Lipari

Lipari is the largest island; known as Meligunis in ancient times, Lipari has been inhabited since the middle Neolithic era when the first settlers began trading obsidian glass stone throughout the Mediterranean Sea. According to legends the Ausonian Civilization settled on Lipari and it was ruled by King Liparo, and his daughter married Eolo, the God of the Winds.
The first traces of human civilization are the circular huts with stone bases dating back to 5000 AC found on Rocca di Lipari. The Aeolian Islands were known in these remote times for a hard glasslike stone that was used to make blades “obsidian”, and also for Stromboli volcano that has always been used as an illuminated landmark by mariners throughout the centuries.

Pumice stone and obsidian extraction in Lipari island began in the fifth millennium B.C. and it was an important economical resource in the past. The pumice stone commerce and extraction marked more than two centuries of Lipari history. It is possible to admire, even now from the sea, the pumice quarries “Cave di Pomice”, the most important pumice quarry was at Porticello. In this bay there are a lot of ruines of factories, nowadays in disuse; only one was in function till few years ago, when Authorities decided to totally block the extraction of this stone. The Aeolian Islands are now part of the UNESCO, as World Heritage Sites, for geological and volcanological characteristics.

The ancient “citadelle” called “castle” by the Aeolian people, overlooks the historical centre and the ancient acropolis is now home to the archaeological museum, with its collection of masks, then prehistoric, classical and maritime sections. Very important museum in Europe and very well organized. Inside the fortress area you can also visit the Cathedral, the Norman cloister and archaeological park.

The Patronal Feast on August 24th is dedicated to St. Bartholomew, considered patron saint of fishermen. This feast is celebrated in every island of the Aeolians but surely the festival takes place par excellence in Lipari on the 24th of August, with a procession that crosses the center of the island and fireworks that delight children and adults.
The feast starts on August 21st and it ends on the 24th when Marina Corta – the square where the feast mainly takes place – is illuminated by a magnificent display of fireworks, set off also from the sea. During these four days there are also open local markets and concerts with local artists performing in the evening at Marina Corta square.
Inside the historical center in Lipari there is St. Bartholomew’s Cathedral, enriched by a particular silver statue realized in 1728 and placed in a small chapel in order to thank the Patron Saint for saving the inhabitants of Lipari from the earthquake on January 11th 1693. This statue is adored and carried in procession on the 24th of August around the old town roads, and it represents the gratitude of the citizens.

Lipari is not only history; it is also tradition that could be discovered through its local products.
The guests could visit local vineyards and wineries where the modern means of cultivation and wine-making are fused together with the most ancient traditions. They will be offered the opportunity to discover aromas, flavors and colors of the local wines and tasting typical specialties of the Aeolian cuisine such as capers, olives and local cheeses, surrounded by the green of suggestive landscapes, where the sea joins the sky.

“Le Piscine di Eolo”
“Le Piscine di Eolo” wellness center, located in the Island of Lipari in a panoramic point, offers to the guests three hydro-massage pools, turkish bath and knaipp surrounded by a wonderful landscape where they can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere.
The Wellness center could be reserved for our clients’ exclusive use, please book it beforehand.

Musicians
Guests can enjoy our local musicians for a typical Aeolians entertaining in the exclusive area reserved to them, with traditional Sicilian music and Italian classic songs. Musicians instruments mandolin, accordion and singer.
Possibility of organizing local musicians on board as well.

Folk Group
In the exclusive area reserved to the guests at “Le Piscine di Eolo”, we could also organize the exhibition of the folkloristic group “Cantori popolari delle Isole Eolie” in a unique scenery.
Since 1972 the Aeolian folkloristic group has entertained and emotionally touched all generations of people…
Possibility of organizing tasting of local catering products as well.

“Obsidian carving – from a stone to a jewel –“
The obsidian, the black heart of the Aeolians Islands, is a typical glass stone of volcanic origin that was an important economical resource for the archipelago in the past.
Today it is possible to visit a workshop, located in the historical center of the island of Lipar, where an Aeolian jeweler could give detailed information on the obsidian and its characteristics; it will be especially possible to assist the processing techniques to transform the local obsidian into an original and precious jewellery.
This typical workshop also offers the possibility to its guests to bring their own fragment of obsidian, so that the jeweler will show them the different types of incision and faceting of the natural glass.

Pipes Workshops
The island of Lipari offers the possibility to visit an original pipes workshop located in the historical center and meeting a pipe smoker by choice who became also a pipe maker by chance.
An Aeolian artisan, using mainly briar wood coming directly from Sicily and Aeolian Islands, realizes handmade pipes of different styles and shapes.
Olive wood, typical of the Mediterranean vegetation existing in the archipelago, is another material used in order to give to the pipe a pleasant taste suitable for strong dry tobaccos which then become lighter.
The wooden block itself inspires the style of the pipe: it is already in that piece of wood but hidden. The artisan just follows the edges and patiently reveals its presence.
A lot of pipes collections have been made, each of them inspired to the Aeolian Islands due to his deep strong relationship with them and he describes in each pipe his personal vision of that island.

Yacht Harbour Lipari dock

We can organize berth in the Lipari private dock nearest the historical center, within walking distance from the main village where local shops, bar and restaurants are located.

Port name: Yacht Harbour Lipari
Location Coordinates: LAT 38° 28 377 N
LON 14° 57 323 E
Normal Port Access Times: 24/24H
Winds: NW – W
Port winds: Quadrant SE to N/E,
excluding NE winds
Pilot service: Yes – VHF channel 12 or 16
Mooring Personnel: available
Diver: available
Fresh Water: available
Electricity: available
Fuel: Yes