Isola delle Femmine

Physical

A small beach on the coast near Palermo, facing the uninhabited island of Isola delle Femmine. The water is shallow and the beach is sandy. A marine reserve covers the island and the surrounding water.

Social

Mainly local residents from the Palermo metropolitan area and some tourists. A typical Sicilian suburban beach used by families in summer.

Context

The name of the island may derive from the Arabic 'al-Fawwara' (the spring). It is a protected marine area. The beach faces the reserve and benefits from the cleaner water that comes with protection from fishing and motorised boats.

Environment

Adjoins a protected marine reserve associated with cleaner water.

Taxonomy

• Symbiotic Shore + Liminal Edge
• Domestic Body + Integrated Body
• Active Negotiation
• Ritual Season
• Middle-Class Holiday + Selective Tourism
• Geological Architecture + Vernacular Architecture
• Chromatic Field + Visible Threshold