Day 2: Living Lipari Coast to Coast Sitting on a Bicycle

Our day begins with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, for lunch we will stop in the town of Quattropani. But first we will pass through some of the most important beaches on the island. That's why I told you having a wealty beakfast! You'll going to spend a lot of energy, stay hydrated. Get on your bike, let's go!

Our first goal today, is the Beach of Canneto. This paradisiac beach is located on the east coast, 3 km to the north of Lipari city. It's so particular because the land's composition: it is pebbly and mixed with sand; as you can see, this beach is closed in a suggestive bay, sourrended by deep water in turquoise colour. The main characteristics of the coast are the scarce width and, on the other hand, the considerable length. It is a beach partly equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, but we will stop for a while and then leave for the next beach, which is waiting for us.

You've arrived to this magnificent beach, called Spiaggia Bianca. Its name came from the pumice sediments, which make up its seabed. The pumice is a type of magmatic rock, you may not know than it is composed by a light material, which confers it porosity. Looking the seabed is a thing I recommend you pay attention to! The sea is particularly warm, of an intense turquoise, on it there are some jetties. Probably you don't understand why they're here. You must know than once upon a time, they were used for the transport of the extracted goods, including pumice.

After visiting the beach, let's go and breathe some mountain air. If you love hiking, you could consider making one in this mountain, from whose summit you can see the whole island. You could climb the mountain through the path that starts from the extreme east of Acquacalda beach, if you are interested in this activity! You should know that Mount Pilato is the highest point of the crater rim from which the pumice has come out. I invite you coming back and go along the cost, where you'll see Acquacalda Beach.

You should know that the Acquacalda's village, on the northern coast of the island, gives its name to this wonderful beach. The majestic white mountain of pumice dominates it, the quarries that constitute it are the only ones in Europe, besides the Turkish one. The natural landscape, given the suggestion, recalls the idea of ​​wild nature, so I invite you to fully enjoy it. If you want, I invite you to take a bath before going there for lunch. This way you can regain your strength before pedaling again!

Here we are in the town of Quattropani, where the Sangre Rojo Restaurant stands, nestled among its hills. Here you can enjoy the enchanting landscape of Lipari even at the table. Let yourself be carried away by the smells of the dishes you will taste, enjoy them also with your eyes, before letting yourself be carried away by the flavors of the island cuisine, based on the catch of the day and other traditional dishes. Enjoy your well deserved meal!

I was asking to myself if you're getting tired of cycling today. I thought about this resting activity to break the monotony of our tour. If you're interested I invite you to rest by taking a tour of this wonderful estate, inside and out, and to taste its wines. You could do an appetize if you aren't saziated from the lunch you've made before. I recommend you checking some information from Tenuta di Castellaro's website. If you're looking for an awesome winery experience you should evaluate this option!

Welcome to the next goal of our trip: The Kaolin Querries or Cave di Caolino, according the italian's name, open on the western side of the island, not far from Quattropani. They're dating back to the Greek era, maybe you didn't know that information! The path runs along the walls of the quarry, where ancient fumaroles have produced showy polychromies, the result of alterations in the rocks. You may not know that during the Saracen occupation many Lipari's habitants moved to the Kaolin area, settling in some natural caves present, called by them "Rutta i Saracina". At the end of the Muslim occupation, the Kaolin area was also known as "Vagnu Siccu" or Bagno Secco, which takes its name from the function it had. In the past it was known for its waters with exceptional healing properties. If you'll agree you be able to explore these quarries in 2 hours.

Here we are at the thermal structure of San Calogero, in Pianoconte. It's of great importance to know that during the nineteenth century it was possible for guests to stay, receive thermal treatments and pray in the chapel dedicated to the saint, who gives the building its name. The building is composed of 2 floors and it was born from a structure that dates back to the Hellenistic age, turns its gaze towards the island of Salina. Taking a beautiful photograph among these rocky landscapes that open into the sea is a piece of advice I want to give you!

After our visit outside the Terme di San Calogero you'll be to this scenografic lookout, called Belvedere Quattrocchi. I know you could be tired due to numerous place we've visited, but it is the last effort, I swear! I be able to admit than the view you get, it'll be worth it. From this viewpoint, located on a hill, you can see Lipari's Island in the foreground and its other "sisters" in the distance. But don't worry! We'll visit them in these days, so take a breath while enjoying this amazing panorama. From there you can see the remains of ancients volcanos which are only stones standing in the sea in front of you. They are called "Faraglioni di Lipari".

After leaving the Belvedere Quattrocchi behind us, we reached the Valle Muria's Beach. You can breathe a sigh of relief, it's our last stop for today. Now - if you want - I invite you to immerse yourself in the crystal clear waters of this wonderful black sand beach. A little moment of relaxation before returning to the hotel. As you can see, its extension gives it an elongated shape and it can be considered as embraced by rocky promontories.

Finally our excursion of Lipari's Island is over. You are probably tired after an heavy cycling day, so I'm proposing you to have a shower and then have a little nap. After that, I advise you to get ready and go out. Our goal is eating something delicious, after all the energy you had lost.

Here we are, you're well rested, I hope, and ready to taste the Trattoria da Bartolo's cuisine. Tonight I took you to this restaurant to eat something simple, but just as good. You may want to eat a pizza after two days of tasting fish dishes.

After you've endend your dinner, you could be tired, so your bed is waiting for you. Come back to the hotel on foot or calling a taxi. Prepare yourself for tomorrow, we'll go to explore the first three island of the Archipelago. I won't say nothing more, you'll discover everything tomorrow. Good night!