The beaches of Lipari
Lipari has more coastline than all the other islands combined, and it varies enormously: the east side is the most equipped, the west the wildest and the best at sunset.
White sand that isn't sand
The beach at Papesca and the seabed around Canneto owe their colour to pumice: tiny white grains, so light they float. The sea turns turquoise even at midday, and the effect isn't filtered — it's the island's own rock.
The side you can only reach by sea
Below the western cliffs lie coves such as Valle Muria: you either scramble down a steep path or arrive by boat, and late afternoon is the moment, when the sun drops behind Vulcano.
Serviced or wild
Canneto has lidos, rentals and bars; the others don't. Bring water and reef shoes: walking barefoot onto a pebble beach is not a pleasant experience.
The wind decides
When it blows from the north the eastern shore turns choppy and it's worth crossing to the west, and vice versa. On an island this size there's always a sheltered side: ask in the morning, before choosing.
Canneto
Gravel and sand · Services and rentals
The long bay north of town: lidos, boat rentals, and the departure point for beaches reachable only by sea.
Valle Muria
Dark pebbles · Sunset and boats
On the west coast, wedged between the sea stacks: reached by steep path or by sea. At sunset it faces Vulcano and Alicudi.
Stay in Capo d'Orlando
A base in the centre — and everything else becomes a day trip.
The port for the Aeolians is 45 minutes away, the Nebrodi right behind. Breakfast served early for dawn departures.
Direct booking, no intermediaries · See the rooftop →