Viewpoint: Porticello Beach

Porticello Beach lies on the northeastern end of the island of Lipari, one of the glorious Aeolian Islands just north of Sicily…

Fishing boats on Porticello Beach - Lipari Island, Aeolian Islands, Sicily, Italy

This pebbly beach on Lipari is notable for its content of pumice. Pumice mining was a major part of the island’s economy until 2000, when, as part of the deal for the Aeolian Islands’ UNESCO World Heritage status, operations were curtailed (albeit slowly). Fishing, as you can see, continues, but fishing isn’t as profitable as mining and the island now depends heavily on tourism for its income.

Photo by iStock