The Eolian islands, known as the 7 pearls of the Mediterranean are of volcanic origin. Over the millennium they have changed their appearance and size, and their volcanic activity has created incomparable landscapes, grottoes, bays, inlets and rocky formations. It would be true to say that nature has had its way.
But there is one island of them all, which, with it’s volcano that has been active for more than 2000 years, represents the mediterranean:
Stromboli
When you arrive at the port, there is an atmosphere different from the other islands: the black sand and rocks, the white and blue houses overlooking the sea, and the noise of the volcano that accompanies you day and night, make this island unique and unforgettable.
The island has a lot to offer: if you like physical activity there are many different paths that you can walk along.
One of these takes you to the observatory; here apart from eating a delicious pizza, you can watch the volcanic eruptions of the crater.
If you are a seasoned trekker, you can also climb the crater with an authorised volcanology guide. A well trodden path gives you the opportunity to admire the local flora and fauna, and the morphology of the island, until you reach the summit and panoramic point where, while you wait until dusk, you can feel the earth trembling with each volcanic eruption.
But Stromboli is not just its volcano. Spending more time there, you realise that the locals are different, they have a charm of their own.
There are also many places where you can swim, a lot of them not very easy to reach, which makes them unique and not overcrowded.
The local means of transport are mopeds and three wheeled “Ape”.
If you arrive on the island in the evening, it is the moon that lights your way down the lanes and alleys.
Stromboli is well worth a visit, and like all the other Eolian Islands, will remain in your heart forever.
