Fans of extreme tourism probably dream of looking into the mouth of a volcano. You can make a trip that combines pleasant relaxation and the thrill of the spectacle of red-hot lava, if you contact the travel and excursion agency.
In this article we will talk about the active volcano Stromboli. Where is this natural wonder located? Of course, in Italy. Everyone has heard of Vesuvius and Etna, but few know about Stromboli. Recently, excursions to it have become increasingly popular.
Volcanic Island
In the Mediterranean Sea there is an archipelago with an island, which was formed as a result of the accumulation of magma erupted from the mouth of the Stromboli volcano (geographic coordinates: 38°48'14″ N, 15°13'24″ E). It is near the island of Sicily. The archipelago is located in the Tirenian Sea and consists of several small islands, united by the name of the Aeolian, or Aeolian, Islands. All of them are under the protection of UNESCO.
Stromboli Island has a rounded shape, hence the name. "Stromboli" means "circle" in Latin. Its area is a little over 12 sq. km, and the height above sea level -almost 1000 m. The total height of the volcano is 2000 m. Despite the limited area, three settlements have formed at the foot of the volcano, in which there are several small, but very comfortable tourist complexes.
Stromboli Volcano has three craters, two of which periodically erupt lava. The third one is long gone. He did his job 100,000 years ago when the island was underwater. The magma erupted from its mouth formed an island that rose above sea level. Two of his brothers worked on the rest of the landscape.
Nature
The beauty of the natural landscape on the slopes of the Stromboli volcano (its photo is presented in the article) is captured in cinema and literature. This volcano is described in Jules Verne's novel Journey to the Center of the Earth. The olive groves mentioned by the writer, as well as vineyards and orchards, are located on the eastern side of the island. This is where the famous capers grow. Unopened buds of these flowers are preserved and used as a spicy snack for various dishes.
A special grape variety grows on fertile soil, which is used to produce the famous Malvasia wine.
North side - a striking contrast. It represents lifeless rocks, on which a thin river of red-hot lava looks especially beautiful.
The locals make weather forecasts based on the nature of the smoke. If the smoke swirls especially thickly over the volcano, then you need to wait for a storm, and if red-hot pieces of lava or volcanic bombs fly out of the vent, then heat will come from the south.
Eruptions
The two craters of Stromboli are almost constantly erupting narrow lava flows and throwing out ash, warming the surrounding air and water of the Tyrenian Sea. During the summer months, the Stromboli volcano warms up the water area to 30 degrees Celsius.
Employees of the seismic station do not stop monitoring the activity of the volcano for a single minute. If eruptions occur frequently, this is considered a good sign - the volcano is released from the accumulated energy in small doses. If the excitement in the vent subsides for a long time, this is a sign of an imminent eruption of a more powerful force. On such days, red-hot stones fly out tens of meters and fall with a hiss into the water of the sea. Those that hit the rock scatter in small fiery red spray. All this is preceded by a rumble erupting from the depths of the giant and light shaking of the earth's surface.
Staying on the island is considered absolutely safe, climbing to the vent is carried out almost every day, however, it is strictly forbidden to do this without an employee of the seismic station and is punishable by a fine.
Organized hikers wear special outfits consisting of a jacket, raincoat, helmet with flashlight, goggles and fire-resistant shoes.
Historical information
The tiny island, which is the Stromboli volcano, belongs to Italy. And like every corner of this country, it is relevant to world history.
The main event associated with this place is the famous battle of Stromboli. In January 1676a bloody battle took place between the French and Dutch squadrons, ending in victory for the French.
On this island, Roberto Rossellini filmed "Stromboli, God's Land" starring Ingrid Bergman. During the filming, a romance began between the director and the actress, which remained in the history of cinema as one of the most famous and scandalous love epics - both at that time were not free and had children. There is a scene in the film where Bergman's character sits on the edge of a volcano at night. Its fire-breathing mouth symbolizes the underworld. The woman looks at him and comes to rethink her own life. The film was released in 1950, and a few years later the couple broke up.
In memory of the filming of this film, one of the local bars was named Ingrid.
Tyrrhenian lighthouse
In the recent past, on sea charts, the island of Stromboli was designated as the Tyrrhenian lighthouse. Hot rivers of magma flowing along the slopes of the volcano are visible for many kilometers. Superstitious sailors disliked approaching the island because of the smell of sulfur, which they associated with death and hell, but it was an excellent guide and helped the ships to keep the right course.
Over time, the activity of the Stromboli volcano has decreased significantly. The magma stream was not visible every day, so a real lighthouse was installed on the nearby bas alt island, Strombolicchio, which is a rock with steep slopes. It can be reached by a narrow steep staircase. This is entertainment for very brave people.
