Lipari is the main island of the Sicilian archipelago (South of Italy) of the Aeolian islands. The island is full of life, especially during the summer, and is suitable even for families with children. Is the perfect destination for whoever is looking for an eco-tourism experience and for whoever wants to relax, immersing himself in the culture and the island’s nature.
An island rich in culture, with a millennial history
For whoever loves culture and history, but also for whoever wants to deepen his/her knowledge about the origins of the islands, is possible to visit the Archaeological Museum Luigi Bernabò Brea. In this museum is possible to find several artefacts from the Neolithic period until the Medieval age. The museum is located in an ancient fortified town, that includes also the Castle of Lipari.
The castle is located on the top of the Acropolis. Nearby is possible to find the cathedral of San Bartolomeo, the site of particular historic interest. The church was built by the Normans, following the reconquest of the island, for subtracting it from the Arab domain. Inside is possible to find different pieces of art, like for example “U Vascidduzzu“, a silver reproduction of a vessel that also contains a relic of the Saint.
Another place that you cannot miss is Belvedere Quattrocchi, one of the most famous places on the island, where at the sunset you can admire an amazing view. Belvedere Quattrocchi is located four kilometres away from the main town.
Other attractions of the islands are the Caoline Caves and the Thermal Baths of San Calogero. You can visit these places during one of the trek routes on the island, some of which will be suggested later.
A holiday for relaxing and hiking
Lipari is an island with rich flora and if you love nature you can’t miss visiting the reserves and natural parks. You can’t lose the opportunity to visit the Lipari volcano, in the Serra Pirrera Reserve, where you can admire the ancient crater that is not working anymore.
For whoever wants to combine relaxation on the uncontaminated beaches of Lipari with some healthy physical activity shouldn’t miss trying hikings. On the island there are different routes, accessible on foot and some of them even by bike or e-bike.
A trek that you cannot absolutely miss is the one on the tracks of antiquities that passes by the Caolino Caves and arrives at the ancient thermal baths of San Calogero. This is probably the most charming path on the entire island and from the west coast you can observe an astonishing landscape, surrounded by rich greenery. The duration of this path is more or less four hours.
Another mandatory itinerary is the one until Punta Della Crapazza, in the southern part of the island, which you can reach with a short walk. From this point you can admire an amazing panorama with an incredible view of the crater of Vulcano and the Peninsula of Vulcanello.
Another interesting hike is the one of Guardia di Pirata, on mount Guardia, which once was used as a surveillance spot and sighting pirates. The path has a duration of four hours and is surrounded by numerous species of plants and butterflies.
One last hike that we suggest is the one on the peninsula of Monterosa, a route that starts from Lipari and it ends in the village of Canneto. The duration of this path is approximately two hours and the hill offers a rich and varied blooming, especially during the spring.
An authentic cuisine, with food prepared with fresh ingredients
On the island is possible to find an ancient culinary culture, whose key elements consist of genuine products like capers, sun-dried tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers, accompanied by fresh fish.
In Lipari, you can taste local specialities produced with these natural ingredients, like the eolian redfish soup, the swordfish rolls, the sweet and sour rabbit, the liparota salad, and the “cunzato” bread. This latter specialty consists of a slice of bread soak in extra virgin olive oil and seasoned with cherry tomatoes, cheese, basil, cappers, olives, anchovies in olive oil, and oregano.
About desserts, you cannot miss tasting sesamini biscuits, produced with sesame seeds, accompanied by a glass of Malvasia wine.
Eco-friendly accommodations, surrounded by nature
For what regards accommodation, we suggest you two eco-friendly facilities on the island that you can book via Ecobnb.
The Cottage Atollo Monte Rosa Lipari is a typical aeolian house from which you can enjoy an amazing view of the uncontaminated blue of the Sicilian sea. This eco-cottage is the ideal starting point for hikes so is suitable for whoever loves nature and trekking.
The house Al Numero Zero is an organic farmhouse surrounded by the aeolian countryside, among gardens and olive groves, where you can practice rural tourism on foot, by bike and even with a donkey.
If after reading this guide on Lipari you are curious about this amazing island, don’t hesitate and book your next holiday!
