Imagine a high-speed boat whisking you away to an island where cobblestone alleyway labyrinths, ancient ruins, cascading bougainvillea, and mouthwatering regional treats await. It’s a perfect day trip that feels like stepping into another world.

Lipari is a captivating gem nestled in the heart of the UNESCO-listed Aeolian Islands, that too often slips under travellers' radar. Leaving the Sicilian mainland in my wake, I headed off with Bunnik Tours and a local guide to explore the island. 

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The largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari blends history and beauty. Expect elegant townhouses next door to simple stone dwellings against a backdrop of an ancient citadel and sweeping coastline views surrounded by a turquoise sea.

The one-hour hydrofoil ferry ride leaves from Milazzo on Sicily’s northern coast to Lipari, but you can also travel from Palermo and Calabria. Step off onto the jetty and walk down the Corso Vittorio Emanuele to find the island's vibrant local culture without the mainland’s crowds.

Here’s why Lipari should be on your must-visit list.

Picture: Kerry Heaney

Rich history and ancient ruins

Lipari boasts a fascinating history, with sites like the Lipari Archaeological Museum, where you’ll see artifacts from the Neolithic to the Roman periods. Imagine shooting arrows from the slit openings as you walk into the castle of Lipari, which stands at the highest point of the island. Rub your fingers on the brass figure of St. Bartholomew, patron saint of Lipari, for luck as you leave The Church of San Giuseppe.

Jaw-dropping coastal scenery

The on-island bus tour reveals dramatic coastal cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque beaches. 

Picture: Kerry Heaney

Authentic island vibe

Charmingly Italian, Lipari has narrow cobblestone streets, colourful houses, and a relaxed atmosphere. You can wander the streets almost like a local, enjoying a taste of Sicilian island life that’s authentic and less commercialised.

Picture: Kerry Heaney

Incredible local cuisine

Lipari’s restaurants serve fresh local seafood, rich caponata, other Sicilian specialties, and unique wines influenced by highly fertile mineral volcanic soils. You can feast on swordfish rolls, Lipari stuffed squid, sauces made with locally grown capers, sweet and sour rabbit and stuffed eggplant. Don’t miss the boxes of locally grown capers for sale graded by size on the main street.

Pictures: Kerry Heaney

Active volcano adventures 

After some volcanic drama? The nearby active volcanic islands of Stromboli and Vulcano draw visitors who want to get up close and personal to the action. Lipari is close enough to these to see live eruptions across the water or take a day trip to hike across smouldering craters. 

Captivating festivals and local traditions

Lipari loves a festival and hosts several that fill the streets with parades, fireworks, and concerts and celebrate local traditions each year. The biggest occur over Easter, where statues are paraded through the streets, and doves are released on Easter Sunday, followed by The Feast of St. Bartholomew in mid-August.

Picture: Kerry Heaney

Off-the-Beaten-Path Appeal

Unlike more tourist-heavy mainland destinations, Lipari has retained hidden gem appeal, offering a quieter, slow travel experience with plenty of natural beauty and cultural depth to explore.

It’s an alluring mix of ancient history, unspoiled coastline, and authentic island life that feels worlds away from Sicily’s bustling mainland. Lipari may be Sicily's best-kept secret, but it's a treasure that deserves to be uncovered.

Need to know

Explore the island of Lipari with a local guide with Bunnik Tours. They have seven 10-day guided air-conditioned bus Treasures of Sicily tours, staying in 3/4-star hotels from May to October 2025, with prices starting from $5,995. 

This writer travelled as a guest of Bunnik Tours