As you may remember, I previously shared our exciting exploration of Taormina, which marked the beginning of our Sicily journey. If you missed it, you can catch up by following this link to the Taormina blog post. Now, let’s continue our adventure as we set sail from the charming port town of Milazzo to the captivating Stromboli Island.
Reaching Stromboli from Milazzo
After visiting Taormina and hiking Mount Etna, we were hungry for more volcanic adventures. We hoped to visit the island of Stromboli and see its active volcano erupt up close. However, squeezing Stromboli into a day trip proved difficult, as the best eruptions often occur in the evenings after sunset.
We decided an overnight stay would allow us to maximize our chances of witnessing the dramatic late-night display. While there are a few launch points to reach Stromboli by boat, including the picturesque city of Messina nearest the mainland, we chose the port of Milazzo for its shorter travel time.
A Few Words on Milazzo
Milazzo, a picturesque port town located on the northeastern coast of Sicily, welcomed us with its vibrant atmosphere and rich history. Known for its imposing castle and beautiful beaches, Milazzo offers a perfect blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Founded by the ancient Greeks in the 8th century BC, Milazzo played an important defensive role due to its strategic position overlooking the Strait of Messina. Today, it remains a popular gateway for exploring Sicily’s natural attractions.
From Milazzo’s port, ferries depart regularly for the Aeolian Islands dotting the Tyrrhenian Sea. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches, coves, and coastlines. Places like the beaches of Stromboli, Lipari, and Panarea draw many visitors. Several islands like Salina and Lipari produce distinctive wines from native grape varieties.
Unfortunately, our time in Milazzo was limited, and we didn’t have the opportunity to explore all of its attractions. However, we did manage to have a delightful dinner at Osteria Adagio Adagio, a local restaurant recommended by our B&B owner. The cozy ambiance and delectable cuisine left a lasting impression on us, making our stay in Milazzo even more memorable.
View of Porto di Milazzo from Boulevard de Milazzo
Parking in Milazzo: An Unconventional but Adequate Service
Our strategic choice to stay in Milazzo was driven by our anticipation of the next leg of our journey – a voyage to the captivating Stromboli Island. We rented a car in Taormina and drove to Milazzo, but since we planned to visit Stromboli Island and spend the night there, we needed to park our car safely somewhere. After some research, we discovered Parking Mignon, a reliable valet service in Milazzo.
The pick-up process from Parking Mignon was unconventional. Our B&B host had arranged for our vehicle pick-up in advance, and a driver arrived to take possession of the car. However, instead of providing us with a receipt or any documentation, the driver simply drove off with the car. This left us feeling uneasy and worried for the safety of our vehicle.
Thankfully, we had the foresight to quickly photograph the car as it drove away, which gave us some peace of mind. After our return from Stromboli, when we arrived at the port to be reunited with our car, we saw a Parking Mignon representative standing next to the shuttle bus with the name of the Parking service on it. We approached him and explained that while we did not have a ticket or receipt, our vehicle was supposed to be parked at their facility. He was able to quickly locate our vehicle using the internal records.
Going forward, I would recommend asking for a proper receipt or documentation at drop-off to avoid any unnecessary stress during your time away. While Parking Mignon’s service was adequate, a more transparent and organized process at the beginning would have improved the experience significantly. Still, we were satisfied that our vehicle was safely looked after during our island excursion.
A Journey To Stromboli
There are multiple daily ferry connections between Milazzo and Stromboli operated by two main companies: Liberty Lines and Siremar. Liberty Lines runs fast hydrofoils, whereas Siremar operates year-round conventional ferries, which typically take 2-3 hours.
We chose Liberty Lines and due to our selected sailing time, our journey took around 3 hours. However, I believe the timetables for both companies may change, so be sure to check the websites below to find the most suitable ferry ride options for your travel dates:
- Liberty Lines: www.libertylines.it
- Siremar: www.siremar.it
The open-water crossing passes beautiful coastal scenery. Be sure to bring motion sickness medication if prone to seasickness. A hat, sunscreen and light layers are also advisable, along with water and snacks for the journey.
Alternative options include private boats that can be chartered, or cruise ships that make stops between Sicily and the Aeolian islands during the summer.
First hour on Stromboli
Finally, we set foot on Stromboli and were immediately captivated by its beauty. The volcanic island looked straight out of a fairy tale, with the smoking mountain looming prominently in front of the tiny black sand port. Wherever you looked on the small island, your eyes were drawn back to the imposing sight of the active volcano. We couldn’t help but wonder how the locals live with this constant geological pressure right on their doorstep.
After navigating directly to our Airbnb to drop off our bags, we found our accommodation with ease just a 15 minute walk from the harbour. Our host was already waiting to greet us, explaining everything about the lay of the land and providing invaluable insights gained from a lifetime on the island. We learned secrets about the best spots and traditions that aren’t published in any guidebook.
