The secret’s been out about Sicily for quite some time now, yet its compact northern neighbor of Lipari remains quite the hidden gem that I urge everyone to go see before it’s too late.
Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, and just a two-hour ferry ride separates this immensely beautiful volcanic archipelago from the coast of Sicily.
Even as a Sicilian, I completely underestimated how much this island had to offer. With dreamy black sand beaches, fascinating historical sights, and a delightful Old Town, the things to do in Lipari are incredibly wide-ranging.
Experience the sights and sounds of Lipari Island like a local with my curated list of can’t-miss attractions and must-do activities.
Wander the Streets of Lipari’s Old Town
Most of the action in Lipari centers around the bustling Old Town and its picturesque streets, where you’ll start your trip when you visit the island. I personally think it’s the best place to find your bearings when you get here because it’s so central.
In my experience, there’s no better way to spend your time in Lipari than ambling through the meandering walkways that connect hidden corners of the town.
Between the pastel-colored buildings, flower-filled balconies, and alluring cobblestone streets, the Old Town is the kind of place where you won’t be able to put your camera away. Every time I come, I have to spend weeks on end going through my photos afterward; it’s just that picturesque.
Although Lipari doesn’t get a fraction of the visitors of many other Italian hotspots, the narrow laneways in the Old Town can fill up pretty quickly during the summer. For this reason, I always advise visitors to get out and about early and enjoy the adorable streets while they’re at their quietest.
An assortment of restaurants, souvenir shops, and cafes are peppered throughout the town, making it an ideal place to grab a bite to eat or just pick up some keepsakes from one of the lesser-known parts of Italy.
Be prepared to haggle, though, because the souvenir sellers are insanely good at getting the most they can out of tourists!
Admire Awe-Inspoiring Vistas From Belvedere Quattrocchi
Whenever anyone asks me about what to do in Lipari, catching the sunset from Belvedere Quattrocchi is always one of the first things I suggest! You just can’t beat the insane views from this vantage point. They leave me speechless every time; they’re as close to postcard-perfect as it gets.
Envision this: craggy cliff faces, majestic volcanoes, vivid blue waters, and skies filled with pink and orange hues. The scenery here is simply stunning and I know it’s going to blow you away when you come see it for yourself.
If you fancy a hike, the walk from the marina is just under an hour. I’d avoid trekking up in the midday heat because it can get really hot. But, if you’re trying to make it up for sundown, the cooler late afternoon temperatures make for a pleasant jaunt. Alternatively, you can jump on the bus from the waterfront, which takes just a few minutes to reach the top.
Aim to arrive slightly before the sun goes down and grab a beer and some freshly prepared bruschetta from the local lady’s kiosk up top.
Journey Back in Time at Lipari Castle
Arguably Lipari’s most renowned point of interest, the 16th-century ruins of this former citadel will likely be the first thing catching your eye as your ferry touches down.
The defensive walls as they stand today are the result of Spanish conquerors. However, this fortress was built upon ruins from Greek, Arab, and Norman structures, shedding light on Lipari’s turbulent and lengthy history.
While you’re here, be sure to swing by the Archaeological Museum onsite. Over the years, I’ve visited my fair share of exhibits throughout Sicily, and this might be the most all-encompassing of them all.
With tombstones, pottery, jewelry, and everything in between, this museum chronicles Lipari’s development from prehistoric times right up to the classical period.
I recommend dedicating at least two hours to this museum because there’s a lot in there to take in. If you’re not much of a history fanatic, it’s still worth stopping by to stroll along the castle grounds and take in the sweeping sea views.
Unwind at Canneto Beach
When you’re checking the top things to do in Lipari off your list, you might find you’re spending quite a bit of time on your feet! Luckily, the island is brimming with gorgeous beaches where you can kick back, my favorite being the stunning Canneto Beach on the island’s east coast.
This pebble beach hugs the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, and on a day when the weather is nice, you’ll be able to spot some of the other Aeolian Islands in the distance if you’re lucky.
As it’s not a sandy beach, I highly recommend renting a sunbed and bringing along some water shoes if you plan to take a dip in the sea. While the rocky shores are lovely to look at, they’re not so comfortable lying or walking on!
Should you get a little peckish, there are a bunch of shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby where you can snag something to eat.
Partake in Some People-Watching at Marina Corta
The beating heart of Lipari is its vibrant harbor, Marina Corta. Small but always full of life, this marina is just a short walk from the equally busy port where you’ll likely start and end your Lipari adventure.
Marina Corta is encircled by enchanting buildings, historic structures, and soaring volcanic backdrops, combining everything that’s so magical about Lipari into one lively pocket of the island.
I love coming here and spending a few hours tucking into some classic Sicilian dishes and watching the world go by. If you’d prefer to veer away from the crowds, come by in the early morning to enjoy the picture-perfect surroundings with just a handful of others.
Naturally, prices here tend to be higher than in less scenic spots so bring some extra euros, but the jaw-dropping scenery and inviting ambiance more than make up for it.
Explore Some of Lipari’s Churches
Lipari, like any town in Italy, boasts some fantastic churches that are worth checking out, particularly for those with an interest in architecture.
If you only make it to one church while you’re here, make it the Lipari Cathedral. Dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, this is among the largest places of worship in the Aeolian Islands.
This Baroque structure dates back to the 16th century, but you’d be forgiven for believing it’s even older, as the stone-washed facade often looks like it’s about to crumble.
Yet, features like this are what I find so intriguing about this church. Once you step inside, your eyes will be drawn to the mesmerizing ceilings, striking frescoes, and grand marble pillars.
For a small fee, you’ll have access to the Norman-era cloisters, which are located alongside the church.
Some other churches that I think are worthy of a visit include the Church of The Souls of Purgatory and the Church of Maria Santissima della Purità. The latter is also home to a pretty sensational vantage point.
Set Sail on a Boat Tour Around the Other Aeolian Islands
Lipari is one of seven spectacular landmasses that make up the Aeolian Islands, and exploring some of the neighboring islands by boat is among the most popular things to do here.
A clutch of different Lipari tour companies run excursions to a range of the smaller islands, with Panarea, Stromboli, and Vulcano being the most frequently visited spots.
Panarea is the smallest of the three, and swimming in the transparent waters here is a must. When you disembark at the noticeably larger Vulcano, you’ll have the chance to pamper your skin at the mud baths. However, the mud is quite warm, so it may not be so pleasant if you’re visiting during the height of the summer season!
Stromboli is my favorite of the three, as it boasts one of Italy’s four active volcanos. If you’re lucky, as I was on my most recent trip, you’ll catch a glimpse of Mount Stromboli erupting as the sun goes down. Even if you don’t witness an eruption, the sight of this magnificent volcano against the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea is reason enough to visit.
Start Packing and Get Ready to Dive Into the Most Exciting Things to Do in Lipari!
Lipari might not be known to that many tourists who come to Italy, but you can see there are so many great things to do here. You’d be forgiven for not knowing much about this island, but I bet this article sparked your interest.
Since there’s not as much online about Lipari as some other well-known destinations in Sicily, like Palermo, feel free to leave any questions you might have about the island.
Whether you want some tips about getting to Lipari or some other information, my inbox is always open!