StromboliAeolian Islands · Italy

All About Stromboli

Stromboli is one of Italy‘s seven inhabited Aeolian Islands. It is probably best known around the world for its elegant cone-shaped volcano, which has been in a near constant state of eruption for thousands of years. Don’t worry though, it’s far from being a threat to those with ferry tickets to Stromboli. This island instead has the nickname ‘the lighthouse of the Mediterranean’ because of the nightly lava sprays that can be seen across most of the island.

Located in the Tyrrhenian arm of the Mediterranean Sea just a short distance north of Sicily, Stromboli is approximately 13 square kilometers in area. The permanent year-round population of roughly 500 residents welcome visitors from across the region looking to explore their extraordinary island, which can be reached incredibly easily by sea. If you’re searching out ferry tickets to Stromboli look no further than Ferryscanner. The Ferryscanner website will provide all the information you need to compare and book a ferry to this magical island.
 

Routes and Ferries to Stromboli

With no airport directly serving the island, purchasing ferry tickets to Stromboli remains the main route of arrival and departure (aside from yachts and helicopters). Thanks to the ferry company Liberty Lines, it’s possible to visit Stromboli directly from Sicily and also from other islands in the Aeolian chain. This company is one of the newest ferry companies to operate ships to the Aeolian Islands. However, it is also regarded as one of the best. Despite the fact the sailings to Stromboli last less than two hours, the company uses modern comfortable ferries that are also some of the most environmentally friendly around. This is a particularly important consideration because of the UNESCO World Heritage Site status of the Aeolian chain.

From Sicily, Stromboli can be reached from two different ports of departure. Liberty Lines vessels firstly depart from Sicily’s east coast city of Messina, making them an excellent option for anyone arriving from mainland Italy, which is only a short distance across the Strait of Messina. What’s more, there are up to 14 sailings per week in either direction, with the journey taking just one hour and 25 minutes. Tickets for adult foot passengers start at €17-25, with additional costs for those looking to bring a motor vehicle onboard. There are even more services from Milazzo on Sicily’s north coast. Up to 24 services per week arrive and depart into Stromboli, with an average sailing time of one hour and 45 minutes and ticket prices that range from €16-45.

When it comes to connections with some of the other Aeolian Islands, verdant green Salina can be reached in a little over an hour. With up to 15 sailings to and from Stromboli per week, that’s an average of two connections per day costing as little as €12. Prices for adult foot passengers rise to around €40 during the most popular months of the year.

The island of Vulcano is only slightly further away, with these voyages taking one hour 25 minutes. There can be as many as 19 sailings per week between Stromboli and Vulcano, with prices similar to those for Salina.

Finally, Stromboli’s minimal road network means that getting to the southern side of the island is also best done by scheduled ferry. That’s because the roads are mainly limited to the northeast of the island around the port of San Vincenzo. The trip from San Vincenzo to Ginostra by sea lasts just ten minutes, providing wondrous views of the island’s volcano 17 times per week at €13-40 per person.
 

Ports of Stromboli

Stromboli has two ports, San Vincenzo and Ginostra. The port of San Vincenzo on the island’s northeast coast is sometimes simply known as the ‘port of Stromboli’. It is located around the island’s main settlement, meaning it is within reach of hotels and restaurants, as well as some of the best beaches on Stromboli and the top places to visit. Ferries dock on a short wharf to the south of town, which then stretches north along the coast. By contrast, the port of Ginostra is located on a natural peninsula of land that juts out into the Tyrrhenian Sea on the south side of the island. While the surrounding settlement is much smaller than that of San Vincenzo, you will still find a good number of hotels and restaurants here.
 

Best Beaches

Making good use of ferry tickets to Stromboli’s San Vincenzo port, most of the best beaches on Stromboli are located close to this main settlement. These stretches of coast provide a great alternative to the hiking activities that attract many to the island.

Scari Beach

Look in the right direction as the ferries come into dock at San Vincenzo and you’ll see Scari Beach located immediately north of the wharf. Away from the beached fishing boats is an area of several hundred meters that is used by those wanting to take a dip or otherwise enjoy the pebbles of lava that can be found here.

Ficogrande Beach

Follow the coast around from Scari Beach and you’ll soon reach Ficogrande Beach. The most popular beach on the island is comprised of pebbles and black volcanic sand. People come here for the views overlooking the islet of Strombolicchio as much as anything else. These can be enjoyed from deckchairs, refreshment stands, or the volleyball court.

Grotta d’Eolo

The Grotta d’Eolo, or the Cave of Aeolus (the ancient god of the winds), is one of the tiniest beaches on Stromboli. Reached by a set of steps in the surrounding rocks, it is only a few meters wide and can completely disappear under the waves at high tide. But it is nonetheless a dramatic place from which to enjoy the north coast.

Spiaggia Lunga

Facing almost immediately north, Spiaggia Lunga is one of the rockier beaches on offer on Stromboli, making it a great place for exploring rock pools. Getting there involves just a short walk from the end of the road that leads from San Vincenzo.
 

Things to Do

Stromboli is primarily about two things, the volcano and the sea that restrains it. The best things to do on Stromboli are therefore intricately linked with both of these natural wonders.

Hiking

No one should arrive at either of the ports of Stromboli without a decent pair of walking shoes packed in their luggage. Hiking trails crisscross the otherwise inaccessible interior of the island, linking up panoramic viewing points and locations such as the ‘valley of the moon’.

Take a Tour

Stromboli’s coastline has a huge number of hidden coves and delightful sights that can only really be explored by ship. You can either head out on an organized tour or rent a boat and experienced captain to take you on a voyage of discovery.

Diving

The waters around Stromboli are equally impressive below the surface. Sites including Strombolicchio have become popular dive points. The volcanic origins of the island and islets provide a unique underwater landscape, which is utilized by fish of all sizes for shelter. Barracuda and grouper are both regularly sighted here.
 

Transportation Around Stromboli

As you might imagine from an island with a small road network, transportation around Stromboli is also limited. However, since most places of interest are close to each other or are accessible by sea, this doesn’t hinder many visitors to the island. San Vincenzo and Ginostra can both be accessed by foot without tiring yourself out. Many residents opt for mopeds to get around, especially for slightly longer journeys. However, if you’re not used to driving on two wheels there are also golf cart-style taxis at the port.