Monte Pilato

Monte Pilato is the youngest volcano on the island of Lipari, rising in its northeastern corner within the Aeolian Islands archipelago. The cone reaches 476 m above sea level and marks the highest point of the crater rim from which lava erupted during the island's most recent volcanic activity. It pairs a raw, otherworldly landscape with one of Lipari's most rewarding hikes.

How did Monte Pilato form?

The cone was built by an eruption dated to the 8th century AD, which threw out huge volumes of white pumice and shaped the mountain seen today. That same eruption produced the dark obsidian flows known as Rocche Rosse. Volcanic activity in the area resumed in the 13th century with the Forgia Vecchia eruption, which generated a second, bilobed flow of obsidian lava. These events make Monte Pilato one of the youngest volcanic features anywhere in Italy.

What will you see there?

The cone is built from white pyroclastic pumice deposits that stand in sharp contrast to the black, sun-glinting fields of obsidian spreading out at its base. The jagged Rocche Rosse formations are frozen rivers of volcanic glass — walking among them takes care, but the view rewards the effort. From the summit, panoramic views stretch across all of Lipari and the neighboring islands, with Salina and Vulcano visible on clear days. The slopes still bear traces of the old Campo Bianco pumice quarries, worked industrially from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s and once a key part of the island's economy.

How do you get there?

The most popular approach starts at Acquacalda beach, where the trail crosses the Rocche Rosse lava flow and passes the former pumice quarries on its way to the summit. From there, hikers can continue toward Fossa delle Rocche Rosse and descend to Canneto via Punta di Sparanello. An alternative route begins in Canneto, following the road to the small church at Pirrera before reaching Forgia Vecchia, Rocche Rosse, and Campo Bianco. The route is considered demanding — a full loop typically takes 5.5 to 6 hours — so bring plenty of water and sturdy hiking boots.

When should you visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the hike, when temperatures are milder and the largely shadeless volcanic terrain doesn't heat up the way it does in summer. An early start helps you beat both the heat and the crowds.

Most common questions

Is hiking Monte Pilato difficult? Yes — the trail is considered demanding in both terrain and stamina, with a full loop taking around 5.5 to 6 hours over uneven, sometimes sharp obsidian ground.

Can you take obsidian from Rocche Rosse as a souvenir? The area holds geological and historical value, so it's best to admire the rock formations on site rather than collect fragments.

What exactly is Rocche Rosse? It's a frozen flow of black obsidian formed during Monte Pilato's most recent eruptions, one of the most distinctive volcanic features on Lipari.

Are there other attractions nearby? Yes — the route passes the former Campo Bianco pumice quarries and the villages of Acquacalda and Canneto, both good starting points for exploring more of the island's coastline.