The Aeolian Islands are a gorgeous, volcanically created archipelago off the northern coast of Sicily; Lipari is the largest and easiest to get to, and thus, the most bustling. Ruggedly mountainous, with typically Mediterranean scrub, and a dramatically windswept coastline of white cliffs, these islands offer natural beauty, but also historic charm. People dwelt in this picturesque spot from at least the Bronze age, and you can trace the island’s history of gentle inhabitation onwards from that point. The main hub for the whole region is Lipari Town, which has the ferry port, but you’ll find our recommendations for the best places to stay on Lipari in Canneto, just around the headland, on one of the island’s most idyllic stretches of beach. Here we've discovered a small bayside hotel, with a pretty facade and sunny terrace overlooking the sea.

Lipari Town feels relaxed if you’re coming from the mainland, but this attractive harbour with its historic streets and passages is busy by Aeolian standards! As well as being the main ferry port, Lipari Town has a castle-citadel, a Norman Cathedral dating from the 12th century, and an impressive museum. Ferries from Lipari Town depart regularly for mainland Sicily, and for the other islands in the group, especially during the busy summer holiday period.  Lipari Town also boasts numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants, and shops and supermarkets.

Outside of the main town, the best places to stay on Lipari are perfect for anyone looking for an island escape. There are endless walking trails to follow, a very nice selection of beaches to recline on, and plenty of thermal spas and baths fed by natural fumaroles to try, along with local culinary specialities, capers and Malvasia wine.

The Best Places to Stay in Lipari

For An Island Escape

• Right on the bay of pretty fishing village Canneto, La Settima Luna Hotel is a beautiful white on white villa hotel with just seven rooms, plus a rooftop lounge bar and a breakfast terrace with a view. The decor is minimal but elegant, offering light, airy, soothing serenity. Ideal for an affordable honeymoon! This is one of the island’s most perfect beaches, so an excellent choice for water views, peace and sandy relaxation.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Villa?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Lipari doesn’t have its own international airport, with the closest on Sicily, or in Reggio Calabria. If you arrive into Palermo Airport you need to take the train or bus to Milazzo, then the ferry across to Lipari, which takes about an hour. Catania Airport requires a similar journey to the ferry terminal at Milazzo, or if you’re visiting in summer, you can arrive via Reggio Calabira Airport which is a spectacular journey across the Strait of Messina from Lipari.
• If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• The Aeolian Islands have a Mediterranean climate, which broadly speaking means hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, but because they’re islands they get some temperature regulation from the sea, so it’s only really hot mid-July through mid-August. The busy season for visitors runs throughout summer, though, and if you want to visit at any time in July or August you need to book early. For that reason we recommend April, May and June, or September as the best times to visit the Aeolian Islands. Spring is beautiful, and the tourist resources are just starting to open up again, whereas during September the water is still warm, but many visitors have left, so there’s more space on the beach! Travelling in these windows will probably mean you pay less too.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include the best places to stay on the Aeolian Islands
• Expand further to include the best places to stay in Sicily or just the best beach hotels on Sicily
• Consider one of the other Aeolian Islands: Salina, Vulcano or Panarea
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.