21. The Aeolian Islands

21. The Aeolian Island of Lipari 

We had a wonderful sail from Milazzo on mainland Sicily over to the Aeolian Islands and Isolo di Lipari with the Code Zero flying beautifully but keeping a watchful eye for the dreaded hydrofoils and other ferries. 

                      View of Isola di Vulcano and Isola di Lipari from under the Code Zero

The town on Isola di Lipari which we had heard so much about looked wonderful as we sailed into the port and what we thought was a comfortable marina. The Port was shared between the marina and the ferries. 

There are basically 4 types of passenger boats, the hydrofoils, the car ferries, the passenger ferries and the tourist boats. All descend on the harbour at Isolo di Lipari and they produce a terrible wash so that the boats on the marina are bouncing everywhere. The pleasant mooring staff assured us it was only for part of the day and not at night. I wish that had been the case.

                                                                    Isola di Lipari

We walked into the town which was bustling with the shops open till 10 at night. There were parts which were very pretty and interesting including the Cathedral which was being renovated.

There were lots of little alleyways with restaurants or houses were you could shake hands from opposite balconies across the alleyway or have a good chat.

The main street was pedestrian at night and the usual promenade took place but times have changed. Previously the family would walk up the high street with the sons and daughters accompanying the parents, now it is groups of girls all dressed up having fun. The boys likewise but in their own groups. 

 

A party having dinner on the pavement by the sea

                                                              

                                                            Freet Food

Sorry to say it was a great relief to leave the marina as the wash from the ferries made it a very uncomfortable stay.