La Forbice Beach
A wild rocky cove reached only by sea or steep trail
About
Spiaggia de La Forbice sits on Scoglio della Secca in the Aeolian Islands, a compact 60-metre rocky cove where the turquoise water meets jagged volcanic rock with zero sand underfoot. It's raw, unpolished, and deliberately hard to reach — which is exactly why it stays quiet. The water glows in shades of turquoise that feel almost unreal against the dark stone. At roughly 60 metres across, there's no room for beach umbrellas or sunbeds — just rock, sea, and silence. This is the Aeolian Islands at their most elemental.
How to get there
Spiaggia de La Forbice is boat-only or trail-only — there is no road access. The fastest route is a 10-minute boat ride on demand from Marina Corta port in Lipari town. Alternatively, a steep 15-minute descent on foot from Via Contrada Capistello brings you down to the cove. There is no entry fee, but sturdy footwear is essential if you're hiking in.
Who it's for
For couples
The sheer effort of getting here — whether by boat from Marina Corta or on foot down the steep trail — means you'll likely have the cove almost to yourselves, making it a genuinely private escape for two.
For families
The rocky shoreline, difficult trail descent, and absence of any facilities make this a challenging outing with young children; families with older, sure-footed kids who are comfortable on rocky entries into the sea will manage better than those with toddlers.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
La Forbice doesn't make it easy for you, and that's the whole point. A 15-minute steep descent or a short boat hop from Marina Corta filters out the casual visitor and leaves behind a quiet, wild cove that feels genuinely off the tourist circuit. The turquoise water is real — not a filter, not a postcard exaggeration. There's no sand, no bar, no lounger rental — just volcanic rock and open sea. Skip August without hesitation; the combination of peak visitor numbers and intense heat works against everything that makes this place worth visiting. Come in June or September, bring water, wear proper shoes, and let the silence do the work.
What to do
After the beach, Lipari Castle and its Archaeological Museum — about 4km away — houses one of Europe's finest collections of ancient artefacts and is well worth an afternoon. The Belvedere Quattrocchi viewpoint, roughly 5.9km from the cove, delivers panoramic views across Lipari and the Faraglioni rock stacks. Closer to town, the Co-Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew and Lipari Castle are both within 1.8km and easy to combine into a single evening stroll.
Shoot from the lower trail just before it opens onto the cove — the framing of turquoise water through the rocky walls is striking.
The waterline itself, with the dark volcanic rock in the foreground and open sea beyond, rewards wide-angle compositions. Golden-hour light from the west catches the water colour at its most vivid.
Where to eat
Back in Lipari town, Enopaninoteca Gilberto e Vera (1.7km, rated 4.7/5 across over 1,200 reviews) is the standout local choice for wine and small plates. Ristorante da Filippino a Lipari (2km) is a long-standing favourite with over 1,400 reviews behind it. For something lighter before or after the boat, Caffè La Vela at 1.6km is a reliable stop.
Where to stay
Hotel Borgo Eolie, just 1.2km away and rated 4.7/5, is the closest and highest-rated base for exploring this stretch of Lipari. Hotel Tritone Lipari (1.5km, 4.5/5) offers easy access to Marina Corta, making early morning boat departures straightforward. If you want a little more distance from the port bustle, Hotel Aktea and Hotel Mea Lipari — Aeolian Charme both sit around 2.6km out and carry strong guest ratings.
Photography
The best shots come from the water's edge at the cove itself — frame the turquoise water against the dark volcanic rock in the soft light of early morning or late afternoon when contrast is sharpest. For a wider perspective, the approach trail offers elevated angles looking down into the cove before the final descent.
Good to know
Wear proper hiking shoes for the descent — the trail is steep and the terrain unforgiving, and sandals are a genuine risk here. The cove is at its quietest outside August, when visitor numbers peak and the heat is intense; aim for June, July, or September instead. There's no shade, no facilities, and no food on site, so bring water and snacks. Swimming is rated moderate — the rocky entry and exit points require care, so take your time getting in and out of the water.
Map
Nearby places
Enopaninoteca Gilberto e Vera
Caffè La Vela
Ristorante da Filippino a Lipari
Ristorante Il Corallo
Ristorante Trattoria del Vicolo Lipari
Hotel Borgo Eolie
Hotel Mea Lipari - Aeolian Charme
Hotel Tritone Lipari
Hotel Aktea
Oriente
Punta della Crepazza lipari
Co-Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew
Lipari Castle
Lipari Castle and Archaeological Museum
Belvedere Quattrocchi
Canneto Village
Things to see around Lipari
Lipari Castle and Archaeological Museum
Historic castle with one of Europe's finest ancient artifact collections.
Belvedere Quattrocchi
Panoramic viewpoint with stunning views of Lipari and Faraglioni.
Canneto Village
Historic village with traditional architecture and ancient churches.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — Patrick Nouhailler's… · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 2 — Patrick Nouhailler's… · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 3 — Patrick Nouhailler's… · source · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Photo 4 — Nouhailler · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 5 — Nouhailler · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 6 — Nouhailler · source · CC BY-SA 2.0