Lipari is a standout spot in Sicily for boat tours and cruises. Its location in the Aeolian Islands means you’re surrounded by stunning scenery, active volcanoes, and charming villages—all best experienced from the water. Whether you’re after a quick island hop, a full-day adventure, or a special evening cruise, Lipari offers a variety of options that cater to different interests and timeframes. One of our favorites is the From Lipari: Panarea and Stromboli Cruise with Stops, which combines close-up views of Stromboli’s fiery eruptions with leisurely exploration of the tiny, sophisticated island of Panarea. This trip captures the essence of the Aeolian archipelago: dramatic landscapes, small villages, and a chance to see an active volcano in action.
If you have a full day to spare, a Lipari: Vulcano, Panarea, and Stromboli Cruise offers a longer, more comprehensive experience, including stops at two active volcanoes and the chance to witness Stromboli’s eruptions from the sea. For quieter evenings, the Tropea: Lipari, Panarea, and Stromboli Boat Tour by Night offers a relaxed, scenic cruise with time to explore the islands’ main attractions. Meanwhile, those interested in exploring more remote and wild islands can consider the Filicudi and Alicudi boat tour from Lipari, which takes you to some of the least developed and most untouched spots in the archipelago.
Below, you’ll find a detailed overview of these six top boat experiences, each with its own flavor and appeal, helping you decide which suits your pace, interests, and budget.
1. From Lipari: Panarea and Stromboli Cruise with Stops
Starting at Lipari’s S. Giuseppe, this 8-hour afternoon and evening cruise takes you to two of the most iconic Aeolian Islands. The tour begins with a scenic water transfer that lasts about an hour before reaching Panarea, a tiny island famous for its chic atmosphere and relaxed vibe. You’ll have around 1.5 hours to explore winding streets, small shops, and cafes—perfect for soaking in authentic island life. Afterward, another boat ride takes you to Stromboli, where you’ll disembark to see the famous volcano’s active eruptions, which are visible from the sea. The return trip offers a chance to cruise under the night sky, with stunning views of the Mediterranean.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of exploration and scenery. The itinerary’s highlights include visiting two islands, experiencing stunning landscapes, and witnessing Stromboli’s eruptions, which are a spectacle of nature. The tour’s length makes it suitable for those with a full day available, and reviews praise it for its unforgettable views and relaxed pace. One guest noted, “Cruising under the stars and seeing Stromboli’s eruptions was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Bottom Line: Perfect if you want a taste of both Panarea’s elegance and Stromboli’s fiery volcano in just one day.
2. Lipari: Vulcano, Panarea, and Stromboli Cruise
For a full-day adventure, this 11-hour cruise takes you to three major islands: Vulcano, Panarea, and Stromboli. Departing from Lipari, the boat glides across the water at a brisk pace—so bring your sunhat and sunglasses. Once at Vulcano, you’ll have approximately 2.5 hours to enjoy the island, including the chance to see the crater of Vulcano and, if you’re feeling adventurous, climb to the top of the volcano. The trip then continues to Panarea, where you can relax, swim, and explore the quaint streets.
The highlight of this tour is stopping at Sciara del Fuoco, where you can witness Stromboli’s frequent eruptions from the sea—a spectacular, fiery display. The boat ride itself offers impressive scenery, with opportunities to spot dolphins and enjoy the sun. The reviews mention that the trip is long but packed with unique moments like witnessing the volcanic activity from close range. One traveler shared, “Seeing Stromboli erupt from the sea was breathtaking, though the wind on deck could be chilly!”
Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a comprehensive volcanic experience and don’t mind a full day on the water.
3. Tropea: Lipari, Panarea, and Stromboli Boat Tour by Night
This 11.5-hour night cruise from Tropea offers a more relaxed, atmospheric way to explore the Aeolian Islands. Departing in the evening, the boat first visits Lipari, where you can stroll through the streets, visit the Basilica of San Bartolomeo, and take photos in the quiet evening light. Afterward, the cruise continues to Panarea and Stromboli, giving you a chance to see the islands under a different light—literally.
One of the unique features of this cruise is the opportunity to see Stromboli’s erupting volcano at night, which is especially dramatic against the dark sky. The itinerary also includes stops at the hot spots, with time for swimming, sightseeing, and shopping. Travelers mention that while the weather can be cool on deck, the peaceful nighttime atmosphere makes this a memorable experience. One review notes, “Watching Stromboli’s eruptions in the dark was an incredible sight, and walking the quiet streets of Lipari afterwards was a perfect finish.”
