Home to one of Italy’s three active volcanoes, Stromboli is perhaps the most fascinating of the Aeolian Islands and the most popular one for day trips.

Hiking excursions up the volcano, with an official guide, are available although they do require a certain level of fitness. However, the most popular activity is taking a boat trip around to the Sciara del Fuoco to view Stromboli’s explosions. Naturally, these are most dramatic after dark when the plumes of smoke are transformed into a sparkling fireworks display.

Elsewhere, the island’s blackened landscape is bordered by black beaches, many with fine sand, with two main centres - Stromboli, with the fractions of St. Vincent and St. Bartolo in the north, and the hamlet of Ginostra in the south west, accessible only by boat.