4 Best Sights in Lipari, Sicily

This vast, multibuilding museum is terrific, with an intelligently arranged collection of prehistoric finds—some dating as far back as 5000 BC—from various sites in the archipelago, as well as Greek and Roman artifacts, including an outstanding collection of Greek theatrical masks, and even interesting information on volcanoes. Basic descriptions about the exhibits are provided in both English and Italian: panels in each room and captions in the showcases. That said, there is so much to see, and the museum is worth at least a few hours of your time.

The Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew (aka the Duomo of Lipari) was built in the 16th century with an initial construction and history dating back to the Arab era in 838. This Baroque-style co-cathedral in the heart of Lipari's main town is the island's most famous landmark and the main place of worship of the entire Aeolian archipelago. The prominent facade can be seen from afar, but a visit is recommended. Even though you must ascend a steep staircase to reach it, the church is well worth the climb up. And it's located directly next door to the Aeolian Regional Archaeological Museum, the island's other main sight. 

This lively street that runs the length of Lipari Town from the port blends the tourist and local worlds. You'll find the requisite souvenir shops selling trinkets and postcards, but it's also where residents go to visit their butcher, to pick up daily bread, and to buy fishing tackle. During summer evenings, it's closed to cars and becomes the primary stretch for making the evening passeggiata (evening stroll) past cafés that reverberate with energy late into the evenings.

The same contemporary craftsmanship that went into Tenuta di Castellaro’s eco-wine resort design also applies to their wine making, as they use advanced methods that link to centuries-old traditions that have been used to make some of the oldest wines of the Aeolian archipelago. You’ll have the opportunity to try their incredible range of wines that stem from a seriously impressive system of cultivation and planting (also featuring a few new natural wines), whether you are a guest in the winery's hotel or not. And the wine-tasting and vineyard tour is worth the trip based on its cantina visit alone. This zero-impact winery is seriously unlike any other.