Sightseeing in Lipari Island - what to see. Complete travel guide

The volcanic island of Lipari located in the Tyrrhenian Sea is the largest of the Aeolian Islands. Its close location to Sicily has made it a popular tourist destination; many travelers visit it during extensive excursion programs. The island is incredibly interesting from a historical perspective, as the first settlements on its territory were founded in the Neolithic Age. A significant part of excursion objects of Lipari are unique natural attractions. It’s also worth noting impeccable tourist infrastructure of the island, as it represents a decent selection of comfortable accommodation places, as well as a wide variety of dining and entertainment venues.

Just about 10,000 people are constantly living on the island; during the high season its population doubles. In ancient times, the island was known as a major center of commerce; its convenient location has largely contributed to its rapid development and active occupation. The island's capital is the city of the same name. It’s recommended to start exploring of local attractions with it.

The central street of the town of Lipari, Corso Vittorio Emanuele , is a continuous series of banks, restaurants, shops and tourist centers. The street is very interesting from an architectural point of view; you can see the most beautiful buildings of different eras. It’s noteworthy that old houses aren’t empty, and it will make a walk along this busy street even more interesting. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Lovely Citadel is among the major historical characters. That’s a large-scale architectural complex that has preserved the castle and a number of fortifications surrounding the fortification wall. Construction of the citadel was held in the 16th century, after the capture of the island by Spanish conquerors. The castle has perfectly preserved to this day; there are several great lookouts next to it.

It won’t be difficult to get from the citadel to the main religious monument of Lipari, the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew. Its main value is the silver statue of a saint dating back to 1728 year. It’s believed that the first religious facility on this site appeared in the prehistoric era. You can visit the archaeological site situated next to the cathedral.

The most important and well-known attraction of the island is Museo Archeologico Eoliano . It occupies the amazing Palazzo Vescovilc and several buildings situated nearby. The museum's collection is truly unique; it’s considered one of the most interesting in Italy. Inside the museum there are thousands of artifacts that have been discovered by scientists during excavations in Lipari and at nearby islands. The oldest exhibits are more than 3,000 years old, and the main value of the museum is a unique collection of ancient theatrical masks.

Fans of nature and walking in unusual places have to visit the historic village of Canetto. There is a wide number of interesting natural objects, including old quarries out there. Their development began several hundred years ago; today there is active pumice mining on the island. However, many quarries are closed today and show interest only for curious tourists.

Lipari beaches are widely recognized among the best in Europe. Marina Lunga beach is a sandy beach that is very attractive and, therefore, popular. This area is comfortable and suitable for families with children as it is quite shallow. Fans of pebble beaches will also not be disappointed. It will be not hard for them to find a suitable coastal area to relax and sunbathe. By the way, there are also several comfortable beaches with stone platform surface on the island.

To make your stay on the island even more enjoyable, consider combining beach recreation with visits to local shops and markets where travelers will easily find many unique and exclusive souvenirs. Items made of obsidian have become a traditional souvenir that the majority of tourists prefer to buy. In the past, local craftsmen used this material to make many important household items. Local masters still use obsidian to make quality knives, but it is mostly used to make jewelry these days. Ceramics and volcanic foam are also popular souvenirs that vacationers enjoy purchasing. Locally produced wine or a jar of capers produced at a nearby factory is also a very popular souvenir. Olives and various spices are also a popular choice, and so they deserve a mention.