The Island

Live

Our Island

Panarea, the small island between the seven (sisters), a chain of volcanic islands north of Sicily. It is a fraction of the town of Lipari. Currently there are about 280 residents living on the island all the year, but the population increases considerably in summer with the influx of tourists. In recent years, the island has become internationally renowned for its famous visitors.
The island is an inactive volcano, with a total area of only 3.4 sq km (1.3 sq mi). The highest point of the island, Punta del Corvo, is 421 m (1,381 ft) above the sea level. There are thermal water near the village of Punta di Peppe and Maria. Diving is a popular excursion on this small island, and you can also swim near a wreck between the rocks of Lisca Bianca and Bottaro.
In the antiquity, the island was named “Euonymus”. The near Basiluzzo island, administered by Panarea, was named “Hycesia”. There are archaeological evidence on the island dating to the Mycenaean inhabitants (~ 1200 BC), and the island was also ruled by the Romans.
In modern times, Panarea has become a fashionable vacation spot. In 2011, it was described by magazine W as “the epicenter of the most chic summer scene in the Mediterranean.”
Panarea and the entire Aeolian Islands have been declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 2000. Most residences admit only temporary occupation, and the few homes available throughout the year are very expensive and difficult to obtain.

La festa di S.Pietro a Panarea

The feast of St.Pietro in Panarea is the 28th and 29th of June and is the traditional feast of St. Peter, patron of Panarea and the fishermen, where folklore, music and sea flavors mingle. The 28th day is usually devoted to rowing-boat competitions; the next day, between white-painted houses, a solemn procession accompanies the statue of the saint from the church of St. Peter along the streets of Panarea. From the harbor, the celebration continues in the sea along the coast. In the evening, charming dancing and singing in the square and glittering fireworks end the two Panarellian days.

This post is also available in: Italian