Lipari in Winter By Sarah

DAY 1: LIPARI
HISTORIC CENTER ON FOOT

The first suggestion is to visit the fortress of Lipari Castle, which houses:
The Basilica of San Bartolomeo, Patron Saint of all the Aeolian Islands.
The charming Norman Cloister.
Bernabò Brea Archaeological Museum is one of the most important in the Mediterranean. Don't miss the majestic and highly photographed Hall of Amphorae, as well as the collection of masks from the Greek Theater related to the cult of Dionysus (you won't find such an extensive collection even in Greece).
Definitely take photos from the top of the marina in Marina Corta, with the silhouette of Vulcano Island in the background, and from below of the majestic staircase leading to the Cathedral of San Bartolomeo.
The tour continues with a walk through the maze of alleyways in the historic centre and the "Supra a Terra" area in search of murals and sculptures in lava stone by CIPRA artists and street art by Demetrio Di Grado.
Discover the folkloric names of the streets compared to the official ones, like the famous "Strittu luongu," the longest alley in Lipari.
Visit the oasis of "Happy Cats of Lipari," highly recommended for all "cat lovers" for a photo with the friendliest cats on the island.
You're very close to Marina Corta; most bars and restaurants are closed, which adds to its charm! Savour its winter calm and observe the locals who have reclaimed THEIR main square. Sit down and enjoy the scent of the sea, and if the Sea Nativity Scene is open, take the opportunity to visit it (permanent installation. Entry by donation).

Day 2

ISLAND TOUR BY SCOOTER OR CAR
The advice is to visit the eastern part of the island in the first half of the day, then the western part, where you can enjoy the sunset in the afternoon.
(Remember, it's winter, and the sunset is very early!)
So, in the first half of the day:
Explore the bays along the coast from Canneto to Porticello and Acquacalda.
• Stop for photos at Capo Rosso; from here, you can see Canneto and, especially (with good visibility), the three active Sicilian volcanoes: to the north, Stromboli, while towards the south, Vulcano and Mount Etna.
• At the Pumice Caves, a must-see, take a photo of their dazzling white and go hunting for small pieces of pumice and obsidian.
After lunch, head towards the western part of the island and stop at:
• Quattrocchi viewpoint, named so because it's so romantic that you can't go alone.
• San Calogero Hot Springs. Unfortunately, the facility is closed today, but the Roman-era pool remains visible outdoors.
• Kaolin Mines, very interesting for the presence of multicoloured rocks.
• Quattropani at Chiesa Vecchia or the Sanctuary of Madonna della Catena, where you must photograph the sunset.
• Being in this part of the island, you can take advantage of having an aperitif at Bar Zia Pippa.
Return to Lipari centre, where the main street becomes a pedestrian zone from 5:00 PM, and since the shops will be open, you can shop.
We're in winter, so not all activities are open, but you can still shop for local products:

• Stefano Panza Ceramics
• Renata Conti's paintings
• Arte Sana concept store
• Clothing and accessories from A Biddikkia (dialect term for "the cute one")
• Capers, cucunci, sweet or dry Malvasia from Enolie or Enoteca San Bartolo
• Typical dry sweets (Nacatole, Spicchitedda, Giggi, etc.) from Pesaresi, D'Ambra, Papisca
And if you haven't already, let's not miss out on a winter aperitif! No!

Recommended aperitifs in Lipari Center: Bar La Precchia, Osteria San Bartolo, Enoeolie, La Latteria, Le Terrazze, or Food Porn.

Day 3: Unmissable Panoramic Points

Take the Serra - Pirrera road to reach Forgia Vecchia.
• Forgia Vecchia, a large obsidian crater now covered with lush vegetation. From here, the view extends 360° over Panarea, Stromboli and Canneto, Lipari centre, and Vulcano.
Return to Lipari and take the road to Capistello, a scenic road that overlooks the town of Lipari and from which you can also see Stromboli and Panarea. Continuing to the steep end of the road, you'll find yourself at the 'Observatory' with a clearing from which Vulcanello and the Grand Crater seem so close you could touch them.

USEFUL INFORMATION
• Museum ticket €6. Open every day from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Sunday 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
• The outdoor area of the castle is always open for free. When the museum is open, the Greek theatre area can also be visited for free.

• There is no tourist tax in the Aeolian Islands, only a landing tax, which is a one-time fee on the outbound ticket.
HOW TO GET THERE:
In the low season, the Aeolian Islands are connected to the mainland, in order of distance, through the ports of Milazzo and Messina (from the latter, only one trip per day except Saturdays).
If you are in southern Italy, the ferry to/from Naples operates twice a week, even in winter.
Travel times vary depending on the chosen departure point.
Keep in mind, however, that the most frequent routes depart from the port of Milazzo, where you can also board your car with Siremar and NGI ships. The ferry crossing takes about 2 hours, or if you decide to take the hydrofoil, it takes about 60 minutes.
By Air:
If you travel by air, we recommend choosing Catania Airport, from which it will be easier and more convenient to take a taxi or minibus to Milazzo port (1 hour and 30 minutes). Alternatively, there is the public Giuntabus line that departs from the airport and arrives at Milazzo port at established times that vary seasonally (1 hour and 45 minutes).
By Train:
There are direct trains to Milazzo from all major Italian cities: Rome, Milan, Naples, Venice, Turin, Palermo, and Messina.
By Car:
You can board your car on the ferries:
From Naples (11 hours - overnight journey)
From Milazzo port by ship (about 2 hours) all year round.