Stromboli — Scari / Punta Lena
Scari Stromboli · Strombolicchio anchorage · Ficogrande bay
38°47.7'N 15°13.1'E
Depth
5–12m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
100m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
100m
100m in Ficogrande anchorage in 6–10m depth. The volcanic stones make setting the anchor require extra care — back down firmly. Night anchoring here with the eruptions visible is one of the Mediterranean's great natural experiences — but maintain anchor watch and set tight alarms. Strong Tramontana from N creates uncomfortable conditions; if forecast, move to the W (more sheltered) side or depart.
About This Anchorage
Stromboli is arguably the most dramatic anchorage in the Mediterranean — an active stratovolcano rising 926m from the sea, erupting continuously with small to moderate Strombolian explosions every 15–20 minutes. The glow of lava and bomb-like projectiles visible from the anchorage at night is a spectacle unlike anything else in European waters. The village (Stromboli/Ginostra) clings to the NE slope, while the terrifying Sciara del Fuoco (NW flank) channels lava flows into the sea. The island last had major events in 2002, 2007, and 2019 — in major events, tsunamis up to 10m were generated. Always check INGV alerts. The Guardia Costiera monitors the area closely. Night guided hikes to the crater summit (authorized guides only — mandatory above 400m) are one of the highlights of Aeolian Islands sailing.
Protected From
S · SW · W
Exposed To
N · NE · E
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor in Ficogrande. Buoy fee if using Punta Lena buoys.
- Maximum stay
- 3 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No AMP permit. MANDATORY: Monitor INGV Stromboli activity level (ingv.it/stromboli). Alert Level Yellow = normal activity; Orange = elevated, maintain 3nm distance; Red = major event, evacuate area immediately.
Restrictions: NEVER anchor or approach within 300m of the Sciara del Fuoco (NW slope) — active lava falls, explosive events and tsunami risk. Crater summit hike above 400m requires a licensed Stromboli guide (mandatory rule, enforced). No anchoring on Posidonia. No landing on volcanic flow areas.
Hazards
- !VOLCANO TSUNAMI RISK: In major eruption events (2019: paroxysm generating 10m tsunami), boats in the anchorage have no escape time. Always monitor INGV Stromboli level and have a rapid departure plan. If INGV issues Orange/Red alert, depart immediately
- !Sciara del Fuoco exclusion: The NW flank is the lava channel; rocks and lava bombs fall into the sea here — the 300m exclusion is a minimum safety distance, not a comfortable margin
- !Tramontana/Grecale exposure: The NE anchorage is exposed to N through E — in Tramontana F4+, departure to a more sheltered anchorage is strongly recommended
- !Night anchoring: The spectacular eruption show at night can distract from anchor watch — set alarms tightly and check anchor every 2 hours in unknown conditions
Skipper's Tips
- →Book a licensed guide for the crater night hike at least a day in advance — the guides fill up quickly in summer and the hike (depart ~19:00, summit at dusk) is an unmissable experience
- →The Strombolicchio sea stack (1nm NE of the island) has a lighthouse and spectacular basalt columns — photograph from the boat as landing is not permitted
- →Watch eruptions from the water at night — anchor in Ficogrande, launch dinghy, and motor 200–300m offshore for a clear view of the Sciara del Fuoco (at safe distance); the glowing lava trails are phenomenal
- →Check INGV Stromboli webcam (ingv.it/stromboli) before arrival — the live camera shows current activity level and you can judge whether conditions are safe for an overnight stay
Facilities
Small restaurants and bars in the village. Limited provisioning. Fuel at Lipari. Water is scarce — fill tanks wherever possible before arriving.
Nearest provisions: Stromboli village (0.3nm)
Best Months & Season
June, July, August, September
Accessible June–September (main season). Spring/autumn viable for experienced sailors. The volcano is active year-round. Winter sailing near Stromboli is for very experienced crews only given wind exposure and the lack of facilities for weather waiting.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 100m
In the Aeolian Islands, volcanic rock bottoms and sudden channel winds make anchor drag a real overnight risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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