PanareaAeolian Islands · Italy

All About Panarea

Panarea is the smallest of the seven inhabited Aeolian Islands, with an area of less than 3.5 square kilometers. Many who know the island also say it is the most attractive. As a result, Panarea has become a popular celebrity hang-out in recent years. Ferryscanner allows you to easily compare ferries and book ferry tickets to Panarea.

Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers the entire Aeolian chain, Panarea has just 280 permanent year-round residents. However, this number swells considerably in the summer. This means booking your ferry tickets to Panarea as early as possible during the peak months of May to October is important to avoid disappointment.

Located in the Tyrrhenian arm of the Mediterranean Sea, Panarea sits roughly equally between the tip of the toe of southern Italy and the eastern coast of Sicily. Its small size means ferries are the only public route onto the island.
 

Routes and Ferries to Panarea

Panarea’s main link outside of the Aeolian Islands themselves is with the port city of Milazzo on the northeastern coast of Sicily. Like the vast majority of vessels sailing to Panarea, this ferry is operated by Liberty Lines. Although this is one of the newest ferry companies operating in the area, it is also one of the best. The company has ferries with good facilities onboard and has a commitment to using environmentally-friendly craft. The sailing between Milazzo and Panarea usually lasts one hour and twenty minutes. Tickets cost between €14 and €40 for an adult foot passenger. There are up to 24 sailings per week in either direction.

When it comes to links to other islands in the chain, Panarea is also well connected. Ferry tickets to Panarea can therefore be purchased from four different departure points among the Aeolian Islands. The shortest of them all takes just 20 minutes and travels between Ginostra on the southwest coast of the island of Stromboli and Panarea. There are up to 21 sailings per week, with prices as low as €9. They only rise to €35. There are also alternative sailings to Stromboli (San Vincenzo) port on the island’s east coast. These journeys take around 30 minutes. There are up to 30 per week, and prices identical to those heading to Ginostra. In total there can be up to 51 sailings per week to Stromboli from Panarea.

Ferries to Salina from Panarea, and vice versa, are also short, at around 25 minutes. Prices again range between €9 and €35. There is a maximum of 16 sailings per week. Finally, Vulcano can be reached in approximately 45 minutes by opting for one of the 19 sailings scheduled each week between it and Panarea.
 

Ports of Panarea

The main port of Panarea lies on the island’s east coast, roughly midway when traveling north to south or south to north. It has a relatively simple form, with ferries pulling in at a seawall that extends in an L-shape for around 100 meters from the land. The settlement of San Pietro has developed around the port of Panarea, which means visitors are just a few short steps from shops, restaurants, and places to stay. The port is also able to provide moorings for a small number of yachts, although only during the calm weather of the summer months.
 

Best Beaches

Panarea has volcanic origins, and much of its exquisite coast is formed from dramatic cliffs. However, that’s not to say that Panarea is lacking in beaches. As secluded as they are picturesque, it’s no wonder the celebrity set has adopted the island as their vacation destination of choice.

Spiaggia della Calcara

Shining sapphire waters meet the pebble-speckled sands of Spiaggia della Calcara close to the northernmost point of the island. It has some extraordinary views of neighboring islands but is best known for its gently smoking volcanic fumaroles. Just a few meters wide, it’s reached via a short footpath.

Cala Junco

This is one of the most popular beaches on the island. Cala Junco (Junco Cove) has a sheltered position that makes getting into the warm Mediterranean waters particularly easy. The rest of the time visitors are able to sunbathe on the light pebbles amid the natural beauty of the area.

Cala degli Zimmari

One of the largest stretches of beach on Panarea, Cala degli Zimmari is also one of the best beaches for sand. Due to the color of the sands, it is sometimes known locally as ‘Red Beach’. Situated on a large curve of the coast, small yachts and sailing vessels often lay anchor here for a few hours.

Punta Milazzese

This beach is an excellent choice for short-term visitors to the island since it’s located close to the port of San Pietro. An attractive path leads down from the rocks to this small beach with waters as beautiful as any on Panarea.
 

Places to Visit

Between fine meals overlooking the Mediterranean and relaxing afternoons on the best beaches on Panarea, this gem of an island has some exciting places to visit too.

San Pietro

The island’s main settlement is far more than just the point of arrival and departure for those with ferry tickets to Panarea. It’s also filled with atmosphere, and known for its quaint streets that combine whitewashed exteriors and deep blue doors.

Bronze Age Village

If you’re heading to the beach at Punta Milazzese, be sure to also check out the neighboring Bronze Age Village. Dating back several thousand years, it consists of 23 hut-like shelters dotted among typical Mediterranean landscapes. An onsite museum helps make sense of the village.

Basiluzzo

A tiny outcrop of rock off the coast of Panarea, Basiluzzo is a fun way to explore the sea. Private tours take visitors to a number of coves and bays that provide some excellent swimming spots.
 

Transportation Around Panarea

Given the island’s small size, most points of interest are within walking distance. However, should you prefer to save your energy for the beach, the island has a taxi fleet comprising a number of golf-style buggies. Most residents own scooters rather than cars, and it’s sometimes possible to rent them by the day.