Ginostra

The car-free village of Stromboli

With 40 residents, none of whom travel by car, Ginostra seems to exist in a different era. This village on the island of Stromboli is a true paradise for anyone seeking peace and tranquillity. 

There are no roads for cars, and it is only accessible by sea, docking at what has been called the world’s smallest port, Pertuso. You will be enveloped by the sound of waves crashing against the shoreline and the hooves of mules pounding on the pavement. Most of the locals draw their water themselves from a well and use oil lamps to light their homes.

Its white, square houses, with blue doors and windows, shine in contrast to the green Mediterranean scrubland, the deep blue of the sea and the dark volcanic rock. You can get first-hand experience of the power of nature on a volcano hike to admire the red tongue of the Sciara del Fuoco talus scree, which is even more impressive at night. You can also treat yourself to a dive into the turquoise waters of the Piscinette, where the sea water seeps between the rocks and creates natural pools, and the San Lazzaro beach. Down at a depth of 15–20 metres, you will find the shipwreck of an old military vessel.