LipariAeolian Islands · Italy

All About Lipari

Lying north of Sicily and west of mainland Italy, the islands have erupted from the seabed through volcanic activity. Lipari was probably first settled in around 5,000 BC during the Neolithic period. Today it offers visitors a laid-back summer escape with no shortage of glorious panoramas, gentle countryside walks, and relics that date back centuries. No longer the isolated island that was once used to exile prisoners, Lipari is a welcoming Mediterranean destination with unique island culture, perhaps best experienced during the annual St Bartholomew day celebrations on August 24.

An island without an airport, Lipari has been dependent on its ferry services since long before they became the formal, scheduled services travelers are able to enjoy today. The largest of the Aeolian Islands, use Ferryscanner to easily compare prices and book ferry tickets to Lipari.
 

Routes and Ferries to Lipari

Lipari is the most easily accessible of any of the Aeolian Islands, with a multitude of different ferry routes connecting the port of Lipari with other destinations in Italy. For those on the Italian mainland, the closest port connected to Lipari is probably Naples. SNAV operates eight weekly hydrofoil sailings to Lipari from Naples Mergellina during the summer, with sailings lasting 6.5 hours. Although no cars are permitted on board, its hydrofoils accept motorbikes, cycles, canoes, and surfboards. The ferry companies Alilauro and Siremar have similar sailings, meaning there are up to 15 weekly sailings from Naples to Lipari between the beginning of June and the end of September.

One of the other main ports for those with ferry tickets to Lipari is via the town of Messina. While located in Sicily, it faces the Italian mainland. Ferries to Lipari from Messina operate right throughout the year and form the primary link the residents of the island have with the rest of Italy. Like all routes to Lipari except those from Naples, this route is operated by Liberty Lines. It takes just under two hours. During the low season months of October to May, ferries run once a week in either direction, while in the high season months of June to September there are three sailings per week.

A good alternative to sailing from Messina is to book ferry tickets to Lipari from Milazzo in Sicily. Situated further west on the island’s north coast, sailings from Milazzo are scheduled to take one hour and two minutes. What’s more, there are three sailings per week during the low season and 20 each week in the high season.

From Lipari, it’s possible to find regular connections with the other Aeolian Islands too. Vulcano is situated just 5.6 kilometers from Lipari and its close proximity is one of the reasons why the ferry route to Vulcano operates all year. Taking ten minutes, there is only one sailing per week between October and May, but eight per week between June and September. This is part of the route that also takes in Stromboli. Journeys to Stromboli take around 1 hour 15 minutes.

Alicudi is the westernmost of the eight main islands and can be reached from Lipari in one hour 40 minutes during a sailing which also stops at other islands en route. It runs throughout the year, with at least one sailing per week. The island of Salina is less than ten kilometers from Lipari and takes no more than 25 minutes. However, ferry services only run in the summer months. The same is true for sailings to the island of Panarea, 35 minutes and 19 kilometers away, and Filicudi Porto, approximately 30 kilometers and one hour from Lipari.
 

Ports of Lipari

The ports of Lipari lie on the island’s eastern coast and form a focal point for a town also called Lipari, where a significant proportion of the island’s 12,000 residents live. It’s worth visitors noting that the ferry terminal (or marina lunga) on Lipari is not the same as the historic port (or marina corta). It is located approximately 400 meters further north. The two are separated from one another by the Castello di Lipari (Lipari Castle). Some hydrofoil services are known to dock at marina corta rather than at marina lunga. Ferry tickets to Lipari’s neighboring islands can be purchased at the ticket offices at the marina lunga.
 

Best Beaches

Although small, Lipari still has beaches capable of rivaling any of those in Italy, Greece, or Spain. With a climate that barely sees any rain and basks in the bright Mediterranean sun from dawn, it’s hard to resist their allure. Here are our top picks.

Coral Beach

Roughly three kilometers north of the ferry terminal, Coral beach is in the settlement of Canneto and is one of the closest beaches to Lipari town. It also has an excellent range of facilities, making it easy for visitors to the island to enjoy. These include sun loungers and attractive thatched umbrellas, beach volleyball courts, and several snack bars.

Spiaggia Bianca

Slightly further north from Coral Beach, but equally easy to reach even with public transport, Spiaggia Bianca is particularly popular with the youth of Lipari. Its mix of small white pebbles and sand forms a vivid contrast against the bright turquoise waters of this area of the coast.

Porticello Beach

This beach can be found close to the island’s northeastern tip. Formed of large pebbles, it might disappoint children looking to build a sandcastle, but offers beautiful vistas across the sea to neighboring islands. It also has a more secluded feel thanks to gently rolling hills immediately behind.
 

Places to Visit

Beyond the island’s sun, sea, sand, and spaghetti Lipari has several man-made attractions that are well-worth visiting before leaving the island.

Castello di Lipari

Situated on the east coast between the two ports of Lipari, Lipari Castle is on top of many people’s lists of things to do here. While its long defensive walls date back to medieval times, the castle itself looks more like a stately home than a castle per se. It dates from the mid-1700s and was used most recently as the Bishop’s Palace. The castle’s grounds also contain a museum and an archeological park.

Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew

The island’s primary religious artifact has been at the center of worship on the island since ancient times, with the ruins of a Greek temple lying beneath the current cathedral. Taking a Neo-Baroque style, its interior is richly decorated and contains treasures including a solid silver statue of Saint Bartholomew.

Corso Vittorio Emanuele

The undisputed heart of modern Lipari town, Corso Vittorio Emanuele is a major thoroughfare lined with tempting cafes, bars, and independent stores. Each evening, it’s closed to traffic to allow the traditional passeggiata evening walk to take place in safety – with families strolling together in the warm air greeting friends and neighbors.
 

Transportation Around Lipari

Taxis can be found in and around the port area, although if you’re staying a night or more on the island you should check whether your accommodation runs a direct shuttle service. There’s also a trustworthy minibus network linking up the island’s major population centers operated by Urso Buses. It departs from the marina lunga, and you should have to wait no longer than an hour even in the low season months. You can purchase tickets from the port, or from the bus driver. Even the furthest points on the island are no more than 30 minutes from the ferry terminal. Private cars are not permitted on the island during the summer, although it is possible to rent motorbikes from a couple of companies based in the port.