Quattropani on Lipari: Volcanic Landscapes, Panoramic Views and Traditions

Quattropani on Lipari reveals its distinctive character through volcanic landscapes, religious heritage, island views and regional delicacies.

Wine, Picnics and Local Specialties

Tenuta di Castellaro in the Quattropani district offers wine tastings by reservation. It also offers a vineyard picnic that leads, after a short walk, to a hidden viewpoint and is available by reservation only. At A Menza Quartara, bread salad and homemade liqueurs are among the house specialties.

Chiesa Vecchia and the Madonna della Catena

The Santuario di Maria Santissima della Catena was built in 1588 in honor of the Madonna della Catena and is located in Chiesa Vecchia, at the highest point of Quattropani. The sanctuary houses an 18th-century oil painting of the Blessed Virgin with the Child, as well as an 18th-century wooden statue of the Madonna della Catena. From Chiesa Vecchia, there are views across Salina and of Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi.

The Feast of the Madonna della Catena takes place between Chiesa Vecchia and Chiesa Nuova. It lasts three days, with the nighttime pilgrimage on the night of September 7–8 at its center.

Volcanic Landscapes at the Cave di Caolino

The Cave di Caolino in the Quattropani district can be reached via a narrow road branching off the provincial road toward Ospedale. The Cave di Caolino consist of white, kaolinized clay formations and kaolin beds whose surfaces are intensely colored in places by fumarolic gases. The path beside the Cave di Caolino reveals secondary volcanism and leads to the cliffs of Palmeto.

A path near the Cave di Caolino passes through Mediterranean grasslands where orchids bloom in spring and past a small pool fed by water from a thermal spring. The Cave di Caolino lie on the western slope of Lipari and overlook the “Timponi,” the oldest geological formations on the island; they formed around 220,000 years ago. For much of the year, the coast around the Cave di Caolino is a habitat of the yellow-legged gull (Larus cachinnans).

Paths to the Coast

The secluded path offers views of historic mining activities. A steep path running through the “Timpone” reaches the coast; through narrow valleys, it continues to the ancient, now-dry Lake Bagno Secco.

Traces of the Island’s Early History

The Castellaro Vecchio open-air site near Quattropani is associated with the earliest phase. The prehistoric inhabitants of Castellaro Vecchio used obsidian from the prehistoric lava flow of Pomiciazzo.

Traditions in Quattropani

Every year in Quattropani, the tradition of a nativity scene is renewed. The handmade nativity scene in Chiesa Vecchia is created by volunteers under the direction of the “Castellaro” Association.

Connection and Trekking Route

Quattropani is connected to the town of Lipari by the panoramic road that runs around the island. The Lipari–Pianoconte–Terme S. Calogero–Quattropani route is one of the trekking routes on the island of Lipari.

Other Destinations Nearby

For further orientation: Vulcano Porto, Calderà, Chianchitta-pallio, Salice, Marina Di Patti, Malvagna, San Piero Patti and San Fratello.

For the broader travel overview: Messina.