hike stromboli without guide


Are you very sensitive? Water: I took a large bottle of water (1.5 litres) and it was enough. If not, then at least its dark for some of the climb! We ending up ruling it out due to lack of time (and wanting to climb Mount Etna also fabulous! Cereal bars and a few sweets work well to keep your energy up. You can book guided hikes to Stromboli Volcano online. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Click here for the latest rates and here for reviews. Two of them are direct, while one stops in Vulcano, Lipari, Salina and Ginostra islands before reaching Stromboli. Thats also when you will notice the presence of several other guided groups hiking Volcano Stromboli. It leads straight up from St. Vincenzo church to the summit. I take advantage of this mail to state once again that this Stromboli discovery was great. We were sweating from the exertion, and every now and then some warm air from the volcano would blow our way, which meant we were constantly adding and removing layers. There are breaks every 30 minutes on the way up and at least 45 minutes rest at the crater. Stromboli tour departure times vary from 3 to 5.30pm depending on the season. On a clear day, the islands of Alicudi and Filicudi will be easily visible. The sea and the sky will look like one, big, cloud. First it was a gentle incline through caper plants and lush vegetation, then the path became steeper and bleaker, rocks strewn amongst the grey volcanic sand. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Happily, the weather was in our favor and the seas were calm, so the tour went ahead as planned. It was finally time to fly to Sicily and explore some of the worlds most active volcanoes, which incidentally are at a stones throw from where I live. I only spent one night there, and opted to stay at Hotel Miramare. Back in town we were too tired for a celebratory beer and pizzaa hot shower and comfortable bed beckoned. Start here or see where I am in the world over on Instagram. Pizza is perfect: a delicious, soft and crispy crust and some great fresh toppings; but theres also other great options, which include fish and seafood, lots of pasta dishes, salads and a great, creamy tiramisu. I am quite sensitive, but didnt have an issue as the ride was nice and smooth. Thank you, this is great resource for my trip to the Aeolian Islands. It requires a one-way transfer to Ginostra village by boat, from where the climb starts. Seriously, this thing was huge! The Stromboli trek is not suitable for people with asthma, a heart condition, or vertigo. "We had a wonderful trip! Youll probably be pretty dehydrated on the route, so wont need it until you finish the hike. If you enjoyed this post, pin it for later! At the 400 m viewpoint overlooking the Sciara del Fuoco, Eruption from Stromboli photographed from the 400 m viewpoint. One day I packed my life and started traveling except I packed too much. The most recent major eruption occurred in April 2009. How best to book this trip? And lets face it, theres nothing like a challenge to make an experience even more rewarding! out in the sea, northeast of Sicily and west of the Italian peninsula across from Calabria. BTW Etna is amazing too . The guide will let you through the narrow alleys to eventually follow a path that goes all the way to the peak. I didnt just get to Stromboli volcano. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Your email address will not be published. Evidently the route down has some sheer drop cliffs, too, so independent climbers try to follow a group down. The ski adventure was amazing and beyond anything we could have", "Absolutely everything that you planned went off without a hitch. The path is mostly sandy: a steady uphill on the way to the craters, and a steep downhill on the way back to the village. For girls Id recommend, leggings, sports vest or t-shirt, a zip-up hoody and a backpack for carrying water and snacks. We descended the steep slope in darkness, our headlamps illuminating the path in front but all around was blackness. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Everyone whooped and screamed, trying to take it in with their eyes while snapping on cameras. The views were fantastic and the guides were very good. Keep in mind that if the sea conditions are too rough the connections are stopped. All rights reserved. The descent was completely different from the ascent. It was a brief but dramatic display of natures might. After the boat ride to Stromboli, a safety briefing from our guide, and a quick picnic dinner, our group headed up the steep path, following the guide. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The trail network has been reorganised and you can now hike Stromboli again, but the trail goes to a different viewpoint overlooking the Sciara del Fuoco (a blackened lava scar). You can find out more about what to wear to hike Stromboli below in my tips for hiking stromboli volcano. A few minutes after leaving the centre, you will notice that nature is claiming its place: the vegetation is thick, and the soil dark and sandy, as it often is on volcanoes. We were instructed not to cross a line hed drawn in the sand. Check prices for helicopter tours over Sicily. Toilets: Nope, they dont exist on volcanoes so go before you start the climb. We and the others were in general all amateur volcanoligists. Check prices and book your Stromboli hike. It was great.