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who prefer evening adventures and want a more relaxed, less crowded experience.
4. From Lipari: Boat Tour to Salina with Stops
If you’re looking for a shorter, more leisurely trip, this 7-hour boat tour focuses on exploring Salina and Lipari. Starting from Lipari’s S. Giuseppe, you’ll spend about 2.5 hours crossing to Salina, stopping at Santa Marina Salina and Lingua. These stops allow for independent exploration of quaint villages known for their scenic views and local charm. The tour then continues to some smaller islands like Alicudi and Filicudi, but the main draw is the authentic small-town atmosphere of Salina.
During the trip, you’ll enjoy the coastal scenery, with plenty of time to take photos of the bays and coastline. This tour offers a more laid-back pace, making it excellent for travelers who prefer to explore at their own pace rather than rushing from site to site. The reviews mention that it’s an ideal way to see Lipari and Salina without the crowds. One guest said, “The stops allowed us to wander and absorb the local vibe, which was perfect for a relaxed day.”
Bottom Line: Best suited for visitors who want a taste of the smaller islands with plenty of free time.
5. Lipari: Boat Tour of Vulcano Island with Disembarkation Stop
This 7-hour trip offers a quick yet comprehensive view of Vulcano from the water, with the opportunity to disembark and explore on foot. Departing from Lipari, the boat cruises around Vulcano and the Vulcanello Peninsula, giving you great views of the volcanic landscape. The best part? You can then get off the boat, walk around the port, and even climb to the crater if you’re up for it.
While the tour is budget-friendly at just $31 per person, it still provides a memorable experience—especially if you want a mix of sightseeing and free exploration. The reviews note that the trip is perfect for a half-day, with plenty of time to relax on the beaches or hike. One traveler said, “Climbing Vulcano’s crater was a highlight, and the boat ride showed off the volcanic features beautifully.”
Bottom Line: Great for budget-conscious travelers who want a combination of boat views and a short hike.
6. Filicudi and Alicudi boat tour from Lipari
For the most remote and wild experience, this 8-hour tour takes you to the islands of Alicudi and Filicudi, known as the least developed and most uncontaminated in the archipelago. These islands are perfect for those seeking untouched landscapes and quiet beaches. The tour highlights include admiring the promontory of Capo Graziano and exploring the unspoiled coastlines.
Reviews are limited but enthusiastic, with one saying, “Very nice excursion. You can’t visit the islands properly, but given the time available it would be impossible. Must do.” It’s a good pick for travelers craving a sense of adventure and solitude, away from the busier islands. The visit includes admiring the wild sea environment and getting a glimpse of what the islands looked like before tourism arrived.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want to experience untouched nature and don’t mind limited time on each island.
How to Choose Your Perfect Lipari Boat Tour
When selecting a boat tour, consider your time availability, budget, and interests. If you want a quick but scenic overview, the Panarea and Stromboli Cruise offers a balanced mix. For a longer, more volcanic adventure, the Vulcano, Panarea, and Stromboli Cruise is ideal. Prefer a peaceful, evening experience? The Boat Tour by Night from Tropea provides a relaxed, atmospheric alternative. Curious about the wildest, most untouched islands? The Filicudi and Alicudi tour might be your best fit.
Think about practical details: the Salina trip is shorter and slower-paced, while the Vulcano trip combines sightseeing with the chance to climb a volcano. Booking early is advisable, especially for full-day or popular evening cruises.
Final Thoughts
Lipari’s boat tours cover everything from quick island hops to full-day volcanic adventures. For those after the spectacle of Stromboli’s eruptions, the longer cruises like the Vulcano, Panarea, and Stromboli tour stand out. If you prefer a more relaxed, evening experience, the night cruise from Tropea is ideal. Budget travelers will appreciate the Vulcano boat trip, which offers a taste of Vulcano’s volcanic landscape at a low price.
No matter which you choose, booking in advance will help secure your spot on these popular excursions. Each offers a different way to experience the stunning scenery, volcanic activity, and small villages that make Lipari and the Aeolian Islands so special. Now, all that’s left is to pick your favorite and start counting down to a memorable day on the water.
