9 Best Things To Do In Lipari, Italy

1. Museo Archeologico Luigi Bernabo Brea

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Visit one of Lipari’s finest museums, that offers some of the island’s finest archaeological history and information, not to mention collections scoured from all seven of the Aeolian Islands. The museum also offers a spectacular view of the sea from atop the cliff it sits on and it contains the most beautiful collection of ancient Greek theatre masks in the world, not to mention a collection of vases with images of Dionysus. These masterpieces make this museum an absolute must visit for archaeology and history buffs, or for anyone curious to find out a little more about the history of the Aeolian Islands.

Museo Archeologico Luigi Bernabo Brea

Address: Via Castello 2, 98055, Sicily, Italy

Website: Museo Archeologico Luigi Bernabo Brea

2. Lipari Castle

The moment you arrive in Lipari, you should head right to the 15th century Lipari Castle. Since the Neolithic era, in 4000 BC, the castle area has always been populated, with each civilization leaving an indelible mark, changing the architecture regularly. The castle is surrounded by a long wall, built by the Spanish, under the rule of Karl V, around the middle of the 1500s.

The castle also contains plenty of religious structures and places of worship, including the first building you’ll likely see, the Church of Santa Caterina, along with the Chiesa dell’Addolorata, dating back to the 16th century, with a richly decorated Baroque façade, and the Chiesa dell’Immacolata, built in 1747. Rising majestically on the lava rock upon which it sits, this is a must visit when you’re in Lipari and you’ll gaze in awe and imagine the countless lives spent living in this amazing castle.

Lipari Castle

Address: Via Castello 3, Sicily, Italy

Website: Lipari Castle

3. Riserva Naturale Orientata Isola di Vulcano

The volcanic nature reserve of Isola di Vulcano is a protected natural area, established in 2000 and it has a complex and tormented morphology, where poems are born and adventurers flourish. After checking out the crater, make sure to head back down to the foot of the sleeping volcano, to admire it in all its natural grandeur.

Riserva Naturale Orientata Isola di Vulcano

Address: Isola Vulcano, Italy

4. Cave de Pomice

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Porticello once monopolised the global supply of pumice, and although the quarries here have since been gated and fenced off, as you sit on the boat that passes by this cave, you can still admire the huge pumice formations here. The coastlines are littered with the vestiges of the former industry, including the processing plants and docks and it’s a strange place, with how abandoned it all is. It really is quite a sight to pass by and think about the countless rocks that were farmed from this fascinating island of white, as you take photos from the sea and admire it in all its glory.

Cave de Pomice

Address: Località Porticello , Isola di Lipari, SP180, 98055 ME, Italy

5. Spiagga Valle i Mura

An isolated beach off the coast of Lipari, Spiaggia Valle i Mura is simple enough to hike down to or reach via boat. It’s an amazing beach, with a gorgeous offshore view, giving you the opportunity to take great shots of the rugged coastline and the numerous offshore islands, including a volcano, not to mention towering cliffs covered in typical Sicilian vegetation. The long narrow beach itself glows with its shoreline of pristine grey pebbles and sand and the clear blue water and imposing cliffs practically transport you to another world.

Spiaggia Valle i Mura

Address: Pianoconte | Lungo la costa sudoccidentale di Lipari, Sicilia, Italia

6. Coral Beach

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

A small beach club, Coral Beach has great people and great food to fill you with joy, with easy transportation back and forth between certain hotels. The beach is littered with nice loungers, plenty of amenities and it makes for an excellent walk and the calm, blue water is great for open water swimming (but beware of the jellyfish that roam the shallows). Look out for the exceptional views of Stromboli. on clear days.

Coral Beach

Address: VIa Marina Garibaldi | Baia di Canneto, 98055 Canneto di Lipari, Sicily, Italy

7. Havana Beach

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Havana Beach offers crystal clear azure blue water, with gorgeous white sand and a buffet literally steps away from the beach. With good weather, swimming is basically perfect here and it’s a great place to laze around, whiling away the afternoon, with a picture-perfect view.

Havana Beach

Address: Via Porticello SNC, 98055, Sicily, Italy

8. Tenuta di Castellaro

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Check out Tenuta di Castellaro for some great wine tasting opportunities! Here, you can go on a small tour of the cellar and production area, and even get up close and personal with the vineyard, with exceptionally knowledgeable tour guides who always have a fun story up their sleeves. An exceptional activity to get up to in Lipari, make sure you book yourself a tasting and as you sip the wine, experience the glorious sunsets and views of the valley and surrounding islands.

Tenuta di Castellaro

Address: Via Caolino | Quattropani, 98055, Sicily, Italy

Website: Tenuta di Castellaro

9. Lipari Cathedral

Lipari Cathedral, known as the Basilica Concattedrale di San Bartolomeo di Lipari in Italian, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Lipari, dedicated to Saint Bartholomew. Formerly the episcopal seat of the diocese of Lipari, it has, since 1986, operated as a co-cathedral in the Archdiocese of Messina-Lipari-Santa Lucia del Mela. Located right in the heart of Lipari, the cathedral is the oldest and largest church in Lipari. Rich in history and incredible works of art, visitors can admire a view of the oldest village in Lipari from its vantage point, and its fascinating architecture that was originally built in the Acropolis, on the ruins of a Greek temple, before it was completely destroyed by Arabs in 838 BC.

Having gone through unbelievable destruction and hardship, it’s amazing how tall it still stands after its reconstruction, with a majestic staircase, two small side entrances and a central marble portal, enriched by iconic columns and Corinthian capitals on the facade. Come marvel at this architectural marvel when you visit Lipari. You won’t be disappointed.

Lipari Cathedral

Address: Via Castello, 3, 98050 Lipari ME, Italy

Lipari: Cathedrals, beaches and history

Whether you’re checking out some ancient archaeology at the museum, taking a dip or admiring one of the magnificent cathedrals in Lipari, you’ll be having plenty of fun, no matter what, soaking up the coastal environment and all the culture it has to offer. This list is just a taste of everything you can get up to in Lipari and we’re sure that on your trip here, you’ll discover even more wonderful things that lie in wait to delight you.