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From the abysses  of the Tyrrhenian Sea rises, in a symphony of colour, the mass of Stromboli with bold slopes which stand out vigorously against a sapphire sky. On the Eastern slopes, covered by a mantle of green, stand out, neatly and attractively, typical small white houses which, seen from above, produce the sensation of a swarm of snow-white butterflies perched on a vast emerald lawn. Spread capriciously on the crags or clinging to the walls, the caper bushes make a beautiful sight with their shape of strange verdant umbrellas which, during the Summer season, are decorated by gaudy white flowers. In the Spring the thick olive trees and boundless vines, in place intersected by rows of wistaria, briars and broom, engulfed in a sea of high grass, mixed with a thousand wild flowers, offer an enchanting polychrome scene amongst inebriating effluvia.
 Stromboli is one of the most spectacular active volcanoes in the world. A small island in the Mediterranean that consists of little more than a big volcano. Often the crater, with ever increasing rhythm, projects material after material giving rise to innumerable luminous trails which intersect reciprocally producing a phantasmagoria of light. The blocks sometimes fall upon the slope without breaking up but rolling down until, striking against dykes, fly into space describing ample parabolic curves; finally they fall into the sea with rumbling thuds, causing high columns of water to rise : a must to be seen for your sailing vacation on the Italian sea.
 To watch the eruptions is especially impressive at night. It is recommended to hike up in the late afternoon and returning in the evening (do not forget to take a torch) or the following morning. Allow three hours for the climb up and two hours for the descent; it is not particularly taxing but it should not be undertaken by the faint-hearted, especially in rare case of bad weather. Local authorised guides are available on Stromboli for additional advice.
Evening boat trip is the best way to enjoy an overall picture of the island and experience the spectacular view : startling explosions shoot matter high into the air, tingeing the night’s blackness with red.
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