Hiking on Stromboli: the short version
Stromboli rises to 924 m, but that is the height of the summit, not the height you are allowed to reach. Walking on the upper slopes is governed by ordinances of the Comune di Lipari (the municipality that administers the island), and they depend on volcanic activity. In practice, a hike on Stromboli means a guided group walk with an authorised mountain guide, ending at a viewpoint well below the craters.
The summit crater hike has been suspended since 2019, according to the local guide company that used to run it. If a website still advertises a crater climb, treat it as out of date. This page is an independent guide and cannot tell you what is allowed on your day. For that, ask an authorised guide or the municipality. For current activity see our eruptions and safety page.
Permitted heights: two versions of the rules
The figures below come from the ordinance of 5 May 2025 and from a press report dated 8 October 2026. Neither is a guarantee for the day you travel.
| Route | Ordinance of 5 May 2025 | Press report of 8 Oct 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Village side, on your own | Up to 290 m | Not allowed |
| Village side, with an authorised guide | Up to 400 m | Up to 290 m |
| Ginostra side, on your own | Up to 130 m | Not allowed |
| Ginostra side, with a guide | Up to 400 m via Punta Corvi | Up to 130 m |
The later report says that independent hikes remain banned and that guided trips stop at lower heights. Rules change with the alert level and with new ordinances, so do not plan around any single height. Assume the stricter column, and confirm the limit with your guide when you book.
Our pick: guided hike
The sunset hike with a volcano guide, with helmet and headlamp provided.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided hikes and volcano tours on Stromboli
Guided hikes, sunset walks and combined hike and boat tours, with live prices and availability.
How a guided hike works
What the 2025 ordinance and the operators describe.
Authorised guides only
Groups go with licensed mountain or volcano guides, with a maximum of 25 hikers per guide. Above 290 m the ordinance allowed no more than 75 hikers on the mountain at once. You sign a risk declaration beforehand, and the guide reports the route, times and participants to the local civil protection office.
Timing
The ordinance set a window of 11:00 to midnight for guided excursions. A local operator lists afternoon and sunset departures starting roughly between 15:00 and 18:00, depending on the time of year. The advertised hike takes about five hours.
Equipment
Above 290 m guides had to supply approved helmets and disposable dust masks. The guide also checks that your shoes, clothing, torch, water and food are adequate. Bring all of them, including a head torch for the descent after dark.
Route
On the village side the ordinance names the Strada vicinale Parroco and the Mulattiera Salvatore di Losa (a mule track). After storms routes can be rebuilt or rerouted, so follow your guide rather than an old map.
What a hike costs and what to check
One local guide company, Magmatrek, advertised the standard hike at €30 per adult and €25 per child under 12 for 2026, with a maximum height of 400 m, roughly 8 km and about 500 m of cumulative ascent. It runs from 15 March to 31 October, from both Stromboli and Ginostra, and recommends booking in advance. The price is a listed fare, not a full price for every setup.
Ask whether municipal fees and equipment hire are included, and whether the advertised height is allowed on your date. Also look at the return. After an evening hike you may have no scheduled ferry, so read where to stay on Stromboli before you book a day trip.
Not a hiker? Other ways to see the volcano
Related pages for planning.
Boat tours to the Sciara del Fuoco
See the activity from the sea in the evening, with no climb involved.
Eruptions and safety
Alert levels, what they mean and what to do if the siren sounds.
How to get to Stromboli
Ferries and hydrofoils, with the October 2026 timetable.
If a bigger hiking trip is what you want, Sicily's largest volcano has its own guide: see hiking on Etna.
Stromboli hiking: frequently asked questions
Can I hike Stromboli without a guide?
The ordinance of 5 May 2025 allowed independent walking up to 290 m on the village side and 130 m on the Ginostra side. A press report of 8 October 2026 describes independent hikes as still banned. Assume you need a guide.
Can I climb to the summit crater?
No. The summit crater hike has been suspended since 2019 according to the company that used to run it. Guided hikes end at a viewpoint, not at the craters.
How much does a guided hike cost?
A local guide company advertised €30 per adult and €25 per child under 12 in 2026, for about five hours. Ask whether fees and equipment are included.
What should I bring?
Sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, a head torch, water and food. Your guide checks these, and above 290 m the guides supply helmets and dust masks.
Do I need to book in advance?
The operator recommends reserving. Groups are capped at 25 per guide, and a hike only runs when the rules allow it.
Can I hike on the Ginostra side?
Yes, with limits. The 2025 ordinance set 130 m for independent walkers and up to 400 m with a guide via Punta Corvi. The October 2026 report mentions 130 m with a guide. Read Ginostra for access.