Stromboli is a magical island off the coast of southern Italy, belonging to a group of islands called the Eolie, in Sicily. It has an active volcano, of the same name, 926 metres high, above sea level.

Really close to the Island, north-east of Stromboli, you will find the "neck" of Strombolicchio, a residual of the first volcano that emerged from the sea surrounding the Island (technically called "volcanic neck"). It hosts only a lighthouse, now in disuse.

The history of the Island traces back to 200,000 years ago, when an active volcano emerged from the sea (the one that is now called Strombolicchio is a residual of that one).

Being an active volcano, Stromboli eructs every hour. The most important eruptions in the past were the one in 1919 and 1930 and have both caused huge damage and death. The real volcano, the one we see today, emerged from the sea around 160,000 years ago.

Stromboli has been inhabited since ancient times, but due to the economic crisis and the eruption of 1930 it came close to being abandoned, but was then rediscovered after the war by director Roberto Rossellini, which made the Island the setting of the movie Stromboli terra di Dio (Stromboli, land of God, 1949, with Ingrid Bergman) and brought the Island back into the popular consciousness, becoming renowned all over the world.

Sicilian people call the volcano "Iddu" (from Sicilian dialect: Him), personifying it because of the old belief that the eruptions were sent by Gods. Technically, its name comes from Ancient Greek, Στρογγύλη, which means "round" (from its shape). In Sicilian dialect, strummulu indicates a spinning top.

It is basically impossible to describe when visiting, what you must see, because the only thing you need to do in Stromboli is "to feel". There is not a special beach (although they are beautiful with their clear sea and the black volcanic sand) or a special church to check out, because each element of the Island is worth experiencing  - with your heart: listen to the volcano, inhale the sea breeze, and feel the atmosphere of this magical place that has been here forever, and forever will be.

The classic version of Light Blue Perfume by Dolce&Gabbana has just been re-edited in a limited edition dedicated to Stromboli.

Credits: Dolce&Gabbana perfumes