Aeolian Islands

Stromboli is only one of the Aeolian Islands off Sicily's north coast, and it may be accessed by ferry from Messina or Milazzo. Vulcano (nearest to the Sicilian coast), Lipari, Salina, Filicudi, Alicudi, and Panarea are the archipelago's other six principal islands, all rising from a 4,000-meter-deep seabed.

The volcano erupts so often that cruise liners schedule their departures from Sicily for the evening so that they may sit off the coast of Stromboli and watch the pyrotechnics against the night sky. It's quite a sight, and seeing it from the deckchair of a cruise ship on a breezy Mediterranean night is one of Italy's most romantic experiences.

What makes it so fascinating – after all, it is a living and extremely active volcano – is that you never know what an uncorked hole in the ground may accomplish. Stromboli blew off a whole slope of the island in 2002, sending it careening into the sea.

The islands are famous tourist destinations due to their warm temperature, volcanic scenery with fumaroles and hot springs, historic relics (humans have lived here since the Neolithic age), trekking, and water sports. On the Vulcano and Lipari Aeolian Islands Daily Cruise from Messina, you may tour Lipari as well as another Aeolian island.