Volcano of Stromboli

Like the crater on Vulcano, Stromboli (926m/3,056ft), is one of the few European volcanoes that are still active; its red glow can be seen from a long way off. The ascent (3 hours), recommended to be undertaken from the north side, is a fascinating experience. The crater, to the north of the highest peak, emits at frequent intervals huge bubbles of lava which explode with a thunderous noise, throwing up showers of stones which fall back into the crater or roll harmlessly down the Sciara de Fuoco, a slope descending on the northwest side at an angle of 35° to the sea and continuing for some distance below the surface.

Only every few years are there more violent eruptions which cause damage to the cultivated parts of the island. When the vapour is not too thick it is possible to go down to the brink of the crater and look in.

The road leads via San Bartolo to the former observatory on the Punta Labronzo and then over the fields covered in detritus to the hilltop where the visitor will find himself opposite the crater and about 250m/820ft from it and can then seek out a suitably sheltered spot from which to watch the display.