Portinenti

Portinenti Bay stretches across from the beach of the same name on the island of Lipari, which is part of the Aeolian archipelago in Sicily. Portinenti is located in the bay of Porto delle Genti, set in a wonderful inlet just south of the port of Marina Corta.

Due to its geographical location, the bay offers shelter from almost all winds, and there is an equipped mooring area 50 meters from the beach. The marina has a catenary buoy field, and the staff offers all kinds of assistance; there is daytime surveillance and 24-hour video surveillance.

Dinghy service to and from the beach is offered at the ports, and it is possible to get all the information and tips for visiting the area. In addition to this equipped anchorage, one can stay in the anchorage in front of the beach, or move along the many coves and bays scattered throughout the Lipari periplo.

Cala Portinenti is perhaps the most beautiful on the whole island, however, Vinci beach, not far away, is also very beautiful. In front of the beach, in the strait that separates Lipari from Vulcano, are the Pietralunga rocks and Menalda stone, called the stacks of Lipari; these are two rocks that have been active volcanic eruptions in the past.

These two magma towers have been shaped over the centuries by wind and sea and are currently home to a number of plant species and a colony of herring gulls. The whole area is the subject of great interest by scuba diving enthusiasts and diving centers in the area, which organize underwater expeditions to admire the depths of Lipari.

Around Menalda stone the depth reaches 40 meters and it is possible to see all kinds of animals, such as octopuses and moray eels. The nearby Formiche shoal is an ideal place for snorkeling, the environment is extremely varied and the water is so transparent that you can distinguish the bottom even from the surface.

Other very interesting areas for scuba diving are on the opposite side of the island: the Monks’ Rock, the Seagulls’ Wall, and Punta Castagna, which are located opposite Acquacalda.

In the western part of Lipari is perhaps the best spot for scuba diving, although it is rather challenging; it is the Bagno shoal, which has a cap at a depth of 22 meters and is populated with red gorgonians and huge groupers.