Stromboli Aeolian Islands | How to climb an active volcano
September 21, 2013
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As part of our Aeolian island hopping we headed for Stromboli.
Isle of Lipari, the largest & most popular Aeolian Island
Why Lipari?
Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands and the one with the most amenities. We travelled there by hydrofoil from Vulcano which was the previous island we visited. You can read about our Vulcano visit Here. The hydrofoils are pretty frequent between the islands and you can buy tickets on the quayside. We were excited about visiting Lipari as it has a lot to offer from beaches, to museums, to diving and historical sites.
Where did we stay in Lipari Town
We had no accommodation on Lipari pre booked. As it was the morning when we travelled from Vulcano and the journey was only 20 mins we had plenty time to find somewhere.
On the quayside there was quite a few people all with cards advertising accommodation but we were still holding out for something a bit authentic and quirky. As we walked up the main street of the town we spotted a tourist information office. We would surely find something there but before we reach there we bumped into Angela. Angela was there with cards advertising her room to rent in her house on Vico Salina, just across the Main Street.
She spoke no English and we spoke little Italian then but we managed to agree a visit to see the room. It was really close by and when we saw it, it was perfect. Central, with a little balcony, air conditioning, little en suite and on the third floor. Angela’s family occupied the 2 lower floors.
It had a roof terrace with a large table, utensils, plates and cups to use. We could visit the local deli and have lunch or dinner on the roof. It was absolutely perfect. Unfortunately we didn’t keep Angela’s details but if you get to visit Lipari then check out Vico Salina and a wonderful lady called Angela.
Explore Lipari by foot
From the main town there are walks up and down a myriad of quaint little streets. Paths taking you to the coast and back into town again. Routes taking you out into the countryside and up small hills where the views of the surrounding islands are just breathtaking. The town itself was delightful to wander around with its typically Italian narrow and winding streets with flower boxes, washing and balconies filled with life.
Get into the water and go Scuba Diving
Chris went diving as there was a PADI dive centre just near the port. He’s dived in many areas around the world and didn’t want to miss this opportunity. The dive centre on Lipari offered both morning and afternoon dives and was quite reasonably priced so there was no excuse not to have a go. I have to admit the diving was not the best I have ever done, it was however very enjoyable and I always like to get a dive in where ever we go if I possibly can.
Exploring more of Lipari, the Island
While Chris went diving I took the opportunity to explore some of the island. There was a small bus station near the port which had buses going to the other towns around the island.
Buses leave from Marina Lunga about every hour (more frequently in summer), taking you across the island. No point on the island is more than a half-hour ride away. A bus schedule is available at on a sign at Marina Lunga or from the tourist information office which is on the Main Street. Tickets cost 1.50€ and can be purchased onboard from the driver.
Urso buses also operate tours of the island from July to September. Three buses at a time leave at 9:30am, 11:30am, and 5pm and it costs approx 3.70€ for the circuit. It really was a delightful way to make the most of our visit to Lipari.
Visit the Museum & Castello of Lipari
The Museo Archeologico. This complex is located on the enormous rhyolithic rock of the Castello of Lipari. There is also the amphitheatre which is Greek and ancient Roman and Greek ruins which you can walk around imagining times gone by. These are really spectacular monuments, peaceful to walk round and always giving a glimpse of the sea.
Sample the fabulous local seafood of Lipari
Being an island the seafood I can tell you was spectacular. Lipari is the most populated of the Aeolian Islands and it has an abundance of cafe’s, restaurants, bars and take aways. There’s plenty places to get good Italian food. We had superb seafood down by the harbour. In the evening we had fantastic gelato on the Main Street in town and on occasion, super take away pizza for lunch. Here’s a few recommendations.
For some of the best seafood around it was suggested we visit the Ristorante Nenzyna and it didn’t let us down. Quirky tables just set out on the street near the harbour and the spaghetti vongole was excellent. In fact all the food was excellent.You could hear the sea against the harbour wall and that made the experience truly authentic.
For Gelato it had to be the Eden Bar. This place had great coffee, great ice cream, great desserts. It was the perfect place to chill after an evening walk through town. However one of the best places we ate was the rooftop of our rented room. There with our meats and cheeses bought from the local deli. Salads and fruits from the grocer. A nice bottle of local wine. Who wouldn’t enjoy a lunch like that.
Our view of Lipari
Lipari is a beautiful island and the main transport hub for visiting the Aeolian islands. Don’t just pass through it is a great place to spend a few days exploring and wandering around the picturesque streets.
Booking resources for your trip
Flights
You can compare cheap flights on the Expedia platform or here on the Aviasales website. Both will give you a good idea of how much its going to cost you to get to your chosen destination.
Accommodation
We have always tended to use Booking.com having said that if your on a tight budget another good site to try as a comparison is Hostelworld, If your looking to compare different sites you can do that on Hotellook, we tend to look on here first to make sure we are getting the best deal.
Tours & Tickets
You can book your visits as you go at the entrance to your chosen attraction or site. Or you could use the following links to book in advance or just to find out what your choices are in the area. GetYourGuide and Tiqets are our go to choices you could try Viator to see how they compare.
For a full list check out our resources page. Don’t forget always shop around to find the best deal for you. What works for us should be good for you but it’s always reassuring to check.
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