Island of Basiluzzo in Panarea
Basiluzzo is a small island belonging to the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands , located near the coasts of Panarea . The island, together with the numerous nearby rocks, such as that of Lisca Bianca, Bottaro, Lisca Nera and others, represents what remains of ancient volcanic vents belonging to the Panarea apparatus, formed about 130,000 years ago. It is likely that in the past these rocks were joined together to form a larger island. The uncontaminated nature of these places has led the regional councilor to establish the Integral Natural Reserve of Panarea Island and nearby rocks.
Basiluzzo is the most recent of these volcanoes formed just 50,000 years ago, against an average of about 150,000 /130,000 years for Panarea and the other islets. The physical conformation of the island and the stratifications of successive lava flows testify to the numerous eruptions that have characterized its existence. The coasts of the island are characterized by cliffs overlooking the sea, while in the center is the large sloping plateau which determines the difference in height. This plateau, divided by dry stone walls, shows human passage on the island as it was used over the centuries as a site for cereal crops, pastures and homes; today it is invaded by heather and mastic.
In the waters around Basiluzzo it is possible to admire the small port and a terrace of the island dating back to Roman times.