We could have stayed all night but it was time for our group to leave. Check prices and book your Stromboli volcano tour. Notice: excursions can only go as far as to the excellent viewpoint at 400 m. Since 2005, a new access route has been opened. As darkness fell we finally got what wed been waiting for. It felt strange to walk on solid ground again, our legs wobbled, confused by the resistant earth. Wear layers, and carry at least one extra t-shirt: I recommend wearing a thermal. Youre probably aware Im someone whos happiest when on an adventure. This post also includes tips on how to hike Stromboli Volcano. You can view the eruption at a distance on a boat, but the best way to experience its power is to get up close on a Stromboli hike. We are going to stay in Salina, but want to stay in Stromboli for 1 night because we want to do this hike. The guides are knowledgeable and know the route, plus its illegal to summit on your own. I cant quite explain why hiking Volcano Stromboli is such an incredible experience. The excursion requires ca. Could I really do this?! group and private tours to watch Stromboli volcano. By clicking the Submit button, you give consent for us to store your information for the purposes of displaying your comment and you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy. In high season you can get boats from Naples or Calabria, or you can start from Sicily either from the Sicilian island or from one of the Aeolian islands like Lipari or Salina. Half way through the week we sailed from Salina to Stromboli. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Group expeditions of up to 20 people cost around 30 euro per person, though it is also possible to hire a private guide (which is inevitably more expensive). Its a magical evening. Finally, the smoke, the fire and the lava explosions on the craters below will be visible, and also clearly audible though keep in mind at first you wont be able to recognize what the loud roar youll be hearing is! There are three craters at its peak, all of them regularly throwing smoke and lava. Stromboli is indeed a volcano, but its also an island way (way!) You will even feel the ashes from the explosion on your skin. The island is tiny no more than 12 square km and around 600 inhabitants that reside there throughout the year, although the island gets a large influx of tourists during the summer months. Please read our, Our Experience Hiking to the Stromboli Summit, Search for more places to stay on Stromboli here, this Vulcano, Panarea, and Stromboli boat tour, Procida: The Secret Island in the Bay of Naples, Hiking the Path of the Gods on the Amalfi Coast, Matera: The Most Spectacular City in Italy, 29 Unusual Things to Do in Rome to Escape the Crowds, The Best Food in Sicily: 18 Dishes to Try on Your Next Trip, You have to climb Stromboli volcano with a guide and most people join a group trek. This is where having high top boots helped I didnt envy those in the group with trainers filled with sand. Just complaining. Located off the North East coast of Sicily, this is composed of 7 islands, all of them of volcanic origin. "Thanks so much for your assistance with arranging last week's trek, Tom. Was it a sheer drop? In this post, I highlight everything you need to know to hike Stromboli Volcano and make the most of the island. Best to all Nicolas (44), Julia (7) and Yvan (9) - written 2 august 2011" (Nicolas, France, Stromboli tour), "I climbed Sromboli as planned and had a really great time. A good place to eat is Pizzeria Da Luciano. The ascent takes about 3 hrs and the descend 1-1.5 hrs for the return. The hike is challenging but if your kids are fit and energetic, I dont see why they couldnt do it. We did so many amazing things and experienced many wonderful places yet never felt like", "We thank you so much for all you gave us, guided us to, arranged for, and detailed for us. Stromboli Volcano: The Perfect Setting For A Hike, What To Expect When Hiking Stromboli Volcano, Practical Facts And Tips To Hike Stromboli Volcano, A Great Guide To The Things To Do In Catania, Italy, The Best Guide To Hiking In Cinque Terre, Italy, A Useful Guide To Caserta Royal Palace, Italy. No medical centre along with no doctor. We did a sunset hike up Stromboli last night, (guided to 400m). If you have dodgy ankles or knees, you might want to bring supports. The highest observation point is at 400 metres and can only be reached with a guide. There were around 20 in our group. Not sure where you fancy going? Thats when you will realize that, indeed, it is a volcano you are hiking. Across the water we could see Calabria on Italys mainland, and Salina island where wed eaten breakfast that morning, gazing over at this very peak. We had zero idea what was in front of us! This isnt just any volcano. It is apparent you have no ability to adapt or find value in things as they change, which all things do, and will end your life a sad and depressed man. Your guide will lead you to a viewpoint where you can literally sit and enjoy the show that is taking place in front of your eyes. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Our small double room had a comfortable bed, private bathroom, fridge, and terrace and was just what we needed for our one night stay. Another option, if staying longer, is that of renting one of the many villas in Sicily by the sea. Hiking Stromboli Volcano, Aeolian Islands, Sicily. You can get to Stromboli by ferry or hydrofoil with Liberty Lines or Siremar from Milazzo on Sicily or from the other Aeolian islands. The sun was setting, the colours were warm and beautiful, and it felt like a very special experience. I had gone volcano boarding on Cerro Negro, in Nicaragua.

