COASTAL GEOMORPHOSITES OF THE ISLES OF LIPARI AND STROMBOLI (AEOLIAN ISLANDS, ITALY): NEW POTENTIAL FOR GEO-TOURISM

Abstract

F. Geremia & R. Massoli-Novelli, Coastal geomorphosites of the Isles of Lipari and Stromboli (Aeolian islands, Italy): new
potential for geo-tourism. (IT ISSN 0394-3356, 2005).
After illustrating the main geological, volcanological and geomorphological characteristics of the Aeolian Islands and, in particular, of
Lipari and Stromboli – the two main isles of the archipelago – their most important coastal geomorphosites are individuated.
Considering their high level of geological and geomorphological interest, two geo-tourism itineraries by boat are planned – one for
each island – to promote their coastal landscape of volcanic origin. Six coastal geomorphosites or groups of geomorphosites of elevated scientific and educational value are selected for each itinerary.
The itinerary for the island of Lipari begins in its eastern side with a panoramic view of the famous Castle of Lipari, built on a imposing
rhyolitic lava dome. It continues toward the northern coast, where there are considerable pumice quarries and a rare coarse clastic
beach, characterized by the presence of dark volcanic gravels and pebbles and light-coloured pebbles of pumice, to finish in the
southern side with the observation of two notable volcanic pinnacles (Pietralunga and Pietra Menalda).
The itinerary for the island of Stromboli begins from the pier of Scari, characterised from a dark-coloured sandy beach and continues
toward Ginostra, where it is possible to run along the first geological-historical path of Aeolian Islands. The itinerary continues toward
northwest with the impressive panoramic view of the “Sciara del Fuoco”, a rare landscape in the Mediterranean, and to finish around
the neck of Strombolicchio, the last evidence of a vast volcanic edifice.
Emphasis is given to the importance of this new kind of cultural tourism, named “geo-tourism”, according the principles of sustainable
development and based on the promotion and conservation of the unique geomorphological-volcanological heritage of Aeolian
islands.