The largest of the Aeolian Islands offers culture, fantastic hiking and secluded bays.
Explore the old citadel on the island of Lipari and immerse yourself in a fascinating history of pirate attacks and rule by multiple civilizations. Explore the rural western end and relax on beaches of soft sand and warm blue-green water.
Arrive in Lipari Town and enjoy its bustling atmosphere. See boats drifting out to sea from the harbor as you venture through the small shops and delis in Marina Corta.
Have lunch at a café along Via Vittorio Emanuele in the town center. Then head to the citadel. It was built after the pirate Barbarossa devastated the town in 1544, killing local people and burning buildings to the ground. Many businesses that once stood here have moved elsewhere however, it still provides a spectacular vista.
The citadel’s crowning feature is the Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano, featuring a stunning collection of ancient artifacts. Marvel at the theatrical masks from the time of Ancient Greek control of the island and see mysterious shipwreck cargos from the Roman Empire.
Head next to the Cattedrale di San Bartolomeo. This grand structure features an exquisite 17th-century Baroque interior. The 12th-century Benedictine cloister near the main entrance is all that remains of the church that stood here before Barbarossa’s attack.
After a tour of the island’s architecture, walk through lush, peaceful countryside. Stroll along the southwest coastline beside dramatic cliffs and scattered rocky outcrops and stop for a swim near the deserted, dark sands of Spiaggia Valle i Muria.
Lipari has many gorgeous beaches. Some of the best are located a 10-minute drive north of the main town. Spiaggia Bianca is a peaceful cove surrounded by high cliffs, while the shoreline of Canneto is backed by restaurants. Enjoy fresh swordfish and calamari as the sun sets.
Find a range of accommodations on Lipari, with hotels in town and private villas spread out across the island. Ferries and the faster hydrofoils depart regularly from Milazzo on Sicily. From here, you can easily get to the mainland.
Enjoy the empty beaches and ancient culture on Lipari.
