Lipari is a fantastic base for exploring the Aeolian archipelago, thanks to its central location, vibrant streets, and easy access to nearby islands. But what really sets Lipari apart for travelers are the diverse boat tours that reveal the islands’ volcanic drama, charming villages, and stunning coastlines. Whether you want to see Stromboli’s fiery eruptions, relax on black sand beaches, or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, Lipari offers options for every interest. We especially love the Milazzo: 4 Islands & Stromboli’s Sciara del Fuoco Boat Tour for its comprehensive day combining island sightseeing with the chance to witness Stromboli’s volcanic activity after dark.
If you’re planning your trip, this guide covers the top tours, helping you find the right fit—whether you’re after a quick day trip, a small-group experience, or an island-hopping adventure. All tours offer a chance to see the archipelago’s natural beauty and volcanic energy from the water, which is simply unforgettable.
1. Milazzo: 4 Islands & Stromboli’s Sciara del Fuoco Boat Tour
At number 1 on our list, this full-day tour from Milazzo packs in Lipari, Vulcano, Panarea, and Stromboli with a highlight on Stromboli’s eruptive Sciara del Fuoco. Starting from Sicily, this 13-hour trip includes roughly three hours of free time on Lipari and Vulcano plus scenic cruises around the other islands. What makes this tour stand out is the chance to see Stromboli’s volcanic activity at sunset—a photographer’s dream—and to relax on Vulcano’s black beach.
The itinerary offers a well-paced mix of sightseeing, swimming, and exploring the islands’ charming centers. The 70-minute cruise section, combined with stops for photos and walks, ensures you get plenty of memorable moments. The highlight for many is watching the Sciara del Fuoco after dark, when Stromboli’s eruptions illuminate the night sky. This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free experience that covers the archipelago’s most famous sights with a knowledgeable crew.
Bottom line: A great choice for those wanting an all-in-one adventure with sunset eruptions, island beaches, and free time to explore Lipari and Vulcano.
2. From Lipari: Boat Tour to Salina with Stops
Number 2 on our list offers a more relaxed, 7-hour water excursion to Salina, one of the more serene islands of the archipelago. The tour departs from Lipari and takes you through scenic water routes, making stops in Santa Marina Salina and Lingua, two of the island’s most picturesque towns. This tour emphasizes independent exploration, giving you free time at each stop to walk the quiet streets, taste local specialties, or just enjoy the views.
What makes this trip appealing is the balance of guided boat travel and solo discovery, plus the chance to see scenic coasts and bays that are best appreciated from the water. It’s ideal for travelers who want a laid-back day with plenty of opportunities to soak in the atmosphere of Salina and Lipari without the rush. Reviews note the stunning scenery and the smooth boat transfers, making it a popular choice for a peaceful island day.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who prefer a leisurely, small-group experience with flexible, independent exploration of Salina’s charming villages.
3. Vulcano, Panarea e Stromboli full day tour from Lipari
Number 3 takes you on a full-day voyage to explore three of the archipelago’s most incredible islands: Vulcano, Panarea, and Stromboli. This tour is especially suited for those who want to experience both active volcanoes and the laid-back beauty of Panarea. Starting from Lipari, you’ll enjoy sightseeing on Vulcano, famous for its mud baths and black sand beaches, then move on to Panarea’s charming streets, and finally visit Stromboli to witness its eruptive volcano.
This trip offers a chance to see volcanic activity up close, enjoy swimming in natural pools, and snap photos of stunning volcanic landscapes. With 12 hours of activity packed into one day, it’s best suited for adventurous travelers who don’t mind a long day on the water. The reviews highlight the trip’s “fabulous” nature and the opportunity to see two active volcanoes in one tour.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers eager to see volcanic action, enjoy island walks, and experience the diversity of the archipelago in one day.
4. Alicudi e Filicudi tour from Lipari
Number 4 is all about discovering the most wild and untouched islands of the archipelago—Alicudi and Filicudi. This 8-hour cruise offers an intimate look at two of the quieter islands, perfect for nature lovers. You’ll visit Alicudi’s old track and traditional villages, then explore Filicudi’s prehistoric village and swim in some of the clearest waters around.
What makes this tour special is its focus on wild landscapes and authentic island life, away from the more touristy spots. The guides are local skippers with a deep knowledge of each island’s history and geology. Reviewers love the feeling of exploring the “most wild” parts of the archipelago and the high-quality service onboard.
Bottom line: Best for travelers wanting a peaceful escape with hiking, swimming, and genuine local flavor in a small-group setting.
5. Da Lipari: Tour in Barca Salina e Lipari (7h) PICCOLO GRUPPO
Number 5 is a small-group boat tour focusing on Lipari and Salina, lasting 7 hours. This trip emphasizes a personalized experience with limited participants, allowing for a flexible and relaxed day. It includes stops in Salina’s Santa Marina and the charming village of Lingua, giving you time to walk, swim, or enjoy local food at your own pace.
The appeal lies in the intimate atmosphere—guaranteed to be less crowded than larger tours—and the opportunity to enjoy snorkeling and scenic views. The rave review mentions it as a “fantastic experience,” emphasizing the unforgettable nature of the trip and the attentive service.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who prefer smaller groups, personalized attention, and a more relaxed pace.
6. Da Lipari: Tour in Barca Panarea & Stromboli PICCOLO GRUPPO
Number 6 offers an 11-hour trip to Panarea and Stromboli with a small, intimate boat. This tour focuses on swimming, relaxing, and witnessing Stromboli’s eruptions. Included are fresh fruit, water, and biscuits with Malvasia, adding a special touch to your day at sea.
