A guided tour of Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian islands, certainly gives the opportunity to discover the ancient history of these islands. In addition, we can also enjoy breathtaking views over the other islands.
Firstly, let’s begin discovering Marina Corta, the small fishing port of Lipari, where small boats dock. This is the exclusive heart of the island where tourist enjoy the marine landscape and also visit the Church of the Souls of Purgatory dating back to 1545. Inside, it houses a characteristic crib that represents the fishing village itself with the typical Aeolian houses.
Guided tour of Lipari: the Castle and the Archaeological Museum
We continue our guided tour of Lipari, walking through the narrow streets around Marina Corta to reach the fortified citadel, commonly known as the Castle.
The defensive walls, built by the Spanish during the 16th century, enclose the most important monuments of the town. Passing under the tower-gate built by the Normans, we reach the oldest part of Lipari.
Here we see the archaeological excavations, this discovery is the evidence of several settlements until Roman times on Lipari; moreover, we see five churches including the Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Bartholomew, patron saint of the archipelago, built by the Normans and renovated several times with an inner outstanding stone cloister dating back to the 12th century.
After that, we continue with a guided tour of the extraordinary Archaeological Museum of Lipari. It keeps some of the most important findings of the entire Mediterranean Sea.
There are different sections to visit, including the one specific for the prehistory of Lipari or to the smaller islands.
The classic section is the most interesting : it houses perfectly preserved artifacts related to the the Greek colony of Lipari. Among them, the world’s largest collection of miniature belonging to the Greek theatre masks. A vast collection of Roman amphorae has been completely preserved. Tourists can admire them in the submarine archaeology room.
Guided tour of Lipari: tour by bus
After that,we continue our guided tour of Lipari by car, bus or why not? By scooter.
The first stop will be at the Quattrocchi viewpoint for a breathtaking view of the coast with the famous Faraglioni and in the background the island of Vulcano. Continue through several small villages meanwhile looking at the typical Aeolian houses.
Next stop not be missed, is at the Five Islands viewpoint, where we admire Alicudi, Filicudi, Salina, Panarea and Stromboli.
From here, we go towards the northern coast of the island, where we begin to see the pumice stone quarries. Their white color characterizes great part of Lipari.
At the end of the tour, we reach again the main centre of Lipari, Marina Lunga, the great port, by going along the promenade of Canneto, where we can admire the longest beach on the island.
On foot, by boat or by car. Let’s discover Lipari together!
Click here to learn about an Aeolian love affair and here for some interesting facts about these islands.
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