Strong sun and blue sky! At 9.30 am I was already on the trail! Last year there was an eruption of Stromboli and now the authorities do not allow to climb to the rim of the smoky crater (to 900 m!) You ca hike to 300 m alone or to 400 with a guide (paying 20 euro pp). No other hiking opportunities so everybody climbs to the Sciara del Fuoco – “The trail of Fire” – to see the steep slope where lava goes down to the sea. Commercialized locals are not happy to show you the way – they rather want to be your paid guides… So let you know: there are two paths to Sciara: upper and lower. To find the trailhead of the upper (more demanding) take the street along left wall of the San Vincenzo Church (near pharnacy). To find the lower path follow the main “street” all over the way along the coast until the fork before Observatorio restaurant. Once on the fork take left path and climb the zigzags up… The lower trail is easier – it is cobbled almost till the end – on 300 m there is a primitive balcony with the great view of the “Sciara” slope and up there – the smokes from the crater. I was descending by the upper trail – it was worth for the extra views of the Stromboli Village. Great day!
