Resting off the northern coast of Sicily, Lipari Island is the largest, liveliest and most accessible of the Aeolian Islands. Fringed by translucent waters, the medieval fortified walls of Lipari Town rise over its beautiful pastel buildings and two bustling ports.

Things to do

Lipari Town is the major transport hub of the archipelagos, where hydrofoils and ferries bounce from island to island. Corso Vittorio Emanuele II is the main thoroughfare, flanked with alfresco cafes, rooftops bars and romantic restaurants. Book a table at local Sicilian restaurant, Philippine, and try the fennel and orange citrus salad.

Nestled high above the town on the island’s eastern edge, Lipari Castle features an impressive Archaeological Museum. A must for history buffs, the museum houses one of Europe’s finest collections of ancient artefacts.

One of the best ways to uncover the natural splendour of the island is to rent a moped and explore its encircling road. Stop at Canneto, a fishing village with a long, pebbled beach and abundant lidos. Go swimming in Shingles Bay, where the limestone cliffs give the water a tempting turquoise hue.

For the best coastal vistas, head to Quattrocchi, a famous viewing point three kilometres from town. Pack a bottle of “vino bianco” and stay for the sunset. You might even catch the lava bubbling over nearby Stromboli volcano. Adventurous visitors looking for a scenic hike can head inland where mountain peaks rise up to 600 metres.

Getting around

You can reach Lipari Island by hydrofoil or ferry from Messina, Milazzo, Reggio Calabria and Naples. Lipari is a small island easily navigated by renting a bike, scooter or car from Marina Lunga. Local buses and taxis also run all over the island.