It was one of the best hikes I have ever done. The incline became steeper, and it wasnt long before the sun was setting and we were hiking in the dark. Seeing molten lava being thrust up into the skies, illuminating everything in front of us, while feeling the rumble under foot its something Ill never forget. Because of safety, the only legal way to go up Stromboli is on a guided tour, and there are a couple companies on the island that run them. Although I had hiked other active volcanoes in the past and had even seen the lava explosions on Volcano Pacaya in Guatemala, my experience on Volcano Stromboli was ten times better. Theres three leaving daily from Milazzo, near Messina, to Stromboli. I stood on the black sand beach and looked up at the distant crater, 924 metres up, butterflies fluttering around in my tummy. Soon after meeting the guide and the rest of the group, youll start walking to Volcano Stromboli cutting through the village. I would have liked a bit more, but didnt want to carry any more weight in my bag. If you dont feel like doing the hike, Id still recommend visiting Stromboli. Thanks a lot for this helpful guide, very good to know it will be chilly up there!! However, there is no guarantee that youll able to see the eruptions, as this would depend on the weather conditions. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. But the logistics are not insignificant. It was a thrilling adventure.

Guided hikes are offered between the end of March and the end of October. Advanced bookings are essential. Wanderlust Chloe 2015 - 2022 Please reconsider when writing comments such as this on the internet. We were hooked and wanted more. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There are few boat excursion tours to stromboli as well. I had looked down the crater of Mount Bromo, in Indonesia. All while making no effort to improve society. The light is simply spectacular. Our mornings were spent out at sea, sunbathing on the deck and diving into the water. Climbing Sicilys Stromboli volcano was absolutely spectacular, and my Italy trip planning clients Ive sent up the volcano concur: its definitely a bucket-list hike. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Stromboli is Europes only permanently active volcano and one of the most active in the world.

Most groups spend around 30 minutes admiring this incredible show of nature before eventually making their way back to the village. Due to the high activity of the volcano, only guided groups are allowed on Volcano Stromboli (in any case, I hardly recommend hiking alone in general: read here why). The largest Stromboli crater erupted in a sudden burst of orange and red, sparks flying like fireworks, the red of the flames echoing the colour of the sinking sun. Stromboli is just magic, erupting lava every 15 minutes or so, breaking the black night sky with fire: just great. The owners are two lovely, incredibly sweet and kind ladies. Clouds of smoke constantly emerged from the craters, a mass of hazy gases, at first tinted green, then orange. I would have loved a few warmer items like a hat and gloves, but who packs those for a summer holiday in Sicily?! Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Eruptions are spectacular, and as you can spot them at night, its been nicknamed the lighthouse of the Mediterranean. Combine your Stromboli island trip with peaceful. We were back in our bed on the island of Lipari before breakfast, and we spent the next day dozing on the beach. Fitness: Ok, so you dont need to be super fit, but I would describe this a challenging hike as its over such a long period of time. Heres a short list of what I recommend wearing and carrying for the hike to Volcano Stromboli: Though the island is small, there are plenty of accommodation options and places to eat in Stromboli. Have a great time its an incredible travel experience. As it is easy to imagine, this was a major factor in making me sign up for the hike. You should totally go back. Thinking a day in Lipari, one in Salina and this hike. By the time we reached the top, we were immersed in mist and clouds, unable to see much. My Adventures Across The World is by no means liable for any purchase of tours, tickets and any other online reservation that are made without having fully read the terms and conditions of any third party provider. They made strange gushing, gurgling sounds, an ominous warning. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.

Stromboli is one of the most active volcanoes on the planet. We were the first group to arrive at the three Stromboli craters, well before sunset and had plenty of time to observe their changing forms. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". After passing through a patch of bamboo forest the views were magical, right over the beautiful bay to the island of Strombolicchio with its little lighthouse. The best gelato is that of Lapillo, which also makes the freshest typical Sicilian granita. Just as we prepared to depart, we were rewarded with another mini eruptiona fiery red spray from the gurgling beast. BlogHiking and CyclingClimbing the Stromboli Volcano, Sicily. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Must have a headlampcannot stress that enough!

