Stromboli is the volcano known as the “Lighthouse of the Mediterranean” because of its frequent, visible eruptions.
The volcano forms one of the Aeolian Islands north of Sicily, Italy. It rises roughly 924 metres above sea level, but most of its cone is underwater, extending from the Mediterranean seafloor. Its persistent bursts of incandescent lava have been observed for centuries, often glowing after dark and guiding the nickname.
Strombolian activity consists of relatively small explosions that eject lava fragments, ash, and volcanic bombs from summit vents. The volcano’s name gave the word “Strombolian” to this style of eruption. Activity can intensify, and larger lava flows or collapses have occasionally reached the coast.
Stromboli is not the same volcano as Vulcano, another Aeolian island whose name helped inspire the modern word “volcano.” Mount Etna, on Sicily, is much larger and higher, but Stromboli is particularly famous for its near-continuous eruptive displays.