The lighthouse of the Mediterranean, a volcano that erupts every few minutes
Stromboli, the northernmost of the Aeolian Islands, is a perfect volcanic cone rising from the sea, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. For at least two thousand years it has been in almost continuous activity, with small explosions every ten to twenty minutes that throw incandescent lava into the air: sailors called it the "lighthouse of the Mediterranean". This type of activity is called "Strombolian" all over the world.
The best way to see it is at night from the sea: boats leave from the islands to the Sciara del Fuoco, the steep slope down which lava and stones slide into the water. With authorised guides, when activity allows, you can climb to an observation point at about 400 metres. The two villages, Stromboli and Ginostra, the latter reached only by sea, have white houses, no cars and black sand beaches.
Tip: check the current rules on climbing, which change with the volcano's activity; Stromboli is also famous for Roberto Rossellini's film with Ingrid Bergman.
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