Free walking tours in Lipari and what to see

Must-sees

Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands and the one with the most services, so it is usually the base for a trip. Its historic centre is dominated by the castle, a walled acropolis on a promontory inhabited since the Neolithic. Inside are the cathedral of San Bartolomeo, patron of the archipelago, several churches, an archaeological park with Greek sarcophagi and the Luigi Bernabò Brea Regional Archaeological Museum, with amphorae, theatre masks and underwater finds.

At the foot of the castle are the two harbours: Marina Corta, with fishing boats and terraces, and Marina Lunga, where ferries and hydrofoils arrive; the evening stroll runs between them. Outside the town, the road around the island passes Canneto, the old pumice and obsidian quarries beyond Acquacalda, the old church of Quattropani, with views of the other islands, and the Quattrocchi viewpoint, facing the sea stacks.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free tours on Lipari. What Civitatis offers are boat trips to the other islands: to Vulcano, to Salina, to Filicudi and Alicudi, and to Panarea and Stromboli, with versions that combine several on the same day. They leave from the harbour, so the island works as a base. The castle and the museum can be visited on your own.

How long to spend

A day is enough for Lipari itself: the castle and museum in the morning, and a drive around the island by car, scooter or bus in the afternoon. Most people stay three or four days and use them for boat trips to the other islands, especially if you want to see Stromboli or do more than one outing.

Where to stay

The most convenient place is Lipari town, between Marina Corta and Marina Lunga, with hotels, guesthouses and apartments close to the boats and restaurants. Canneto, a few minutes away, has a beach and a quieter feel. In the upland hamlets, such as Quattropani or Pianoconte, there are houses with views and more silence, but you will need transport.