What you can see on the Stromboli cams
Stromboli is watched by the observatory's own surveillance cameras on the Aeolian Islands, which alternate between Stromboli and its neighbour Vulcano: the summit craters of one, the steaming crater rim of the other. Stromboli's frequent small explosions show best in the thermal frames and after dark, so give the stream a minute to cycle round.
The observatory's Aeolian channel: Stromboli and Vulcano
This is the INGV's live channel for the Aeolian Islands, and it moves between its surveillance cameras on Stromboli and Vulcano. A label in the corner says which island is in view. When it shows Vulcano, the main picture looks over a bay and the low houses of the port to the cone of La Fossa; side panels add daylight and thermal views of Stromboli's summit.
Stromboli's small explosions every few minutes show best on the thermal frames and after dark, when each burst throws glowing fragments over the crater terrace. On Vulcano, watch the fumaroles on the rim of the crater, which steam in cool air.
How Stromboli erupts
Stromboli gave its name to Strombolian activity: short bursts of gas that throw glowing lava fragments a few hundred metres into the air. They are harmless from a distance and spectacular at night. From time to time the volcano produces much bigger events. In July and August 2019, two paroxysmal explosions sent pyroclastic flows down the Sciara del Fuoco, and one killed a hiker. Since then, access to the upper slopes has been restricted.
When to watch Stromboli
At night the explosions light up the craters. Italy is one hour ahead of UTC in winter and two in summer.
Around Stromboli
The main village sits on the northeast coast, with black sand beaches and whitewashed houses; Ginostra, on the southwest side, is one of the smallest villages in Italy and is reached mostly by sea. Just offshore, the rock of Strombolicchio, crowned by a lighthouse, is the remnant of an older volcano. The Aeolian Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Visiting Stromboli
Ferries and hydrofoils reach Stromboli from Milazzo, Naples and the other Aeolian Islands. Boat trips at dusk along the Sciara del Fuoco are a classic way to watch the explosions from the sea. Hiking rules change with the volcano’s activity, so check the current regulations before you go.
