Stromboli (Italy)

Stromboli, nicknamed the "Lighthouse of the Mediterranean," is one of Italy's most active and explosive volcanoes. Located on a small Aeolian island, it has been erupting nearly continuously for over 2,000 years, with frequent lava fountains and ash bursts visible for miles. Its regular, small-scale eruptions—called "Strombolian activity"—make it a natural laboratory for volcanologists. Despite its predictability, sudden violent paroxysms pose risks to nearby villages. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Stromboli's dramatic night-time eruptions create a mesmerizing spectacle, blending raw geologic power with eerie beauty.