This experience stands out due to its small group size and the chance to see Stromboli’s eruptions from the sea. Reviewers describe it as “a must,” with the boat’s cozy size making it feel like a private trip. It suits travelers who want a relaxed, personalized experience with the chance to see active volcanic eruptions up close.
Bottom line: Excellent for those seeking an up-close volcano experience in a small-group setting.
7. Da Taormina – Tour di Panarea & Stromboli
Number 7 departs from Taormina and offers a full-day visit to Panarea and Stromboli, with a focus on luxury and exclusive sights. Traveling by bus and boat, you’ll visit the “VIP island” of Panarea and witness Stromboli’s eruptions, including the famous La Sciara del Fuoco.
The itinerary includes multiple stops, and the combination of land and sea provides a well-rounded view of the islands. This tour is suited for those who want to combine sightseeing with a touch of elegance, though reviews are modest about the overall experience.
Bottom line: Best for travelers based in Taormina who want a comprehensive day trip with an upscale touch.
8. Da Taormina: Tour di Lipari & Vulcano
Number 8 is a 12-hour trip from Taormina focusing on Lipari and Vulcano. It includes visits to Lipari’s historical sites and Vulcano’s mud baths and black sand beaches. This tour offers a blend of cultural and natural experiences with some free time to explore on your own.
While reviews are mixed, the highlights include volcanic activity and relaxing baths, especially appealing for those who want a good mix of sightseeing and leisure. It’s a longer tour suited for those based in Taormina who want to cover two islands in one day.
Bottom line: Good for travelers interested in volcanoes, local culture, and relaxing in Vulcano’s thermal waters.
9. From Lipari: Alicudi & Filicudi boat tour (8 hours) SMALL GROUP
Number 9 features an 8.5-hour small-group tour to Alicudi and Filicudi, emphasizing high-quality service and local knowledge. This trip is for those who want to explore the wild, less-visited islands with experienced skippers guiding the way.
Guests rave about the crystal waters and the peaceful landscapes, making it ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and authentic island life. The focus on comfort and experience makes it stand out in terms of value for money.
Bottom line: Perfect for those who want a small, intimate, and authentic exploration of the islands’ untouched beauty.
10. Panarea+Stromboli: boat excursion and snorkeling, departure from Lipari
Number 10 offers an 11-hour boat adventure focused on snorkeling and scenic sailing around Panarea and Stromboli. This trip is designed for water lovers, with opportunities to disembark and explore on your own, plus swim through clear waters.
Highlights include an impressive sunset over Stromboli and views of pumice quarries and villages from the sea. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy active water experiences and want to capture the scenery from the water.
Bottom line: Best for snorkelers and those wanting a mix of relaxation, exploration, and spectacular views.
11. Tour of southern Lipari and Vulcano
Number 11 is a 6-hour tour emphasizing swimming, snorkeling, and volcanic activity on Vulcano. The guide, Christian, is praised for his detailed stories about the coves and caves, making this trip especially engaging.
Ideal for travelers who want a more active day with plenty of swimming stops and the chance to visit Vulcano’s famous mud baths and black sand beaches. The review highlights the value of water and seasonal fruit onboard—small touches that enhance the experience.
Bottom line: Great for active travelers who want to see Vulcano’s volcanic features and enjoy multiple swimming stops.
12. Tour to Vulcano: boat excursion and snorkeling, departure from Lipari
Number 12 offers an 8-hour trip focusing on snorkeling in Vulcano’s waters and exploring the island’s volcanoes. The tour is praised for its small group size, allowing for flexibility and personalized experiences. Many reviews mention the relaxing nature of the cruise and the beautiful snorkeling spots.
If you’re looking for a combination of volcano views and underwater discovery, this tour hits the right notes. The option to hire the boat privately adds extra flexibility.
Bottom line: Excellent for snorkelers and travelers wanting a more intimate, relaxed day exploring Vulcano’s volcanic coastline.
13. Vulcano, Lipari, Panarea, and Stromboli (Max 5P)
Number 13 is a speedboat adventure limited to a maximum of 5 people, providing an exclusive, fast-paced way to see all four main islands. This brief, one-day trip offers scenic views, swimming, and a chance to photograph Stromboli’s eruptive landscape.
Ideal for travelers who want an intimate, rapid exploration with a focus on capturing stunning images and experiencing the islands’ highlights in a condensed timeframe. The reviews indicate a personalized experience in a small-group setting.
Bottom line: Perfect for photo enthusiasts and those short on time but seeking an exclusive, high-energy island tour.
How to Choose the Best Tour for You
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, available time, and interests. For a comprehensive, sunset-volcano experience, the Milazzo: 4 Islands & Stromboli is hard to beat. If you prefer more relaxed, smaller-group trips, then the Salina boat tour or the Alicudi & Filicudi small group are excellent choices.
For those wanting active water experiences with snorkeling, tours like Panarea + Stromboli or Vulcano snorkeling fit the bill.
Timing matters too: longer tours suit travelers with full days, while shorter trips or those emphasizing personalized attention cater to travelers with limited time or a preference for intimacy.
Final Thoughts
Lipari offers a fantastic range of boat tours that showcase the volcanic beauty, charming villages, and stunning coastlines of the Aeolian Islands. Whether you want a full-day volcanic spectacle, a small-group exploration of wild islands, or a snorkeling adventure, you’ll find options that suit your style.
We recommend booking early, especially in the busy summer months, and choosing a tour that matches your interests—adventure, relaxation, or cultural discovery. With so many memorable ways to see this volcanic archipelago, your perfect Lipari trip is just a booking away.