Lipari, Italy

Description — Lipari, Italy

Lipari is the capital of the island of the same name, located on its eastern coast. The island of Lipari is a volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, belonging to the Lipari (Aeolian) Islands archipelago. The island is situated 44 kilometers north of Sicily and belongs to Italy. The island has a permanent population of 10,763 people (2005); during the summer tourist season, the population increases to 20 thousand. There are several volcanoes on the island. The most recent eruptions were 230,000 years ago.

Lipari is the largest of the 7 volcanic islands located between Vesuvius and Etna. Most of the island’s residents live in the capital and in four large villages-Pianoconte in the west, Quattropani in the northwest, Assoacalda on the north coast, and Canneto on the eastern shore (it adjoins the city of Lipari from the north).

The name of the island traces its roots back to ancient times. At that period, the island was known as Lipara, derived from the Ancient Greek word “liparos”-“fat” or “rich.” When naming the island, the ancient Greeks meant its abundant and fertile soils. The area of the island of Lipari is approximately 37 sq. km.

The Lipari Islands are of volcanic origin. On the eponymous island, the volcano Stromboli remains constantly active to this day. On the Lipari and Vulcano islands, fumaroles are found-cracks and openings located in the craters, on the slopes, and at the foot of the volcanoes, serving as sources of hot gases.

The Lipari Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Tourism is the main source of income for the local budget of the island of Lipari. Most of the tourists arriving on the island are eager to visit the famous local beaches. The most well-known among them in Europe are the beaches of Ponente and Marina Lunga (Marina Lunga). And in the town of Lipari itself, quite a number of distinctive sights have been preserved from the island’s former owners-the ancient Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, as well as the Normans.

Climate

The climate of the island of Lipari, as on the neighboring islands of the Lipari archipelago, should be classified as a mild Mediterranean climate. Winters on the island are relatively mild, with an excessive amount of humidity and large amounts of rainfall in the form of rain. The average temperature on Lipari during the winter period is about +14-15 degrees. In summer, the air temperature can reach +30-35 degrees. In the summer months, the heat on the island is softened by light but constant sea breezes that bring a refreshing coolness. It is also worth noting that summer is the driest period on Lipari, since at that time, rain is a rarity.

Lipari, Lipari Island, Lipari Islands, Italy
Landscapes of the Lipari Island
Castello di Lipari
St. Bartholomew Cathedral
Archaeological Museum of the Aeolian Islands
Marina Korta
View of the Lipari Volcano
White Beach Spiaggia Bianca
AkwaCaldy Beaches

Location on the map

Sights

Castello di Lipari

For the “lock” device, early humans chose a natural outcrop with steep slopes leading down into the sea. This is a genuine “natural” fortress-easy to defend-and for many centuries it served as a refuge for early humans. Castello is inseparably connected with the island’s history: people lived here both during the Neolithic period and in the Bronze Age. In Castello di Lipari, there was an acropolis of a Greek city, the center of a fortified Roman, medieval, and then even Spanish city. Part of all these structures has been preserved among the ruins of the fortress built by the Spanish in the 16th century to protect against pirate raids. The main historical finds have been moved from the fortress to the museum.

St. Bartholomew Cathedral

The Basilica of San Bartolomeo is one of the city’s main attractions. The church was founded by the Normans as early as the end of the 11th century, but was later rebuilt on several occasions. The current church building with a Baroque-style façade dates back to the 17th century. The cathedral’s main treasure is a silver statue of Saint Bartholomew, dating from the 18th century.

What to see

Archaeological Museum of the Aeolian Islands

The Archaeological Museum in Lipari is rightfully considered one of the best in Southern Italy. It was created in the mid-20th century through the efforts of archaeologist and researcher Luigi Bernabo Brea. The museum complex consists of 2 standalone buildings located in the historic center of the city of Lipari. In the first building, the Bishop’s Palace, exhibitions are dedicated to the Neolithic and the Bronze Age. In the second, the Ancient building, finds from the ancient (11th century BC) necropolis are displayed. In addition, visitors can see a large collection of theatrical masks, pirates’ treasures, antique tableware, and much more.

Canetto Beaches

Near this small village, located just two kilometers north of the city of Lipari, you’ll find the island’s best beaches. Buses to Canetto stop by the Marina Lunga pier in Lipari. Here, you can also rent bicycles or mopeds and set off on a trip around the island. North of Canetto lies the island’s best beach-Spiaggia Bianca (White Beach). The White Beach got its name due to the light pumice powder that once covered it. The sand itself is quite dark-almost the same as on the other volcanic beaches of the Lipari Islands.

View of Mount Lipari

A mandatory stop for tourists is the “Belvedere Quattrocchi” (Belvedere Quattrocchi), located four kilometers from the center of Lipari. It is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places on the island-a hill where you can view, in real time, a giant poster: a panorama of Lipari, the beautiful Pietralunga and Pietramenalda rocks, the Valle Muria beach, and an impressive active volcano. Continuing along the paved road, you will reach Pianoconte, where the San Calògero thermal baths were located. Today, unfortunately, the spa resort is closed, but a walk will let you see a magnificent spectacle: archaeological excavations that uncovered the remains of a Mycenaean Tholos and several Roman thermal baths.

Marina Korta

On both sides of the port of Lipari, bays of Marina Corta and Marina Lunga stretch out, giving their names to the districts of the same name. Marina Corta is rich in beautiful churches whose façades face the sea. There are always plenty of tourists here, especially during Easter, when locals hold a colorful procession. The procession dedicated to Mary ends at the main square of Marina Corta. Marina Corta is a wonderful place for afternoon walks and evening entertainment; there are many typical restaurants, bars, and discos. Live music concerts are held here. The alleys are paved with cobblestones, and the narrow streets are lined with small balconies with wrought-iron railings, all immersed in greenery.

Akvakaldy Beaches

Acquacalda is a small settlement on the north coast of the island of Lipari, about 10 kilometers from the municipal center. For several centuries these areas were occupied mainly by the extraction of valuable Lipari pumice, but this activity was completely stopped in Acquacalda in 2000 and almost entirely-at the neighboring Porticello-due to the fact that the Aeolian Islands have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. On the beaches of Acquacalda, known for their cleanliness and pristine beauty, you can find hot wellness springs.

Recommended excursions

Excursion to Lipari Island

Lipari Island is one of the largest of the Lipari Islands, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea and belongs to Italy. Breathtaking nature, wonderful weather, crystal-clear water-everything can be seen during an excursion around Lipari Island. On Lipari you can visit many historical sights, such as the Lipari Castle, located in the center of the city. The castle was built in the 16th century. Today, it houses one of the most popular archaeological museums in Europe. A guided sightseeing tour of the island will give you a lot of the best impressions.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can review them after booking your cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.