Lipari — Marina Lunga / South Bay
Marina Lunga Lipari · Porto di Lipari · Lipari main anchorage
38°28.2'N 14°57.6'E
Depth
4–8m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good holding
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m in 4–6m at Marina Lunga. The pumice bottom requires firm setting — back down hard to dig in. In Maestrale (NW), consider moving to Vulcano Porto di Levante (8nm S) for better shelter. The hydrofoil wash from departing ferries can cause sudden jerking on the hook — monitor anchor alarm closely in ferry operating hours (06:00–22:00).
About This Anchorage
Lipari is the largest and most-visited of the Aeolian Islands, with a spectacular Norman castle-crowned citadel rising above the two natural harbours. The island is largely composed of obsidian and pumice — both internationally traded in antiquity. The marina at Pignataro accommodates up to 80 yachts and is the main base for Aeolian chartering. The town centre has full facilities, a fascinating archaeological museum (Museo Eoliano, one of the finest in the Mediterranean), and excellent restaurants. Lipari is the hub for island-hopping and the best base for provisioning. The volcanic pumice gives the anchorage bottom its characteristic light colour and slightly different holding character compared to typical Mediterranean sand.
Protected From
E · SE · S
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free to anchor. Marina Pignataro: commercial berths ~€40–€90/night for 12m yacht in peak season.
- Maximum stay
- 5 days
- Permit required
- No
- Permit details
- No AMP permit required for Lipari. Standard Italian maritime rules. Check with Capitaneria di Porto Lipari (Ch 16) for any current local restrictions.
Restrictions: No anchoring on Posidonia. No dumping of waste. Ferry and hydrofoil traffic priority at harbour entrance. Speed limit 5 kn in harbour area.
Hazards
- !Maestrale/NW exposure: The main anchorage at Marina Lunga is exposed to NW — Maestrale above F4 makes the anchorage uncomfortable; move to Portinente (W coast, N-protected) or Vulcano
- !Ferry wake: The high-speed hydrofoils from Milazzo and between islands create significant wash — anchor alarm may trigger even without wind dragging
- !Pumice bottom: Holding is not as reliable as pure sand — always back down hard at 1,500 rpm for 30 seconds to confirm setting
- !Summertime harbour congestion: July–August the marina is crowded with charter boats and superyachts; approach slowly and hail the marineros on Ch 16
Skipper's Tips
- →The Museo Eoliano in the castle complex is genuinely world-class — allow 3 hours; the prehistoric and Greek collection is outstanding
- →For better shelter from Maestrale, anchor in Portinente (NW bay, N of the lighthouse) — protected from W but exposed to N; depth 5–10m on sand
- →Local malvasia wine (passito) is produced on Salina primarily — buy a bottle from any shop for a taste of the islands
- →Lipari town's water supply is limited in summer — fill tanks early in the day; the water point at the marina can have queues after 16:00
Facilities
Excellent range of restaurants in Lipari town — try the local malvasia wine and fresh swordfish. Several trattorie near the castle.
Nearest provisions: Lipari town centre (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, June, September, October
Best May–June and September–October. July–August: very busy, all anchorages crowded, water rationed, afternoon wind reliable F4–5. The October sailing season is increasingly popular for Aeolian islands — most facilities still open, reduced crowds.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In the Aeolian Islands, volcanic rock bottoms and sudden channel winds make anchor drag a real overnight risk. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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