Lipari: Day Trips and Tours from Taormina

The largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari is famed for its magnificent sunsets over the Tyrrhenian Sea, tranquil atmosphere and delectable foods and wine.

With fast ferry connections from Sicily, it’s the most strategic base for exploring the unique archipelago in southern Italy.

Book a day trip from Taormina to Lipari for a marvelous opportunity to discover the magic of these islands formed by volcanic eruptions.

Here's all you need to know about Lipari, one of the most exciting day trips from Taormina.

How to get to Lipari from Taormina?

Lipari is located over 100 kilometers north of Taormina, and can only be accessed by boat from Sicily.

By car and ferry

To get to Lipari, you'll first have to drive from Taormina to Milazzo. It takes approximately 1 hour on the E45 and E90.

From the port, the Milazzo-Lipari ferry route connects Sicily with the Aeolian Islands and is operated by two companies. Liberty Lines Fast Ferries runs up to 16 times per day (for 50 minutes) and Siremar runs up to 7 times per day (for 1 hour 35 minutes).

By guided tour

Your most hassle-free way to get to Lipari is through day trips and tours from Taormina, where your tour operator will organize all of your travel arrangements for you, ensuring a smooth journey.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Lipari from Taormina?

On a day tour to Lipari, you'll typically start by traveling by bus to the Port of Milazzo. From here, you'll travel by motorboat to Lipari.

Explore the Old Town of the island, which includes the old castle and fortified walls. At the castle, you will find the fascinating Lipari Archeological Museum with displays on volcanoes and Aeolian Archipelago history.

Pause for lunch and taste the local cuisine before continuing on to the island of Vulcano, to see its steaming volcanoes and mud baths, which are well worth a visit for their therapeutic properties.

On the island, you can relax on the beach and swim in the Tyrrhenian waters. During the return cruise, make sure to take out your camera as you pass by the captivating formation of Faraglioni Rocks and Horse Cave. Back on land, your bus will take you back to Taormina, ending an exceptional day out.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Lipari?

Lipari is a gateway to the Aeolian Islands, and the majority of tours available include a visit to the island of Vulcano, making for a comprehensive journey.

Day trip to Lipari plus Vulcano from Taormina

Explore the lovely Aeolian archipelago on this guided day trip to the islands of Lipari and Vulcano from Taormina. Cruise by motorboat across to the volcanic islands and discover the Lipari's long and fascinating history. Visit the Archaeological Museum, stroll around the Old Town and swim in the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Meet your guide at the Terminal Interbus, Taormina, and board your coach. You’ll drive north to the Port of Milazzo before departure toward Lipari by motorboat. After some time spent on the island, you'll head on to Vulcano for some relaxing exploration. Your trip will conclude with transportation back to Taormina, with the entire journey lasting around 12 to 13 hours.

How much does a tour to Lipari from Taormina cost?

A day tour to Lipari from Taormina costs €80 per person for a maximum group of 15 people. Transport by both bus and boat and the services of a guide are included in the cost.

Meals and drinks are not included, and neither is eco-tax for entering the Aeolian Islands. This will need to be paid at the Milazzo port, but the prices fluctuate depending on the time of year.

You can also rent an umbrella on-site in case of a weather change.

What will you see and do?

Lipari Old Town and Archeological Museum

Lipari is the most populated island with the biggest town of the archipelago, with picturesque streets, an attractive port and a historic castle. Until recently the main industry was the extraction of pumice from past eruptions.

You'll have a wide selection of restaurants, bars and shops to choose from. One of the highlights is the Archaeological Museum, where you will find one of Europe's finest collections of antiquity.

It houses artifacts from the Neolithic and Bronze Ages to the Greek-Roman era, and ancient shipwreck cargoes off the coasts of Panarea, Filicudi and Lipari. Also on display is a large collection of miniature Greek theatrical masks, beautiful statuettes and elegant jewelry.

Vulcano

Just a boat ride away from Lipari, Vulcano last erupted in the 19th century, but is still a steaming spectacle to behold. In fact, the name of this island gave rise to the English word "volcano."

Today, you can relax on its beaches or bathe in its healing mud. On the cruise back from the island, admire the impressive rock formations eroded by the waves, from Faraglioni Rock to Mermaid's rock.

When is the best time to visit Lipari?

If you're looking forward to enjoying the warm Mediterranean sun and vibrant beach life, the summer months from June to August are an ideal time to visit. During this period, the weather is hot and sunny, and the island is bustling.

However, if you'd prefer to avoid the crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons of spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) when the weather is still pleasant.

What other day trips can you do from Taormina?

• Day trips to Etna from Taormina
• Day trips to Alcantara from Taormina
• Day trips to Isola Bella from Taormina
• Day trips to Syracuse from Taormina
• Day trips to Stromboli from Taormina

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your tour to Lipari from Taormina in advance, as this is a popular day trip, especially in the high tourist season.
• Don't forget to pack swimwear and a towel for going swimming at the idyllic beaches.
• Bring along some cash in local currency to pay for the eco-tax to enter the Aeolian Islands.