as sardines, grouper, bream and squid.  Putting together the products from both land and sea   birth to a cuisine unique in the world was given, being an isalnd however it was difficult to difuse but over the centuries this changed and  today gives us cuisine of the highest quality, rich in spices with contrasting flavors. The navy also enjoyed it’s moments of glory on the island, in the eighteenth century. It had a fleet of 65 sailing ships, linking Naples to Sicily, this was the most flourishing period of the island where the population reached 4000 inhabitants. The next century was a period of great depression after the invention of the steamboat and the construction of the railway Naples-Reggio Calabria  the navy was permanently marked with the loss of a substantial source of income for local people. In 1930, Stromboli risked abandonment because of repeated heavy eruptions, an earthquake that caused a tsunami with waves of 30 meters and the attack of a croorganism that compromised the crops, led to a mass migration of farmers to America and Australia. The island gained notoriety after the war in 1949 when Roberto Rossellini filmed “Stromboli Land of God” which pointed the spotlight and attracted considerable fanfare due to the relationship between the director and Ingrid Bergman, the female lead in the film. There is a plaque commemorating the house where the two resided in Via Vittorio Emanuele. After this the island not only incresed in tourism but was repopulated by Campani and Sicilians who settled there fascinated by the uncontaminated and baron nature that surrounds it.

Undoubtedly, the sea is one of the main attractions of the island, if you do not own a boat, do not worry, there are countless places where you can relax on the soft black sand and enjoy the spectacular sea.

Stromboli has great beaches but also small and secluded coves:

The beach of Forgia Vecchia

To the south is a large beach the Forgia Vecchia. Full of pebbles that fall from right underneath the slope of the volcano. A unique landscape located in a small bay where the calm and trasparent waters are protagonists. Accessible only on foot by taking a path that begins at the beach Scari, located about 300 m from the pier, a heavenly ambient for those seeking peace and tranquility

The beach of Scari

Behind the landing there is a large beach made up of lava pebbles and separated into two parts by the pier. The beach located in a strategic point just below the area of ​​San Vincenzo offering a unique view of Stombolicchio. The northern part of the pier offers shelter for boats, but the southern stretches for about a mile until you reach the beach in Old Forge. The coast is accompanied by crystal clear waters.

The beach of Ficogrande

While north of Scari there is a large beach Ficogrande, this is the only one equipped with refreshments, umbrellas, deckchairs and a beach volleyball court, facing the Strombolicchio and so close that you seem to get around on swimming. This beach is the most popular of the island and is made up of volcanic pebbles and black sand and an intense blue sea.

The beach of Piscità

Further north, along a small road at the end of Ficogrande, you will find countless alleys that lead you to the sea, go one an adventure and discover creeks made from volcanic pebbles or black sand separated from each other by ridges created by the lava flows.

The road is marked by these coves reaching the long sandy Piscità very busy end of which you will find a rocky part where those who love a complete tan can relax and enjoy the sea.

The beach of Punta Lena

The beach at Punta Lena, is located at the southernmost piont of the island and is reachable only by boat, it offers a granite grey coastline where the waters have cobalt blue color. You are immersed in absolute peace where the the sylabbles of the wind and the waves crashing on the shore are the only sounds you will hear.

The Pools of Ginostra

The pools of Stromboli are located on the western side of the island, in conjunction with the small village of Ginostra. Only accessible by sea, the rocks that surround the pier form natural pools that give the sea a color ranging from emerald green to indego, considered a treat for diving lovers due to the uniqueness and beauty that they hold.

The Lazarus Beach

Located near Ginostra to get to the beach you must go down an old path that requires about a 15 minute walk from the small village. The beach is connected to the sea by a small______ that allowed the towing of vessel to a cave that opens onto the rocks. the beacj is made up of huge boulders polished by the erosive action of wind and sea. The area is known for the presence of an underwater arch that for all diving enthusiasts makes it one of the most beautiful attractions of the archipelago.

The sea by boat

What better way to enjoy the sea from a small boat to discover the wonders of a coastline rich in sights and a way of seeing the residential areas of Stromboli and Ginostra.

If you do not have a boat you can always rent or book a tour of the island, there are many compagnie for such that you’ll find near the port of Scari.