Learn how your comment data is processed. Since then hikes to the craters at the summit, which we did, have been suspended. Even if you arent a super experienced hiker, we highly recommend you add it to your Sicily itinerary. All were false starts and we continued to wait. By the time we reached the summit, it was almost midnight, and the sky was completely dark. My husband and I climbed the volcano during our two-week Sicily honeymoon. There was harbour, no electricity, rough roads and tracks, only one track to the summit, one post office with one phone plus a shop with limited items, two pensions and no hotels, skinny dipping was common, one policeman and no guides and no health and safety, ruins of buildings was common. Only people in good physical condition with experience in hiking and climbing on trails should attempt the climb. Learn more about me here, Pingback: 18 European Outdoor Adventures for the Adventurous Traveler in 2018, Pingback: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Europe | Travel Moments In Time, My Adventures Across The World participates in several affiliate programs. You can book your high speed ferry from Milazzo to Stromboli here. Please read our disclosure for more info. The whole excursion takes between 5 and 7 hrs. This Stromboli sunset hiking tour costs 25, departs two hours before sunset, and lasts about five hours. We arrived from Salina island on the Liberty Lines hydrofoil which took an hour. Too often, senior citizens are finding that the internet is an excellent place to spew their negativity and display their often false sense that the world was better at some time in the past. Like me most of us are now too old to return, also most are now dead having first visited the island in the 1950s. Walking up, the vegetation occasionally opens to reveal the breathtaking views: the intense blue of the Mediterranean sea against the darkness of the volcanic sand of Stromboli beaches and the whiteness of the village. TIP: Make sure to carry some snacks and plenty of water for the hike. I dismiss you. This is the least frequented route and another very scenic alternative to the new route. Baaaaam! I would definitely recommend this to anyone. All the views and opinions expressed are my own and based on my personal experience. You can hire trekking gear from a few shops in town. Find out all about my travels around Sicilys Aeolian Islands, 18 Photos That Will Make You Want To Visit Sicily, You can check prices and book a boat tour to Stromboli here. Getting to the top was about 3 hours of strenuous uphill hiking. Tours run from mid March until the end of October. I knew there was a hike you could do that took you to the top but I also knew it would be challenging, taking around 6 hour and being at a steep gradient. View and download my media kithere (updated July 2019). Commentdocument.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a6fe4cb639d772b9b51c9b2335dbbc65" );document.getElementById("bf5f1d039c").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hiking Stromboli volcano at night was one of our favourite ever travel experiences. As it got darker and as we climbed higher, it got chillier. Behind us the full moon glowed large and golden, creating a strong beam of light across the sea. It does not store any personal data. Then, suddenly we heard a huge rumble and the darkness was illuminated by a huge burst of fiery orange lava spraying high in the sky. Go to stromboli in the morning and book a tour there or would in need to reserve something on advance? Its sad what you are, but I do not pity you or hate you. Come to think of it, I actually fell in love with it as soon as I saw it in the distance, right after sunrise, from the balcony of my room in Vulcano. We half walked, half slid through the deep black sand, our shoes filling up with volcanic ash that would take weeks to remove all traces of. Because it was high season, we booked the hike a few months in advance, which included the guide plus the boat. Which has a better view and chances to see the lava flow? I would point to the many literary works that have made a troupe of your behavior, usually cautionary tales entreating the reader to not become a spiteful, pathetic old man. 900 m (ca. Stromboli Volcano reaches an elevation of 926 meters above sea level. | Claudia Tavani P. Iva 03780660928. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. So many eruptions all the in the space of an hour.

Hiking Stromboli volcano was the highlight of my brief time in the Aeolian Islands. This page contains affiliate links. What a great review Chloe. Today the islands are ruined by hordes of people. If you have to pick, definitely go for the hike! Getting to the top was about 3 hours of strenuous uphill hiking, so we needed proper hiking boots, layers of clothing, and lots of water. For example, as I walked out to meet my guide and the rest of the group for the hike, the owners of the hotel where I stayed mentioned that guests who hiked the day before didnt get to see much, because it was foggy at the top. We are going in July. Ginormous. We started the ascent late afternoon, passing through the islands adorable town with its skinny streets and white houses. Its one of the most affordable options on this expensive island. Camera: Bring one! If the sea is too choppy and the boats cant go out, the tour will be cancelled. In my very brief time there, I had the chance to visit Vulcano (the name says it all! Theres also a ferry from Naples. It still involves a steep climb, but its not as long as the summit hike. Thank you." And, more importantly so, I got to hike Stromboli volcano, which is one of the most active in the world. To celebrate our achievements we went straight to the nearest pizzeria, and even though the clock was about to strike midnight, we wolfed down entire pizzas and knocked back some Sicilian red wine! After that eruption we didnt want to leave! I last visited the island in 2002, I arrived on the first ferry from Sicily, took one hour to look around, and decided to depart on the next ferry never to return. If you choose the private guide, you can freely decide the starting time and the climbing route (old route and Ginostra route available in addition). Vast. I would avoid trekking in July and August, if possible, because of the heat. It was surprisingly cold. Therefore, book your tour for one day but have a backup day just in case the boat cant run. 3000 ft) altitude gain and descend which is strenuous. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies.

Thanks for sharing! Pleasure Matt have a great time! And I am sure it will be the experience of a lifetime for you as well. That happens regularly in the winter months. Youll regret it if you dont have any photos of the experience its one youll be telling people about for a while after all! Its been erupting almost continuously since 1932. There werent many stops along the route, so you need to be comfortable hiking at an incline for a few hours. I had hiked various active volcanoes in the world. A one hour flight from Cagliari, Sardinia, to Catania, one of Sicilys most beautiful cities; then a 2 hour car or bus ride to Milazzo (a small town near Messina); and finally a hydrofoil ride from Milazzo took me to the Aeolian Islands archipelago. Hey Claudia, great post!