Leni: Nature, Culture and Rinella’s Black Beach

Leni on Salina combines protected nature, historical evidence and distinctive coastal sites within a compact thematic area. Here, you can choose between paths through dense vegetation, churches with clear visiting regulations, archaeological sites and Rinella’s small black-sand beach. Local cuisine is also part of the character of the place: The traditional Tavuliata in honour of San Giuseppe Artigiano brings together dishes and sweets from the Aeolian Islands every year on 1 May.

Natural area between maquis and Monte Fossa delle Felci

One defining area is the Le Montagne delle Felci e dei Porri nature reserve. It lies within the municipalities of Leni, Malfa and Santa Marina di Salina. The protected landscape is characterised above all by evergreen maquis and lush stands of chestnut, oak, pine and holm oak. The reserve was established to preserve the natural vegetation and restore Mediterranean woodland vegetation.

The nature reserve identifies the rare Eleonora’s falcon (Falco eleonorae) as a natural symbol of the island of Salina. This designation is part of the identity of the protected area; it should not be understood as a guarantee of seeing one during an individual visit. Those considering Leni as a starting point for nature experiences will find two differently laid-out routes to Monte Fossa delle Felci: The Leni–Monte Fossa trail is 2 km long and described as moderately difficult. It begins at the entrance on Via Caserta near the primary school and leads towards Monte Fossa delle Felci. It runs in the shade through dense vegetation; the ascent takes approximately 180 minutes and the descent approximately 120 minutes.

A second option is the 1.8-km-long Madonna del Terzito–Monte Fossa trail, which is also described as moderately difficult. It begins next to the Madonna del Terzito Sanctuary in Valdichiesa and leads via numerous hairpin bends and several crossings of the road to Monte Fossa delle Felci. The two routes therefore differ both in their starting points and in their course.

Churches, sanctuary and archaeological traces

The Church of San Gaetano dates in its present form from 1853. Access is possible only by request. A procession by boat is associated with it and takes place every year on 7 August.

The Madonna del Terzito Sanctuary is located in Valdichiesa, within the municipality of Leni, on the island of Salina. It was declared a sanctuary on 8 December 1969. The present sanctuary dates from the 17th century and stands on the ruins of older buildings. Here too, access must be requested in advance for a visit. The site therefore combines a specific historical development with a clear rule governing visits.

Further traces of the past can be found south of Leni at Punta Megna. There is a settlement from the Early and Middle Bronze Age, dated to the 23rd to 15th centuries BC. Rinella, a district of Leni, is also home to a Neolithic site. Together with the Castellaro site on Lipari, it is considered one of the oldest known human settlements in the Aeolian Islands and dates from the middle of the 6th millennium BC.

Rinella: black sand and small harbour

Rinella has a small, crescent-shaped beach with black sand. The small harbour is located directly beside it, where hydrofoils dock.

Traditional cuisine and products from Leni

The Tavuliata in honour of San Giuseppe Artigiano takes place in Leni every year on 1 May. This traditional event showcases local dishes and typical sweets from the Aeolian Islands. A minestrone made with pasta, chickpeas and various pulses is highlighted in particular. The date and the dishes give the event a firm place in the local annual calendar and make it an independent cultural topic alongside nature, the coast and archaeology.

The agricultural side of Leni includes Azienda Agricola Salvatore d’Amico. It is one of the oldest businesses on the island of Salina, a small family-run business operating within the municipality of Leni. Local identity can therefore be understood not only through historic buildings and festivals, but also through a long-established agricultural business.

Which location suits your research?

For your further research, you can also look at Quattropani, Campogrande, Mirto, Fondachello, San Leonardo, San Paolo, Montalbano Di Elicona and Alcara Li Fusi.

For the wider travel overview: Messina.