Tourist entertainment
The tourist season in Stromboli starts in March and ends in November. By this time, residents of Sicily are moving here, having their own business here. The population of the island grows from 400 people in winter to 850 during the influx of tourists, that is, in summer. The tourist industry of Stromboli offers several 3-star hotels to the guests of the island - Villaggio Stromboli, Ossidiana Stromboli and one 4-star - Sirenetta Park Hotel. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, TV, mini-bars. Free internet and buffet breakfasts are provided. From each hotel it is easy to go to the beach, where there are sun loungers and umbrellas. All of them are less than five minutes from the beach.
The blue-black sand of the local beaches is more like Russian black earth than the one found on the beaches of other seas, but it is credited with miraculous healing properties. Believe it or not, it is unknown, but the tan obtained on the beaches of Stromboli has a special shade.
The Sirenetta Park Hotel has a s altwater pool. In the same hotel you can rent diving equipment (7-8 euros) and, accompanied by an instructor, board a boat and go to the nearest rocks, where you can make an exciting underwater journey. The marine flora and fauna in these places is rich and diverse. And the water is so clean and transparent that it can be seen several dozen meters deep.
Among tourists, the most popular apartments are Aquilone Residence, Pedra Residence, including bed and breakfast.
Volcano Climbing
Here's what you need to know when preparing to climb the Stromboli volcano vent.
The tour always starts in the afternoon. This is done in order to be at the top in the dark, when the magma boiling is clearly visible in the depths. The northwestern slope of the vent has collapsed, and a caldera has formed, along which lava flows. Currently, there is not much activity in the vent, but clouds of smoke, ash and gas still constantly come out from the depths of the Stromboli volcano. The eruption may be accompanied by the release of volcanic bombs. They fly up to three kilometers away. Therefore, it is forbidden to approach it without special equipment. Hiking up to almost a kilometer height takes three and a half hours. It's hard. Basically, only the most hardy decide on this. There is no funicular here. During the trip, you can see the helipad. Its small size is amazing. Only a very experienced pilot will be able to land on such a plateau without accident. The site ends with a sheer cliff 100 meters high.
Most tourists prefer to admire eruptions from motor boats. The views around Stromboli are amazing: the sea, the lighthouse, islands with picturesque vegetation and volcanoes.
Tourists stay near the vent for about an hour. They take photos of Chiaradi del Fuoco, the name of this volcanic depression, admire the landscape and snack on dry rations with hot tea.
It is strictly forbidden to climb to the vent alone, as tourists are warned about intour desk, and then reminded at each hotel. Fine – 500 euros.
No climbs on Sundays.
Ginostra
There are only two settlements on the island of Stromboli - Ginostra and Stromboli. Ginostra is located in the southwestern part of the island.
Villages are separated by rocks and stones, you can get from one to another only by water. Ginostra is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest port in the world. It can only take one boat.
This village is also famous for the fact that in 2003, as a result of a strong eruption, vineyards and orange orchards were destroyed in it. Three people died and several buildings were destroyed. Many residents have moved to Sicily.
San Vincenzo and San Bartolo
Two villages, San Vincenzo and San Bartolo, were recently merged and renamed the city of Stromboli. Unlike Ginostra, they have never suffered from lava. Their architecture evokes pleasant feelings among tourists and the desire to someday settle here for a long time. Quiet and narrow cobbled streets, small two- and three-story white stone houses, friendly locals and excellent cuisine, consisting mainly of seafood and fruits of the earth.
In the city center - a cozy square with the town hall, several shops, cafes, a hairdresser and a post office.
Cars on the island can be counted on the fingers. Here it is customary to travel on foot, by bicycle or motorcycle.
PieStromboli and souvenirs
Every hotel and village cafe has one must-have dish on the menu. It's called Stromboli. The volcano looks like an ordinary pie stuffed with meat, vegetables or fish. In the center of it is a hole designed to play the main role and imitate the crater of a volcano. Cheese is hidden under the dough. When baked, it melts and flows out like volcanic lava.
They say that the idea of this dish was suggested to the inhabitants of the island of Stromboli by their neighbors from Sicily, and to those, in turn, some American tourists.
As souvenirs, you can bring home not only "Malvasia" and capers, dishes and textiles with the image of the Stromboli volcano. Crafts from volcanic rock are very popular. Local craftsmen offer tourists pumice stone with original drawings carved on one side. Frozen magma is used to make jewelry and various trinkets - key rings, ashtrays, boxes and much more.
