Dattilo Rock in Panarea
Dattilo 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 probable that in the past these rocks were joined together to form a larger island. The uncontaminated nature of these places has led the regional council to establish the integral nature reserve of the island of Panarea and nearby rocks.
Dattilo is entirely rocky, rich in alum, sulfur and gypsum, and is totally inaccessible, except for a small pebble beach on the eastern side.
It is believed that the name of the island derives from the ancient Greek "dáctylos", that is "finger", due to the shape of a rock slanting towards the sky which takes the shape of a finger.
