Stromboli, Active volcano on Aeolian island, Italy
Stromboli is an active volcano on an island of the Aeolian archipelago in Italy. The cone rises 926 meters above sea level and extends roughly 1000 meters below the surface of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
For more than 2000 years the volcano has erupted continuously, making it one of the most persistent in the world. A particularly strong explosion in 1907 damaged windows in surrounding settlements and forced residents to evacuate temporarily.
The local nickname ‚Lighthouse of the Mediterranean' refers to the nightly glow from eruptions that sailors can see from far away. Since ancient times, fishermen and travelers noticed the red light from the crater and used it to find their way.
Guided hikes to the crater usually start in late afternoon and take about six hours round trip. Sturdy shoes, warm clothing, and a flashlight are necessary, as the climb is physically demanding.
Roughly every twenty minutes the crater hurls rock fragments, ash, and glowing lava pieces into the air. This regular activity makes nighttime observations especially memorable, as the light from eruptions colors the sky.
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