Spiaggia Bianca

Spiaggia Bianca lies on the east coast just north of Canneto, accessible by a road and steps or by boat from Canneto port. The sand is volcanic, mixed with pumice dust from the disused mines higher up — distinctly pale by Aeolian standards, and a striking contrast against the dark blue water. The quarry buildings, half-collapsed and partly swallowed by maquis, are part of the scene.

Bring water and a snack — there are limited facilities. The beach is busiest in the mornings; afternoons are calmer once the tour boats move on. The water is clear enough for casual snorkelling around the rocks at either end.

things to do sight beach
A story
Spiaggia Bianca — the White Beach — is white because of centuries of pumice dust running off the quarries on the cliffs above. Industrial pumice mining ended in 2007 when UNESCO threatened to remove the islands' World Heritage status, and the white has slowly faded as the cliffs revegetate. The beach is still pale, but each year less so.