Stromboli is the Italian island volcano known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean” for its persistent glow.
Stromboli is one of the Aeolian Islands north of Sicily. Its summit has experienced near-continuous explosive activity for centuries, with bursts of gas, ash, and glowing lava commonly visible from nearby sea routes and settlements. This characteristic eruptive style is called Strombolian activity after the volcano.
The island’s visible nighttime explosions inspired its lighthouse nickname and made it one of the world’s most famous active volcanoes. Activity can vary, however, and larger explosions or lava flows can occur without warning.
Stromboli should not be confused with Vulcano, another Aeolian island that gave its name to the general word “volcano.” Stromboli is also the name of the island itself, not only the volcanic cone rising from it.