Stromboli (Messina Province), area 12 sq km, pop. 407, post-code 98050, tel. 090, is one of the most beautiful and picturesque of the islands in the Aeolian archipelago. Of volcanic origin (in fact, the island is itself a volcano), it is almost entirely mountainous; at the center is the highest peak, alt. 924 m, known as Serra Vancori, which is an extinct crater. North of Serra Vancori is the crater Cina, alt. 918 m, and further north the present crater with numerous eruptive vents, lava flows, crests and conglomerates.
The volcanic activity is mainly explosive in type, with ashes and stones thrown high in the sky; sometimes magma pours out and concentrates along the Sciara del Fuoco. Here the lava is an awe-inspiring sight, like a torrent of fire plunging down towards the sea, wrapped in dense clouds and flying ashes; at night the lava streams - rivers of incandescent magma - flow down the slopes of the volcano, in a splendid play of light, dispersing in a thousand meanders and lighting up the darkness with the intensity of their energy.
The lava flow is bounded massive banks of solid lava which channel the incandescent material into the sea - the inhabitants of the island are therefore not exposed to any danger.
While the northern part is harsh and rocky, the other side, towards the east, has a gentler landscape, with pleasant green-topped hills, olive-groves, and vinyards which produce the sweet malmsey wine.
The caper-plants with their delicate flowers, clinging to the rocks, are the most characteristic form of vegetation of the island.
The low-walled white cottages are scattered here and there, as is the fashion in the archipelago.
The churches of San Vincenzo and San Bartolomeo rise above the village, with their facades, bell towers and cupolas.
A 4th-3rd century BC Greek necropolis has been discovered between the landing-stages of Ficogrande and Scari. This has produced some fine material, including terracotta theatre masks representing characters in Mender's comedies.
The picturesque locality of Ginostra, in the southern part of the island, is also worth a visit. A prehistoric Capo Graziano culture village (17th-16th centuries BC) has been identified on the timpone Ginostra (Ginostra gully).
Besides a round-the-island boat trip, which is extremely interesting, we can make a cautious excursion up to the active crater, which we reach after a 3-hour climb (it is advisable to go in the company of a local guide); also interesting is a visit (by boat) to the Sciara del Fuoco.
A picturesque excursion can be made to Strombolicchio, about 1 km from Stromboli.
This is a gigantic rock, the outline of which is reminiscent of a medieval castle.
Churches (Messina Diocese) include the following:
Links to other sites about Stromboli include:
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