The 11 essential things to do in Lipari

In Sicily, the Eolian Islands and their main islet, Lipari, evoke a thousand thoughts more enchanting than others. Discover the 11 essential things to do in Lipari.

Radiant sun, colored houses, Dolce Vita unshakeable traditions. But also, alcohols of character, exuberant nature, influences of the whole Mediterranean, turquoise waters. Then, perched villages, generous dishes, cigales in the shadow of the millennium buildings... Do you need more to convince you to fly to the Isles?

This archipelago off the coast Sicily It's a lot of things to do, see, eat... Among its seven volcanic islets, one of them has particularly taken our attention. His name? Lipari.

Although it is the most densely populated island of the wind flotilla, it only shelters ten thousand inhabitants. The arrival of men and women did not damage the calm, authentic and symbiosis atmosphere with nature. Here are the 11 essential things to do in Lipari.

1. Castle of Lipari

In the spring, in the summer, in the autumn and in the winter, the inhabitants seem to be full of training! In the middle of this life that beats its full, the tourists are spoiled with sidewalks. Under the greetings of the locals and traders, they engulfed themselves in the colourful streets. Go to the Castle of Lipari. Sometimes named acropolis, again citadel, it dominates the pretty city.

In its enclosure altered by time, you will discover a cathedral, several churches, a former amphitheatre and other archaeological ruins. He has been watching since the year 4000 BC. That’s why inside you’ll find a gallery of neo-Gothic style, a fortification dating from the Roman era or golden baroque stucco in richly decorated churches.

Set on a rocky promontory above the sea, the Château de Lipari also offers one of the most beautiful views. Just for that, it is necessarily an essential to visit Lipari!

2. Marina Grande and Marina Corta

The town centre of Lipari stands between two ports connected by a seafront promenade. In fact, one of the most important things to do in Lipari, is undoubtedly to explore this pretty walk at any time of the day.

The first port, Marina Grande , is the landing of many tourists. The arms loaded with suitcases, they hoist between the delivery trucks and the transporters to their hotel. On the way, they quickly see the myriad of small colorful houses, tightened against each other, head-to-head with the Azurean Sea.

The second, Marina Corta , is a charming small port facing the Mediterranean Sea. This square, former natural fortress, was in turn Greek, Roman and Spanish in the medieval period. Today, his cause is always as noble: it is one of the best places for an aperitif! Get in, a glass of Malvasia by hand, and admire the broom incessant from the busy fishermen's boats in the early morning. Moreover, you will find their fish at the menu of restaurants.

3. Archaeological Museum of the Eolians

The Archaeological Museum of the Eolians houses the remains unveiled in the 1940s. He continues to welcome new pieces recently discovered from time to time. The museum is located in the Castle of Lipari and is divided into six different "time" zones.

Raise time through the aisles, from the Prehistory to the present day. You will discover enigmatic fossils, offerings to the gods of Antiquity, intact Greek and Roman objects, Byzantine jewelry, precious coins and even documentaries on contemporary excavations. The scientific video library also contains extensive information on the geology of the Eolian Islands and their volcanoes.

4. Religious buildings

Church of Our Lady under the Channel

Many of the must-sees in Lipari attracted religious buildings. The Church of Our Lady under the Channel was erected in the sixteenth century. It is characterized by its doric style and its grandiose altar leading to a beautiful canvas of the Virgin and her child.

The place, filled with silence, bathes in a solemn atmosphere and invites for a moment of restful meditation. For nothing to be missed, raise your eyes to the Notre-Dame wooden statue underneath the Chain and descend into the depths of the crypt.

Cloître Normand

This Benedictine monastery was the first built in Sicily. It dates back to the 12th century. Many times destroyed and rebuilt, the Norman cloister has worn several caps. Today, he has the prestigious title of Lipari icon. It owes this to the superb renovation work carried out last century.

Inside, you can admire splendid capitals, mythological representations, large sections of soil and fresco fragments. In the center, you will guess the old lush garden, set with columns inherited from the rich Roman houses.

Église Saint-Joseph

Located by the sea, the church of Saint Joseph sits above a legendary crypt. The one that, according to the murmurs, contains the relics of Saint-Barthélemy. Saint-Joseph adjoins the small port of Marina Corta .

One of the most beautiful ways to visit it is to go there in the evening, when the black sea and the sky poked with stars create an endless line. The church is not very large but can be proud of its picturesque setting, its meticulous sculptures, its frescoes of Sicilian artists or its striking representation of the cave of Lourdes.

Cathedral of San Bartolomeo

The Cathedral of San Bartolomeo is probably the most important religious centre to visit in Lipari, a figure of prowess in the heart of the Eolians. Known as “The City”, the cathedral has moved into the hands of several civilizations and architects to various styles.

Its main staircase starts to the immense bronze gate that shines with a thousand lights. Inside, corinthian capitals, ion columns, biblical frescoes give birth to an epic scenography. Other baroque and more subtle details will not fail to catch your eyes.

5. Castellaro and the careers of kaolin

♪ Cave di Caolino , near Castellaro, are full of kaolin which served as raw material to porcelain. This mineral similar to immaculate clay, in addition to its historical significance, has a color and reliefs that shaped the beauty of the island’s landscapes.

