Explore Lipari
Lipari is the gateway to the Aeolian Islands, a small volcanic chain off the coast of the Italian island of Sicily. As the largest island, it is also the busiest and most accessible and the bustling little town draws in thousands of tourists each year who wish to explore more of this beautiful Mediterranean archipelago. Outside of the town, the landscape is typically rugged with towering cliff faces and vivid turquoise waters.
Scuba diving in Lipari is popular, and there are several dive centres and dive resorts available to facilitate any levels of diver. Finding somewhere to do any dive course, from beginner up to professional, will not be difficult. There are even several liveaboards which operate in these sparkling waters.
Diving highlights include beautiful dive sites with contrasting black lava and white granite, caves, dramatic drop offs and fascinating wrecks.
Top Lipari Dive Sites
1. Le Formiche
Le Formiche is a captivating reef descending to 28m, adorned with seaweed and teeming with nudibranchs, octopus, and grouper. The site offers tunnels and grottos for exploration, making it ideal for advanced scuba divers seeking adventure in vibrant underwater landscapes.
2. Punta Castagna
Punta Castagna features striking white pumice canyons reaching depths of 36m. Divers can encounter groupers, colorful sponges, coral, lobsters, octopus, and barracuda. This site is suited for both advanced scuba divers and technical diving enthusiasts due to its depth and unique formations.
3. Pietra Menalda
Ranging from 18 to 40m, Pietra Menalda is characterized by massive rocks populated by octopus, eels, and grouper. Schools of barracuda are often visible in the blue, making it a thrilling site for advanced scuba divers seeking encounters with larger marine life.
4. Secca delle Formiche
Between 10 and 30m, Secca delle Formiche offers excellent visibility, allowing divers to enjoy a relaxed and enjoyable scuba diving experience. The reef is rich with marine life, providing a perfect dive for intermediate divers in search of a leisurely exploration.
5. Cala degli Zimmari (Freediving Possible)
This site, known for its crystal-clear waters and underwater rock formations, is accessible to both scuba divers and freedivers. The area is sheltered, making it ideal for easy dives while exploring the diverse marine flora and fauna in this ecologically important zone.