Departing from this port you head towards the south where just past the Vecchia Forgia beach, you quickly arrive at Punta dell’Omo great for fans of diving due to the imense fauna and flora this area contains. It is advisable to take goggles with you that will allow you to enjoy the wonders of the sea at only a few meters depth. The distance that separates you from Ginostra is short, in this stretch between Punta Lena and Punta Lazarus, you can admire the beauty of the mountains, full of old lava flows that have shaped the landscape creating unusual gullies. At this point Ginostra is just around the corner, the “Pertuso” (hole) will welcome you, until a few years ago was called the smallest port in the world, nestled between the rocks forming natural pools of emerald green. Today the old port has been expanded with the construction of a dock for ships and hydrofoils. To venture down the steep trail that leads to the village, is like stepping back in time, where the modern life frenzy never came, and where small homes, many of which unlived in with original architecture remaining intact. Returning to the sea in a few minutes you will be at the Sciara del Fuoco, a dusty gully where eruptive debris spills. Linger a few minutes and see how the rocks, due to the eruptive activity continue to roll down the slope, raising a cloud of dust as they pass, then crash into the sea, raising huge splash of water (obviously it is necessary to keep to safe distances). The tour continues until you reach the Strombolicchio passing by Piscità.

A small volcanic island situated about a mile from Stromboli, rappresents the most northern point of the Sicilian region. Baron and an uninhabited Strombolicchio is up to 50 m high and extends over a surface of 300m2. It is part of the same geological base and is a rare example o the volcanic neck formed from the solidification of magma from the inside of the crater , visable due to the erosion of the friable cone.

An Aeolian leggend tells the story of the small island and the top of Stromboli that was thrown into the sea during a violent eruption.

It origins begin over 200, 000 years ago and it is the first volcanic complex of Stromboli. The eruptive mouth, when unable to find other ways to escape through the earlthy crust, moved slightly creating about 100.000 years ago volcano of Stromboli.

In 1991 strombolicchio was declared a complete natural reserve for its extreme natural interest. preventing tourists to visit the island. It is home to sporadic vegetation but of very high interest, such as the “granata rupicola” a flower that risks extinction, it can also be found on the island of Caprì. Amoung the vegetation dianthus rupicola, Matthiola incana, Hyoseris taurina, Euphorbia dendroides and Ephedra can also be found. It’s wildlife aspect is also very interesting due to the presence of the aolian lizard ( podarcis raffonei) found only on Salina, Filicudi, and some areas of Vulcano. The common gecko is also relatively diffused. the submersed part of Strombolicchio is home to encrusting algae, sponges, marine annelids, byrozoans and gorgionians and is a paradise for divers.

The small village of Ginostra is situated on the south west part of the island and up until a few years ago it held the record of the smallest port in the world: il pertuso – the hole.  Set in the rocks it allowed access to only one boat at a time and contained only three embarkments, the others were pulled in with the help of characteristic beams of wood on which the boat sild onto. For bigger boat this however was impossible so they were usually reached by a smaller boat often with oars once reached but the smaller boat outside of the harbour supplies and passengers where loaded aboard and taken to shore. This operation was however often impossible due to weather conditons, isolating to small town for long periods of time. In 2004 the old port was widened to hasten evacuations in case of a natural disaster. The work preserved the state of the town and it’s small port.In the same year the toen was connected to an electric line and a supply resivour, Until then electricity was supplied by solar panels and motor generators. due to the fact that there was no water on the isalnd it was collected from rooves and converged in a tank which each house was provided with. The town is reachable only by a steep track that leads to the square where a monument for those who died in WWII can be found. The sqaure forks off into two small streets. One that leads to the church and the other to Lazzaro beach. The town only had 30 residents accustomed to solitude and tranquility. The small number of houses still mantain an intact architecture. For people who love peace and quiet where only the noises that can be heard are the wind, sea and the hooves of a mule the only means of transport that takes supplies from the port to town centre.

The Sea and the beaches of Ginostra

The coast surrounding the town has no real beaches but that doesn’t deny people the pleasure of diving into the clean trasperant water. There are three point where it is possible to swim, below the church a path leads to a rocky corner surrounded by colbolt blue water, near the harbour naturally made pools are set into the rock creating a truely pituresque scene. The third beach is Lazzaro, an old slipway leads to the sea. The seabed supplies those who enjoy diving with a unique experience. A submearsed arc becomes the frame to a thriving vegetation. At the area before the church at about 15-20 meteres depth there is an old wreck of a military ship. The depths of the island are populated by groupers, bream, eels, octopuses and sea urchins, also from the shore if you are lucky you will see whales, dolphins and swordfish passing by.