Stromboli: A Nighttime Volcano Show You’ll Only See From the Sea

We lifted anchor from Panarea and set sail toward Stromboli — the island volcano famous for erupting every few minutes. Stromboli: A Nighttime Volcano was our main goal. A thick plume of smoke greeted us as we approached. The harbor was packed, but the last mooring buoy before town was free. No problem — a quick dinghy ride got us ashore.

Stromboli

After a short stroll on the island, we found out all guided hikes to the crater were sold out. A bit of a letdown… until nightfall, when we sailed around the island to witness the real spectacle – the iconic night eruption, only visible from the sea.

The boat rocked gently. A sudden jolt. A flash of light. Then, rising from the crater, a glowing orange blast. Again. And again. Perfectly timed. Around us, only darkness, stars, and the sound of waves. It was one of those rare moments that quiets you — and stays with you.

Filicudi & Alicudi: For Those Who Get Lost the Right Way

Sailing gives you space. Space to think. Space to breathe. On the return leg, we passed Filicudi — wild, quiet, rugged. Steep cliffs, volcanic slopes, crystalline waters. Only 300 people live here, and nobody’s in a rush.

We missed Alicudi this time. No roads. No cars. Just donkeys, steps, and a handful of stone homes clinging to the hillside. Around 100 residents. Silence and wind. It’s not for everyone — and that’s what makes it magic. Next time, perhaps.

Back to Sicily, and a Small Sicilian Lesson

The port of Capo d’Orlando welcomed us with a golden sunset. A worthy farewell to the Aeolian Islands. We returned the boat, swapped swimsuits for shorts… and decided (after Vesuvius) on another “brilliant idea”: a quick trip across inland to see Taormina.

It looked simple on the map — 84 km. But Sicily had other plans. Four hours of switchbacks, 2,000 meters of climbing, and not a parking space in sight. We never saw Taormina. We did meet the limits of our patience and the charm of Sicilian roadways.

Ahead of us 24 hours way through all of Italy back home. Only one long stop: Sunrise Venice. But that’s another story.

What the Volcano Taught Us?

No, we didn’t summit Stromboli. Or reach Alicudi. Or step foot in Taormina.

But we saw Stromboli a Nighttime Volcano erupting into the dark sky. Slept under sails. Got lost in island silence. And saw the world — and ourselves — from a different angle.

The best stories never go as planned.