Climb Stromboli At Sunset

The adventure

The climb starts in the late afternoon from the little white village, up through scrub and then onto bare black slopes, the Mediterranean spreading out below as the sun drops. You're heading for a point above the Sciara del Fuoco, the scar down which the volcano's lava pours into the sea.

As darkness falls, you hear it before you see it: a deep boom, then a fountain of red-hot rock thrown into the air, glowing against the sky and tumbling back down. Every ten or twenty minutes it happens again. Stromboli has erupted like this for thousands of years, a style volcanologists named after it. Then it's head torches on and a long, soft slide down the ash slopes to a late dinner in the village.

Why it’s epic

Strombolian eruptions every few minutes.
The Sciara del Fuoco, where lava runs into the sea.
Night boat trips to watch the eruptions from the water.

What it is

Stromboli is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, throwing up small explosions of lava every few minutes, as it has for thousands of years. Sailors called it the Lighthouse of the Mediterranean.

How to do it

Hike with a licensed guide from Stromboli village, timed to reach the viewing area at dusk. Access depends on current activity.

Top tip

Bring a head torch, a warm layer and a dust mask or scarf; the descent is down soft volcanic ash.

Need to know

Climbing above a set height requires a licensed guide, and the summit can be closed.
Routes change after big eruptions; check the latest restrictions.
Boat tours offer a view of the eruptions when the hike is closed.

Plan this trip

Rough cost: £750 to £2,000 per person, including flights from the UK
Time needed: About 5 to 6 hours
Best time to go: April to October
Fly into: CTA airport

Guided hikes are reasonable; island accommodation books up in summer.

Make it happen

Why it’s on my list

Not done yet. If you’ve done it and have tips, tell me about it.