Do not hesitate to wander around, to discover the paths lined with endemic flowers such as orchids and wind blueberries. The colors contrast between smoking volcanic rocks and shimmering hues.

The abandoned mines of kaolin mark the starting point of a famous hike to be made in Lipari. The latter brings you, through the maquis, to the tip of Punta Palmeto where the vegetation suddenly enriches. Palm trees, fig trees, dry stones and olive trees draw an enchanting and fragrant landscape.

6. Belvedere de Quattrocchi

Quattrocchi means "four eyes" in French. Just because two eyes are not enough to fully enjoy this must-see in Lipari. For a romantic moment or an exceptional photo, it is LE spot that returns in all mouths! A place not to be missed during your visit to Lipari!

The Belvedere Quattrocchi rises to four kilometres the center of Lipari. The best time is at sunset. In addition to a unique opening on the island and the sea, the viewer lets you see the deposits Pietra Menalda and Pietra Lunga and smoky jaws of monumental volcanoes.

7. The beaches of Lipari

Lipari and its coasts licked by the limpid sea decline a nice palette of beaches. All seaside scenarios are possible. The beaches of the island are in turn frequented, secret, crowned with pine forests or gravel. However, they will be perfectly adapted to relaxation and/or nautical sport.

Porticello

One of the unmissable beaches to visit in Lipari, Porticello is surprising in contrasts. The gray rock, sparkling sandstone, golden sand offer an explosive array. This natural environment is as relaxing as preserved. Enjoy it before the tourist assault!

Acquacalda

The remarkable views, the rocks, the picturesque pieres, this beach north of Lipari is a real jewel of whiteness and entertainment. Even more, Acquacalda stands out by the sources of volcanic hot water that inspired its name. The beach provides many services, bars and restaurants, and a pleasant proximity with the pretty town of the same name.

Canneto

The Gulf of Canneto is preferred if you want to visit Lipari on a seaside tourism background. Its main pebble beach, at the foot of the eponymous village, is ideal for a fierce day. Despite the few jellyfish that sometimes roll to the beach, there will be no big world to disturb you. Key of the show: the views of Panarea and the Stromboli .

Praia de Vinci

This is probably the most beautiful beach to visit in Lipari. Very fine sand, calm and deep blue waters, magical diving spots, but more: this pepit is only accessible by boat.

White Beach

Don't trust his name. What makes the fame of this beach is its black sand, characteristic of the volcanic islands. Enjoy a parasol, pull a long chair, try a water sport or enjoy a cocktail from a kiosk or a beach restaurant.

8. Discover the cuisine of Lipari

One of the essential things to do in Lipari is undoubtedly to taste its specialties. Like the whole cuisine of Italy, Lipari is appetizing, generous and full of flavours.

During your stay, believe in the succulents pani cunzatu or Sicilian breads filled with fresh and dry tomatoes, capers and olives. For main dish, head towards seafood, grilled fish, urchin pasta or inimitable Mulincianeddi ( meatballs filled with vegetables and caps). As a sweet touch, dip the beak in a granita local. Finish with a local liquor or a fortified honey wine.

9. Shopping in Corso Vittorio Emanuele

Corso Vittorio Emanuele is the shopping street of Lipari. By walking along the road, you will find all kinds of kits to bring back from your stay. Apart from the souvenir shops or shops of local artisans, Vittorio Emanuele has cafes and restaurants.

10. Discover Porticello and sandstone mines

The next must-see in Lipari is in the Porticello region. It is, once again, to go to the discovery of sandstone mines. Mineral extraction was not the main economic resource of the island for nothing!

Today, this attic of stones is no longer fertile. Indeed, the signing of a contract with Unesco for the preservation of the environment ended the activity. However, the place remains historical. At the foot of the quarries, swimmers barbotage in turquoise water basins. It must be said that the narrow beach has Caribbean air thanks to sandstone perclus funds.

11. Make a boat ride

The most suggestive and marvelous landscapes are even better admired from the sea. So, to finish our ranking of the activities and visits to Lipari, let's talk about boat rides. You will thus become fully aware of the beauty of the coasts of Lipari with their lush vegetation, their phantasmagoric lavic strata and sediments.

A walk at sea will also allow you to explore the seabed with unsuspected riches. Even if each seaweed will find the excursion of its dreams, we strongly advise that which will also lead you to the nearby islands of Vulcano Panarea and Stromboli.

How to go to Lipari?

To visit Lipari, you will first need to Sicily (to) Catania ) then take a ferry towards the Eolian Islands.

By plane flights to Catania from France Regular . Rates are generally affordable but nothing better than a comparison of flights such as Ulysses to take a one-click tour of prices and availability at the time of your departure.

Once on site, the fastest option is join Milazzo ( 3h by train or 2 hours by bus ) to board a boat towards Lipari (approximately 2 hours ).

You can also reach Palermo , at first, before embarking at sea towards Lipari. The journey is longer but everything depends on your itinerary.

Where to sleep in Lipari?

Hotels, campsites, Airbnb , guest houses: the choice is wide! To fully live this island, in close contact with its animations, choose Lipari itself. To be more in contact with nature, look to the sea, opt for coastal cities such as Accquacalda or Canneto.

In any case, do not hesitate to check the offers of a Compare hotels to find accommodation that will meet all your needs during your visit to Lipari.