Ginostra: The Island Within the Island

If Stromboli village is quiet, Ginostra is silent. Located on the southwestern flank of the volcano, this tiny hamlet is effectively cut off from the rest of the island by the steep slopes of the Sciara del Fuoco.

The World's Smallest Port

For centuries, Ginostra claimed the title of the world's smallest port (`Il Pertuso`), capable of hosting only one small boat at a time. While it has been slightly enlarged to allow ferry docking, arriving here still feels like stepping into a secret cove. There are no roads connecting Ginostra to Stromboli village. You simply cannot walk between them. You must take the ferry or a private taxi boat.

Life in Slow Motion

Ginostra has:

• •No Cars: The "streets" are mule tracks. The only transport is by mule or electric cart.
• •No Streetlights: At night, the darkness is absolute, making it one of the best stargazing spots in Italy. Bring a torch!
• •Two Restaurants: Choices are limited but excellent (`L'Incontro` is a classic).

The Best Sunset in the Aeolians

Being west-facing, Ginostra enjoys spectacular sunsets. As the sun dips into the Tyrrhenian Sea, the other Aeolian islands (Panarea, Salina, Lipari) are silhouetted against the burning sky. It’s a daily ritual here: gather at the church square, watch the sun drop, and wait for the first stars to appear over the volcano behind you.