Ficogrande, Black sand beach in Lipari, Italy

Ficogrande is a black volcanic sand beach on the east coast of Lipari, in the Aeolian Islands, about 400 km south of Rome. The dark sand comes from the volcanic rock of the archipelago, and the beach is split by a small pier used by fishermen.

The beach was created by volcanic activity from nearby volcanoes that shaped the region over thousands of years. This geological process continues to influence the appearance of the shoreline today.

Fishermen still use the small pier that splits the beach, keeping alive the maritime traditions that have shaped life on this island for generations.

The beach has free access areas and sections with equipment rental like umbrellas and sunbeds. The dark sand gets very hot in the sun, so bring shoes or a towel to protect your feet from burns.

The rock of Strombolicchio, visible from the beach, is the eroded neck of an ancient volcano; the island of Stromboli grew from the same submarine edifice. Its summit carries the Faro di Strombolicchio, a lighthouse built in 1925 and automated in the 1980s, which still guides ships through the Aeolian waters.