Planning a trip to Stromboli

Getting Around -- To book hydrofoil or ferry rides, head for the office of Siremar (tel. 090-986016; www.siremar.it) along the harbor road at the port and easy to spot. Siremar offers year-round boat trips from Stromboli to Naples at 38€ to 48€ per person. Boats arrive from Milazzo from April to September only. From July to September, it's possible to book hydrofoil tickets on Ustica Lines (tel. 090-9287821; www.usticalines.it) from Stromboli direct to Naples for 57€ to 62€ per person one-way.

Although several agencies at the port hawk deals ranging from cruises to boat trips, Sabbia Nera, Via Marina (tel. 090-986390; www.sabbianerastromboli.com), is the most reliable. From Easter to September, it's open daily 9am to 1pm and 3 to 7pm. Boat rentals for tours around Stromboli begin at 140€ a day (fuel extra). You can also rent a scooter here for 20€ a day (fuel extra). The staff can arrange guided boat excursions to Vulcano; the cost is 30€ per person. Guided excursions to Panarea cost 45€ per person. The excursion to Filicudi and Alicudi costs 85€ per person. The agency can also book boat trips around Stromboli, calling at Ginostra and Strombolicchio. Trips last 3 hours and cost 20€ per person. Trips at night to see Sciara del Fuoco last 2 hours and cost 25€ per person. Most of these excursions leave from the beach at Ficogrande.