Lipari Tourist Information

Lipari is the largest (with a surface of 37 Km2) and most important island of the Aeolian Archipelago. It is a volcanic island whose aspect is the result of countless eruptions and long periods of inactivity. Lipari is also the most populated island of the archipelago and its 10.000 residents live in different urban areas: Lipari, Pianoconte, Canneto, Quattropani, Acquacalda, Porticello, are connected through an excellent road network.
In particular, the historical center of Lipari and the beach area of Canneto, connected all the time (even at night during high season) from a very frequent bus service.
The main ports of the island are located in the urban area of Lipari: Marina Corta for smaller boats and Marina Lunga for ships and hydrofoils. 

On the island you can find some important monuments: the "Castello" (the Castle), with its powerful walls is located in a strategic position, while the Cathedral was built by the Normans in 1080 and modified during the following centuries. The whole history of the Aeolian Islands can be found in Lipari and is collected in the very important and valuable Archaeological Museum, well known at international level. Marina Corta’s small square, with the small church of the Souls of Purgatory, is the centre of the nightlife with bars and restaurants and a wonderful sea view. The night of Saint Bartholomew (on August 24th) incredible fireworks launched directly from the sea enlighten the little square.

Behind Marina Corta, there is the small town of Lipari, with the main road, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, full of shops and characteristic alleys. Another striking view can be found at the Cave di Pomice in the Porticello area. In this bay there are still the pumice mines and the mills that are no more working except one.  The remains of pumice processing formed white mountains of fine sand sloping to the sea.

The view is incredible: over the light blue sea you can still see the old boarding bridges once used to freight the pumice directly on the ships. One of the favourite pastimes of tourists is to climb the pumice mountains and jump down to the light blue sea.
The best way to tour the island is by car or, even better, by scooter (that can also be rented here).