Stromboli: Sunset Trek Sciara del Fuoco & Volcanic Views

Summary

Stromboli’s fiery trail at dusk with eruptions lighting the sky

You’ll hike Stromboli’s black trails with a volcanology guide as sunset colors the Aeolian Islands red, pausing at an old cemetery before reaching Sciara del Fuoco for volcanic eruptions after dusk. Return by torchlight with salty air in your lungs — it stays with you.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really expect my shoes to crunch so loudly on that first stretch of the trail — it’s all black grit, kind of sticky in places, and you can smell salt and something faintly burnt. Our guide, Marco, handed out helmets and headlamps in Piazza San Vincenzo. He kept saying “piano piano” as we started out — slow and steady — which made sense once I realized how steep some bits get. The air was thick with that Mediterranean scrub smell, like wild herbs and dust. I tried to name them but gave up after rosemary.

We stopped by this old cemetery halfway up (I hadn’t read about that anywhere), just stone crosses tangled in weeds. It was weirdly peaceful. Marco told us stories about families who’d lived here for generations — he pointed at one grave and said, “That’s my uncle.” You could see Strombolicchio out over the sea, this little rock poking up like a tooth. I remember thinking how far away everything felt from mainland Italy; even the light is different here, more gold than blue.

The main reason people book this sunset trek on Stromboli is for the Sciara del Fuoco view at dusk — you sit down on warm rocks and wait for the volcano to do its thing. We got lucky: three eruptions in twenty minutes. It wasn’t loud exactly, more like a heavy cough echoing down the slope. Someone behind me whispered “mamma mia” every time sparks flew up. My hands were gritty from holding onto rocks but I didn’t care; it felt right somehow.

The walk down was slower than I thought — pitch dark except for our headlamps bobbing along like fireflies. There was laughter when someone tripped (nobody hurt), and then silence except for crickets and our feet sliding over ash. I still think about that moment when we turned around one last time and saw a red glow behind us. Not sure words ever really cover it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset trek on Sciara del Fuoco

• Meet guide at Piazza San Vincenzo
• Depart 2 hours before sunset
• Attend safety briefing
• Begin hike on nature trail
• Hike to 400 meters altitude
• Enjoy views of summit craters
• Visit island's old cemetery
• Cross Mediterranean scrub
• Admire Strombolicchio views
• Arrive at Sciara del Fuoco viewpoint
• Watch sunset over Aeolian archipelago
• Observe volcanic eruptions at night
• Return downhill with torches

Top questions

How high do you climb on the Stromboli sunset trek?

You reach 400 meters above sea level, which is the maximum allowed with a volcanology guide.

Is safety equipment provided for the Stromboli hike?

Yes, helmets and headlamps are included for all participants.

Where does the sunset trek on Stromboli start?

The tour departs from Piazza San Vincenzo about two hours before sunset.

Can you see volcanic eruptions during the tour?

Yes, you can observe eruptions from Sciara del Fuoco after sunset if conditions allow.

Is lunch or food included on this Stromboli trek?

No meals are included; only safety gear is provided.

Do you visit any historical sites during the hike?

Yes, there is a stop at the island’s old cemetery during the trek.

What fitness level is needed for this Stromboli tour?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness; it’s not recommended for those with health issues or pregnancy.

What’s included

Your evening includes a guided hike led by a local volcanology expert, plus all safety equipment: helmet and headlamp are provided before setting off from Piazza San Vincenzo. After watching volcanic eruptions at Sciara del Fuoco as night falls, you’ll return downhill together by torchlight to your starting point.