vista
Watching the explosions from Stromboli’s summit craters is highly hypnotic and addictive. Try to concentrate on the colours of the lava emitted in the form of scraps. Right at the point of emission it has a very intense yellow colour, nearing white. This yellow then gradually gets darker until it turns orange, then red when the lapilli are a little further away from the mouth of the volcano. This is an effect of the gradual lowering of the lava temperature as it moves away from its point of emission.
olfatto
This is the prevalent smell at the Pizzo sopra la Fossa. It is not a rotten egg smell like Vulcano, but something more pungent, and could irritate the nose and throat. Be sensible and wear a mask, and you will smell it distinctly as you embark on your return journey.
gusto
On top of Stromboli you certainly do not have time for dinner, absorbed as you are by the explosions. Having said that, the real explosion will be of taste once back in the village of Stromboli, at around 22:30-23:00, when you enjoy a wonderful pizza in one of the many pizzerias that await the descent of the “heroes” from the top.
tatto
As soon as you reach the Pizzo sopra la Fossa, the first thing to do is sit down, in order to be comfortable and avoid the wind as much as possible, since it is always windy at the top.
You will not believe what you feel: in every season of the year the ground is hot, and even very hot if you try sinking your hand a little. Then again, you are only 100 metres from the crater of one of the most active volcanoes in the world!
udito
Listen to the puffs of the craters and try to distinguish them from one another: each one has its own voice, just like different organ pipes.
