Can You Hike Stromboli Volcano Without A Guide?

Yes, it’s possible to hike Stromboli Volcano without a guide. But, there are access restrictions for those hiking Stromboli without a guide. That’s why guided Stromboli hiking tours are a popular choice for visitors (specifically nighttime tours), where you’ll enjoy better access and views of the volcano erupting.

During our visit to Stromboli, Beck and I explored both options – hiking the restricted access path without a guide and then doing a guided nighttime tour. So, we have the lowdown on both options. Below, we’ll provide some more details about hiking Stromboli without a guide and also with a guide.

Hiking Stromboli Without A Guide

The major difference between hiking Stromboli Volcano with or without a guide is the final viewpoint that you’ll reach. Without a guide, you can only access the viewpoint at 290 metres above sea level (Google Maps). In comparison, if you hike with a guide on a tour, you can access a higher viewpoint at 400 metres above sea level (Google Maps).

Using the maps below, you can see that the viewpoints don’t look too far away from one another. For sure, if you hike Stromboli without a guide, you’ll still enjoy immense views of the volcano erupting. By doing so, you’ll save on the costs of doing a guided nighttime tour.

FYI – you can be fined €500 for accessing restricted areas without a guide.

Unguided Stromboli Hike Details

• Type: Out & Back
• Distance: 8–9km
• Time: 2.5–3.5 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 300m
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Map: AllTrails

To locals, the unguided Stromboli hike is called Mulattiera Salvatore Di Losa. From the northern villages of Stromboli, you’ll eventually reach an impressive black sand beach called Spiaggia Lunga. From this beach, you’ll find a rocky hiking trail, that gradually ascends the northern coastline of Stromboli. Along this trail, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views of the volcanic coastline.

Eventually, you’ll reach a restaurant, which was closed during our visit. To our knowledge, the restaurant has been closed permanently. Please let us know in the comments section below if the restaurant was open when you visited!

From the restaurant, the trail heads west towards Stromboli Volcano. At this point, the trail ascends more sharply.

As the path climbs towards the active volcano, you’ll enjoy splendid views of Sciara del Fuoco (Stream of Fire). Sciara del Fuoco is a feature of the volcano, running along its northern flank, marking the path of the lava flowing down to the ocean.

Eventually, after a challenging incline, you’ll reach the viewpoint (punto panoramico) of the unguided hike to Stromboli. You’ll notice a signed fence at the viewpoint, which restricts further access along the trail. You can’t proceed further without a guide.

As mentioned, this viewpoint is 290 metres above sea level and provides excellent views of the erupting volcano. Personally, Beck and I did the unguided Stromboli hike in the afternoon. We then returned to San Vincenzo to complete the guided Stromboli hiking tour.

Hiking Stromboli With A Guide

You’ll want to do a guided nighttime hiking tour to enjoy improved access and views of Stromboli Volcano. By doing so, you can enjoy the volcano erupting in all its glory!

Guided Nighttime Stromboli Hiking Tours

You’ll find numerous companies on the island that are offering inexpensive nighttime hiking tours for around €25.

Most tours meet in San Vincenzo in the early evening. You’ll then complete a circular hiking route, involving the arrival at a viewpoint around 400 metres above sea level for sunset. Once darkness sets in, you’ll be in a fantastic position to watch Stromboli Volcano erupt. If the eruption is large enough, you’ll enjoy the spectacular show of lava rolling down Sciara del Fuoco.

Beck and I really enjoyed doing this guided Stromboli hiking tour run by Ashàra Etna & Stromboli Guides. We booked the tour on GetYourGuide, which was easy and convenient. But, more importantly, the tour was incredible!

Guided Stromboli Hike Details

• Type: Loop
• Distance: 8–9km
• Time: 3.5–4 hours
• Accumulated elevation gain: 470m
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Map: AllTrails

Starting from San Vincenzo, the guided hiking tour ascends a path away from the coastline, that heads directly towards the volcano. Along the way, you’ll pass an interesting graveyard and enjoy many picturesque views of the coastline. By doing a guided tour, you’ll also learn a lot more about the volcano and the island of Stromboli.

Of course, the pinnacle of the tour is arriving at an excellent viewpoint of Sciara del Fuoco for sunset. Then, all there is to do is wait for the sun to drop and wait for the spectacle of nighttime volcano eruptions. FYI – take a warm jacket, a wind jacket and even a down jacket, as it’s usually very windy at the viewpoint.

After soaking in views of an explosive Stromboli Volcano, you’ll then make your way back down the volcano. Along the way, you’ll pass the viewpoint at 290 metres above sea level. We passed people watching the volcano erupt from this position. From there, you’ll essentially follow Mulattiera Salvatore Di Losa, along the coastline, back to San Vincenzo.

Other Stromboli Volcano Tours

Another excellent Stromboli Volcano tour is the nighttime boat tour. If you want to see Stromboli erupt at nighttime, without the effort of hiking, then consider the extraordinary boat tour.

Is It Worth Hiking Stromboli Without A Guide?

Yes, we think it’s worth hiking Stromboli without a guide. If you’re looking to save money, then you can easily hike up to the viewpoint at 290 metres above sea level without a guide. From there, you can still enjoy fantastic views of the volcano erupting at night. Otherwise, if you want to get the most out of your experience of visiting the volcano, then we also recommend doing a guided tour.

How to Get to Stromboli

First of all, you’ll need to go to Sicily. Then, you’ll need to get to Milazzo – this is where you’ll catch a ferry to Stromboli. We flew into Catania International Airport, rented a car from there and then drove to Milazzo.

It’s a passenger-only ferry from Milazzo to Stromboli. So, if you hire a car, you’ll need to leave it in Milazzo. It’s possible to find free street parking in Milazzo. But, for safety and security, we recommend paying to have your hire car kept in a garage. We used Garage del Porto for this car valet parking service. Similar to other garages in Milazzo, Garage del Porto charges €15/day. We can vouch for Garage del Porto. The staff communicated well and returned our car without any damage.

Regarding ferries, we used Liberty Lines and booked on Direct Ferries. Generally speaking, the Milazzo to Stromboli return ferry costs around €45–55/person. Keep in mind, that ferries are often cancelled due to rough seas. So, make sure your itinerary is flexible.

Where to Stay on Stromboli

Whether you’re hiking Stromboli without or with a guide, you’ll want to find a nice place to stay on the island. Stromboli is a relatively small island, so there aren’t loads of accommodation options. Below, you’ll find a list of the most popular accommodation options in Stromboli.

Personally, we stayed at B&B Il Giardino Segreto. The bed and breakfast is hands-down the best value for money stay on Stromboli. On arrival, the owner was really friendly and welcoming and showed us to our room. The accommodation was comfortable and spacious. Also, and possibly best of all, from the outdoor seating area, we enjoyed phenomenal views of Stromboli Volcano!

Other Hikes in Sicily

Of course, you can’t visit Sicily without volcano hiking the famous Mount Etna. Read our Sicily hiking guide for details on the other best hikes in Sicily.