If you’re dreaming of an Italian escape that’s a little different from the usual, you’ve come to the right place. The Lipari Islands, also known as the Aeolian Islands, are a stunning archipelago just off the coast of Sicily, and they are even more magical in person than you can imagine.
This guide is a personal account of our journey, filled with tips and information that you might find difficult to track down online. It’s the guide we wish we had before we set sail. While the islands can be explored by ferry, the best way to truly experience their magic is by boat, and many travelers (including ourselves) choose to rent a catamaran from Portorosa on the mainland of Sicily for a perfect starting point.
Things to Do in the Lipari Islands
We spent a glorious week exploring these islands and discovered a mix of popular spots and off-the-beaten-path finds. We didn’t rush, spending plenty of time swimming, snorkeling, and just soaking up the sun. Here’s a breakdown of our unforgettable experience.
Lipari & Vulcano
Our first days were spent exploring the two closest and most famous islands.
Lipari Island
This is the largest and most populated, and it’s a great place to start. We spent our first afternoon wandering through the charming streets of Lipari Town, which is a delightful maze of narrow alleys and colorful shops. We had a fantastic meal at a small, family-run restaurant and tried the ‘Aeolian redfish soup’, a local specialty passed down through generations. Don’t miss the chance to try a granita with brioche, especially a mulberry one! It’s the perfect sweet treat for a hot day.
From the boat, we got a breathtaking view of the island’s coastline. We anchored near the famous white pumice quarries, which give the sea a stunning milky-blue color. This area, known as Spiaggia Bianca (White Beach), is a snorkeler’s paradise. For an unforgettable sunset, you can sail to the western side of the island and watch the sun dip below the horizon, painting the sky in fiery orange and pink hues.
Vulcano
Just a short sail from Lipari, Vulcano is a must-visit. The island is known for its volcanic activity and its natural mud baths and hot springs. After a morning sail, we anchored at Baia di Ponente and headed to the famous mud baths. When we visited, the mud baths were closed to the public due to safety issues, so unfortunately, we couldn’t experience them firsthand.
We hiked up to the main crater, La Fossa. The trail is steep and sandy, but the panoramic view from the top is absolutely worth the effort. From here, you can see all the islands of the archipelago spread out before you. Seeing the fumaroles up close, with their yellow and red sulfur deposits, is a powerful reminder that you are standing on an active volcano.
Salina: The Green Island
On our third day, we sailed to Salina, the greenest and second-largest of the islands. Salina is known for its capers and Malvasia wine, so this is a great opportunity to stock up on some local bottles for your boat. We anchored in the beautiful bay of Pollara, a natural amphitheater formed by a collapsed crater. This is where some scenes of the famous film Il Postino were filmed, and you can see why. The scenery is so cinematic!
RELEVANT READING
The town of Santa Marina Salina is the main hub, with a lovely waterfront promenade and plenty of shops. We took a stroll here and had a delicious lunch. We highly recommend trying a Pane Cunzato at “Da Alfredo” in the village of Lingua. It’s a massive, delicious sandwich loaded with local ingredients, and apparently, it’s something people travel from all over the islands to eat. If you have time, you could also stop at a local winery to taste the sweet Malvasia delle Lipari wine.
Panarea & Stromboli
This was perhaps the most exciting part of our trip. We started by sailing to Panarea, the smallest and most exclusive of the islands. Panarea is a charming little spot, with chic boutiques and beautiful white villas. We anchored at Cala Junco, a stunning spot with crystal-clear turquoise water.
In the late afternoon, we set sail for Stromboli, the island with an active volcano. This is where exploring by boat really shines. We approached the island as the sun began to set, and the sight was nothing short of spectacular. We anchored at a safe distance from the Sciara del Fuoco (“Stream of Fire”), a steep slope where lava from the crater rolls down into the sea. From here, every 20 minutes or so, you can witness powerful eruptions of fire and ash lighting up the night sky.
Tips and Practical Information
Our advice for the Lipari Islands is not to rush it. Pick a few places, wander, and let yourself get lost.
- When to go: The best time to visit the Lipari Islands is in the late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October). The weather is beautiful, and the islands are less crowded than in the peak summer months. We visited in June and the weather was truly lovely!
- Getting to your starting point: We flew into Catania Airport and then we rented a car to Portorosa Marina Yachting, where we rented our catamaran.
- What to eat: The food in the Lipari Islands is incredible. The cuisine is simple, based on fresh fish, vegetables, and local produce. Don’t miss ‘sfinciuni’ (a local pizza-like bread), fresh grilled swordfish, and the incredible caper berries grown on Salina. And of course, have plenty of granita and cannoli!
- Safety and Navigation: While sailing the Lipari Islands is generally safe, it’s important to be mindful of the currents and the volcanic seabed. Hiring a local skipper is highly recommended, as they know all the best and safest spots to anchor. We experienced a couple of times unpredictable winds and the sea got a bit too choppy for our liking, but nothing our skipper couldn’t handle!
- Must-Pack Items:
Sunscreen and a hat: The Mediterranean sun is no joke.
Snorkeling gear: The water is amazing, and you’ll want to explore.
Comfortable shoes: For exploring the towns and hiking the volcanoes.
A camera: You’ll want to capture the magic.
Final Thoughts on the Lipari Islands
Exploring the Lipari Islands was one of the most memorable travel experiences of our lives! It was a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and Italian charm. We hope this guide helps you plan your own unforgettable journey to this magical archipelago.