Eager to explore, we rushed to check out the sea cave our host had recommended – an 18 minute walk away. It was the perfect place to cool off before our hike, with glow worm-lit volcanic rock and crystal clear waters. After properly resting on the beach, we made our way to a local pizzeria popular with locals, fueled us up for challenging ascents of Stromboli.
Local Community and Environment
Stromboli, despite its volcanic nature, is home to a small but vibrant community. The island boasts only two villages, with a population of approximately 500 people. The primary village, located near the port, exudes a charming simplicity. Its narrow streets are lined with quaint houses, local shops, and a handful of restaurants and cafes. One such establishment that caught our attention was Cafe Ingrid, situated conveniently opposite the church. We couldn’t resist indulging in their delicious pastries and breakfast options, savoring the flavors while soaking in the laid-back atmosphere.
The island’s other village, Ginostra, is more secluded and disconnected from the port and the primary village. Accessible only by boat or a challenging hike, Ginostra offers a glimpse into a simpler way of life. Its residents lead a humble and rustic lifestyle, surrounded by the untamed beauty of the island.
Despite facing unfortunate events such as fires and floods in recent years, the resilient people of Stromboli continue to embrace their lives on the island. Their unwavering spirit of resilience and determination is evident in their daily routines and interactions. We had the opportunity to engage with some of the locals, who shared stories of their experiences living in such close proximity to an active volcano. Their tales were a testament to their courage and adaptability, reminding us of the strength of the human spirit.
Hiking the Volcano Summit: The Spectacle of Volcanic Eruptions
Undoubtedly, the highlight of our Stromboli stay was the exhilarating hike to the summit of the volcano. We had booked a guided tour with Magmatrek, a renowned hiking company specializing in volcano expeditions. Our guide, with a background in volcanology, provided us with fascinating insights throughout the journey. They shared their extensive knowledge of the volcano’s behavior, ensuring our safety and enhancing our understanding of the natural forces at play.
The hike itself was an unforgettable experience. It was not overly challenging, but it required a moderate level of fitness and endurance. The trail took us through diverse landscapes, from lush vegetation to rugged volcanic terrain. We marveled at the unique flora and fauna that have adapted to thrive in such extreme conditions.
The hike commenced at 5 pm, strategically timed to reach the summit during twilight. This allowed us to witness the mesmerizing volcano show as the sun dipped below the horizon.
As darkness fell, the volcano came alive with bursts of fiery lava shooting into the air. The eruptions occurred randomly, sometimes just minutes apart, creating a spectacle that left us in awe. We were fortunate to witness multiple eruptions during our time at the summit. With our cameras poised and our hearts racing, we stood still, capturing the awe-inspiring moments as they unfolded.
Descending from the summit in the darkness presented its own challenges. The steep, uneven terrain made for tricky footing in the low light. It was definitely advisable to bring a headlamp or flashlight, and in fact they are mandatory for safety reasons.
I tried using a headlamp initially but found it attracted too many flying insects on the warm summer night. It was hard to see beyond the swarms. Luckily I had a backup handheld flashlight which worked much better for illumination without interfering insects.
The insect situation was intense all over the island. Mosquitos were out in force, so insect repellent is a must. Long sleeves and pants also offer protection from bugs as dusk falls. It gets quite cold on the exposed volcanic slopes after sunset too, so extra layers are recommended.
On our way back to the village, we stopped at a restaurant called Osservatorio, perched on a hillside halfway down. It offers an unparalleled view of the volcano’s crater from an outdoor terrace, making it the perfect spot to watch eruptions over dinner or drinks. We sat down with a glass of local wine and tiramisu to enjoy the show nature was putting on across the island.
For those not up for the 400m climb, you can access Osservatorio via a slightly longer but much gentler 25-30 minute walk from the village harbor. It’s the best way to experience Stromboli’s fiery spectacle without breaking a sweat getting there. An unforgettable way to end an epic day on the island.
Hiking Stromboli is an experience that combines the beauty of nature, the thrill of adventure, and the wonder of volcanic activity. Whether you choose to embark on this journey with a guide or venture partway independently, the rewards are undoubtedly worth it. The island’s unique geological features, the warmth of its people, and the mesmerizing volcanic eruptions create an atmosphere that is both captivating and humbling.
Conclusion
A visit to Stromboli offers a thrilling experience of witnessing active volcano eruptions. Hiking to the summit provides a safe and unforgettable adventure, allowing you to witness the fiery explosions and glowing lava flows up close. Beyond the volcanic activity, Stromboli’s dramatic landscape, charming villages, and delicious cuisine make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventurers.
As we bid farewell to the captivating island Stromboli, this article merely marks the beginning of our thrilling two-week Sicily adventure. Make sure to check out other articles on Sicily adventures and journeys, where we unveil hidden gems, exciting destinations, and unforgettable experiences.
