Lipari

Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the northern coast of Sicily and the name of the island's main town.

At the Museo Archeological Eoliano, see a beautiful collection of Lipartite urns along with galleries comprising of potteries from the Greek and Sicilian times found during the 4th and 5th century B.C.

Museo della Marineria e delle Tradizioni Eoliane houses some of the old fishing instruments along with a history of the Eolian culture.

Chiesa di San Bartolomeo was built during the 12th century but it was destroyed by the Turks in 1544. A new structure was created in its place, covered by murals on the ceiling wall. Discover Greek, Roman and Stone Age ruins surrounding this structure. The ancient theatre, designed in Greek style still holds regular events.

Cathedral of San Bartolomeo was built in 1080 by the Norman King Ruggero II in honour of the saint of this island and was reconstructed many times.

Island trekking and diving and snorkelling, especially at Faraglioni (two volcanic plug rocks found in the southern part of the island) where the crystal clear waters are perfect, are popular pastimes (be aware of strong currents). Trekking can also be a wonderful experience here during the winter and the spring time.

Canneto, Papesca, Acquacalda and Porticello are some of the best beaches on Lipari. Go towards Acquacalda and you can find Rocche Rosse and see the lava formations in different shapes and sizes.

Lipari's main street is Corso Vittorio Emanuele, a lively little road which runs from Marina Lunga along the back of the castle headland. Along the Corso you'll find most of the island's shops and services including a tourist information office, small supermarket, bookshop, clothes boutiques, cafe/bars, restaurants and souvenir shops. Other small streets and alleys head off Corso Vittorio Emanuele, connecting it with the castle and Marina Corta. The Necropolis Diana, where many of the archaeological finds were uncovered, is just behind the centre.

There are many good restaurants in Lipari where local traditional cuisine is served. Most of the dishes are prepared here using an assortment of herbs and spices such as oregano, mint, basil, capers among others and seafood is a speciality here, especially swordfish. A variety of international cuisine is also on offer too.

Lipari has two harbours, however most ships will tender passengers ashore to the Marina Lunga Pier.

You can easily walk to Lipari town from the port. For seeing more of the island, convenient little buses run along the island's few roads. One bus heads to the south of the island, and one to the north. In summer there is a service which does a full circuit of Lipari. Bus information and a ticket kiosk is located by Marina Lunga, where the ferries dock.

There are plenty of taxis stationed by the waterfront, for either short journeys or island tours, and cars, scooters and bicycles can also be hired.