This isle is the second largest Aeolian island (26.8 km2). It was named after
the little salted lake of Lingua lying at the south-eastern tip of Santa
Marinawhere the inhabitants once used
to gather the salt needed to preserve capers and fish. This centrally located
isle, lying two miles from Lipari, is the only Aeolian island (out of seven)
covered with blooming vegetation suitable for agriculture thanks to its many
water sources.
More than 400 different types of plants grow here. It is also the island with
the highest peaks such as the three volcanoes that originated it: Monte
Fossa delle Felci (962 m), which is partially covered by one of the most
beautiful strawberry tree woods of the entire Mediterranean; Monte dei Porri (860 m); and Monte Rivi (850 m). Besides the three villages of Santa Marina (the biggest), Malfa and Leni there are
also five hamlets: Lingua, Rinella, Valdichiesa, Pollaraand Torricella. , too, can take pride in its past during
the Bronze Age, which is demon- strated by a grave, found in Malfa,
dating back to the third millennium B.C. The remains are exhibited in the Archeological Museum of Lipari.