Fans of extreme tourism probably dream to look into the mouth of a volcano. You can make a trip that combines a pleasant vacation and the thrill of a spectacle of red-hot lava, if you contact the travel and excursion bureau.
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 people know about Stromboli. Recently, excursions to it have become increasingly popular.
Volcanic island
In the Mediterranean Sea there is an archipelago with an island that was formed as a result of the accumulation of magma erupting from the vent of the Stromboli volcano (geographical coordinates: 38 ° 48′14 ″ north latitude, 15 ° 13′24 ″ east longitude). It is not far from the island of Sicily. The archipelago is located in the Tyrenian Sea and consists of several small islands, united by the name Aeolian Islands, or Aeolian Islands. All of them are under the protection of UNESCO.
The island of Stromboli has a rounded shape, hence the name. "Stromboli", translated from Latin - "circle". Its area is a little more than 12 square meters. km, and the altitude is 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 spew lava. The third has long gone out. He did his job 100,000 years ago when the island was under water. The magma erupted from his vent formed an island that rose above sea level. Two other brothers worked on the rest of the landscape.
Nature
The beauty of the natural landscape along the slopes of the Stromboli volcano (photos of it are 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. It is here that the famous capers grow. Unbroken buds of these flowers are canned and used as a savory snack for various dishes.
On fertile soil grows a special sort of grape, which goes to the production of the famous wine "Malvasia".
The north side is a bright contrast. It is a lifeless cliff on which the thin river of red-hot lava looks especially beautiful.
By the nature of the smoke, local residents make a weather forecast. If the smoke above the volcano is particularly dense, then you need to wait for the storm, and if hot pieces of lava or volcanic bombs fly out of the vent, then the heat will come from the south.
Eruptions
Two Stromboli craters almost constantly spew narrow lava flows and eject ashes, warming the surrounding air and water of the Tyrrhenian Sea. In the summer months, the Stromboli volcano warms up the water area to 30 degrees Celsius.
The staff of the seismic station does not stop monitoring the activity of the volcano for one minute. If eruptions occur frequently, this is considered a good sign - the volcano is freed from the accumulated energy in small doses. If the excitement in the vent subsides for a long time - this is a sign of the sooner eruption of a more powerful force. On such days, hot stones fly out tens of meters and with a hiss fall into the water of the sea. Those that hit the rock are scattered by small fiery red spray. All this is preceded by a rumble erupting from the bowels of the giant and light shaking of the earth's surface.
Being on the island is considered absolutely safe, ascent to the vent is carried out almost every day, however, doing this without an escort by an employee of the seismic station is strictly prohibited and is punishable by a fine.
Organized tourists wear special suits consisting of a jacket, a raincoat, a helmet with a flashlight, glasses and shoes on fireproof soles.
Historical information
It refers to a tiny island, which is the volcano Stromboli, to Italy. And like every corner of this country, it has to do with world history.
The main event associated with this place is the famous battle of Stromboli. In January 1676, a bloody battle took place between the French and Dutch squadrons, ending with the victory of the French.
On this island, Roberto Rossellini directed the film "Stromboli, the Land of God" with Ingrid Bergman in the title role. During the filming between the director and the actress, an affair began, 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 the heroine Bergman sits at night on the edge of a volcano. His fire-breathing vent symbolizes the underworld. A 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 called Ingrid.
Tyrrhenian Lighthouse
In the recent past, on sea charts, the island of Stromboli was designated as the Tyrrhenian lighthouse. Red-hot magma rivers flowing along the slopes of the volcano are visible for many kilometers. Superstitious sailors did not like to approach 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 maintain the correct course.
Over time, the activity of the Stromboli volcano significantly decreased. A magma stream was not visible every day, so a real lighthouse was installed on the nearby basalt island, Stromboliccio, which is a rock with steep slopes. You can climb it through a narrow steep staircase. This is entertainment for very brave people.
Entertainment for tourists
The tourist season in Stromboli begins in March and ends in November. By this time, the inhabitants of Sicily, who have their own business here, are moving here. The population of the island grows from 400 people in the winter to 850 during the influx of tourists, that is, in the summer. The tourism industry of Stromboli offers island guests several 3 star hotels - Villaggio Stromboli, Ossidiana Stromboli and one 4 star - Sirenetta Park Hotel. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning, TVs, minibars. Free internet and buffet breakfast are provided. From each hotel it is easy to go to the beach, where there are sun loungers and umbrellas. All of them are located no more 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 miraculous healing properties are attributed to it. Believe it or not, it is not known, but the tan obtained on strombolic beaches has a special shade.
Sirenetta Park Hotel has a saltwater pool. In the same hotel, you can rent diving equipment (7-8 euros) and, accompanied by an instructor, catch a boat and go to the nearest cliffs, where you can make an exciting underwater trip. Marine life in these places is characterized by abundance and diversity. And the water is so clean and transparent that it can be seen a few tens of meters in depth.
Among the most popular tourist apartments are Aquilone Residence, Pedra Residence, including bed and breakfast.
Volcano climbing
Here's what you should know when preparing to climb the vent of Stromboli volcano.
The tour always starts in the afternoon. This is done in order to be on top in the dark, when boiling magma is clearly visible in the depths. The northwestern slope of the vent collapsed, and a caldera formed, along which lava flows. Currently, there is no great activity in the vent, but puffs 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 a distance of three kilometers. Therefore, it is forbidden to approach it without special equipment. Walking to almost a kilometer high takes three and a half hours. It's hard. Basically, only the most hardy ones 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 accidentally on such a plateau. The site ends with a steep cliff 100 meters high.
The bulk of tourists prefer to enjoy the eruptions from motor boats. The views around Stromboli are breathtaking: the sea, the lighthouse, islands with picturesque vegetation and volcanoes.
Tourists stay near the vent for about an hour. They take a photo of Chiaradi del Fuoco, the name of this volcanic hollow, they admire the landscape and have a snack with a dry rations with hot tea.
It is strictly forbidden to go up to the vent alone, which tourists are warned about at the tour desk, and then reminded in each hotel. The fine is 500 euros.
Climbing on Sundays is not possible.
Ginostra
There are only two settlements on the island of Stromboli - Ginostra and Stromboli. Ginostra is located in the southwestern part of the island.
The 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. He is able to take only 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 were killed, and several buildings were destroyed. Many residents moved to Sicily.
San Vincenzo and San Bartolo
Two villages, San Vincenzo and San Bartolo not so long ago were merged and renamed the city of Stromboli. Unlike Ginostra, they never suffered from lava. Their architecture evokes pleasant feelings among tourists and a desire to someday stay here for a long time. Quiet and narrow cobblestone streets, small, two- and three-story houses made of white stone, friendly locals and excellent cuisine, consisting mainly of seafood and fruits of the earth.
In the center of the city there is a cozy square with a town hall, several shops, a cafe, a hairdresser and a post office.
Cars on the island can be counted on the fingers. It is customary to travel on foot, by bicycle or motorcycle.
Pie "Stromboli" and souvenirs
Each hotel and village cafe has one obligatory dish on the menu. It is called Stromboli. The volcano looks like a regular pie stuffed with meat, vegetables or fish. In its center is a hole designed to play a major role and simulate 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 residents of Stromboli by their neighbors from Sicily, and, in turn, some American tourists.
As souvenirs, you can bring home not only Malvasia and capers, dishes and textile products with the image of the Stromboli volcano. Volcanic rock crafts are very popular. Local craftsmen offer tourists pumice with original drawings carved on one side. From frozen magma make jewelry and various trinkets - key rings, ashtrays, caskets and much more.