Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
A few kilometres north of the beach at Canneto lies the Campobianco quarry, where huge
gashes of white rock streak down the green hillside. These are the result of extensive
pumice quarrying, which was an important local industry until 2000, when Unesco called
for curtailment of mining operations as a condition for granting World Heritage status to
the Aeolians.
Spiaggia della Papesca
Beyond Campobianco at Porticello, this pebble beach is dusted white by the fine pumice
that gives the sea its limpid turquoise colour.
BEACH
Activities
Hiking
Away from the more obvious coastal pleasures, there's some lovely hiking on Lipari, es-
pecially along the rugged northern and western coastlines. Most walks involve fairly steep
slopes, although the summer heat is as likely to wear you down as the terrain. Take all the
usual precautions: a hat, sunblock, plenty of water, and try to avoid the midday sun.
Pianoconte to Quattropani
This three- to four-hour hike starts from Pianoconte's school (5km west of Lipari Town),
descending towards the sea along a paved road, which eventually narrows to a trail. Lev-
elling out along the coastal bluffs, a relatively flat section skirts Lipari's western
shoreline, affording fabulous views of Salina, Vulcano, Filicudi and Alicudi, before
climbing steeply to the town of Quattropani.
As you descend from Pianoconte, you'll pass the old Roman baths of San Calogero,
famous in antiquity for the thermal spring that flowed at a constant temperature of 60°C.
Climbing back to Quattropani, you'll also pass the old Kaolin Mine, where the hillside is
still visibly scarred. The trail can just as easily be hiked in the opposite direction, starting
just south of the town of Quattropani. Either way, the strenuous climbs and steep descents
are rewarded with spectacular coastal scenery. Both ends of the trail can be reached by
local bus: on the way there, ask the driver to let you off at the trailhead; returning, look for
the official bus stop in either Pianoconte or Quattropani.
HIKING
Quattropani to Acquacalda
WALKING
