Panarea Location Guide

Looking beyond Panarea's reputation as an elite destination for the VIPs who visit during the summer months, a more accurate description is that of 'Pearl of the Aeolian Islands' because of the island's natural beauty and traces of the ancient civilisations who lived there.

The small white houses with their low walls and courtyards characterise the landscape and the quiet calm takes the visitor a million miles away from city centre living. The warm waters, the small islands that surround it and the sea teeming with life ensures that as soon as visitors leave, they are already making plans to come back.

Things to See and Do
Swim from Zimmari Cove
Take an excursion around the small islands off the coast
See the 'Lovers Cave' at Lisca Bianca
Visit the Milazzese Cape and see the prehistoric village
See the volcanic 'fumarole' at Calcara beach
Go diving to see the shipwrecks around Lisca Bianca
Eat the local seafood
See the turquoise waters around the Bay of Cala Junco
Visit Borgata di San Pietro and its Church
Dive in the water around Formiche Island

Events in Panarea
June - The Festival of St Peter
This festival is in honour St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen and of Panarea. The celebrations which every year attract a large number of visitors take place over two days and pay homage to the sea and the religious faiths of the islanders. The first day centres around boat races, with the famous sea procession on the second day. The statue of St Peter is taken from the church of St. Peter and is then carried around the coast of the island by a procession of boats. Of course both days are accompanied by lots of music and eating.
July - The Jazz Festival
Panarea has recently launched an annual music festival called 'Jazz and Much More' with high profile international guests.

Local Food and Drink
Spaghetti with Sword Fish Head Sauce
Panarea's recipes are based around seafood, and this delicious local dish is made from a traditional fisherman's recipe and uses the head of a swordfish cooked with tomatoes and spices.
Malvasia
A sweet dessert wine, Malvasia is scented with ripe fruit and honey. Try it with 'spicchiteddi', sweet local biscuits.

Spotlight on The 'Fumarole' of Calcara Beach
Some people say that this natural phenomenon is like seeing a volcano breathing. In reality it is bubbling water created by 'fumeroles', or the escape of volcanic gases from under the ground. The locals like to think of it as underground system that both warms and watches over the island. Calcara Beach, at the extreme north of Panarea, is in a basin which at one time came from prehistoric volcanic activity. Do not miss seeing the brightly coloured hot soil from which the bubbles of the 'fumarole' emerge. From the area above the beach, if you decide to stay until the evening, you can watch the intermittent eruptions of the active volcano on the Island of Stromboli in the distance.

How to get there
Panarea is the smallest Island of the Aeolian Archipelago. Between Lipari and Stromboli, it is well connected to local ports.
By air: The nearest airports are Reggio Calabria, Catania and Palermo. All are well served by major airlines including Alitalia, as well as some budget routes especially in summer including Easyjet, Windjet, and Ryanair. Upon arrival, there are buses to connecting ports where you can continue your journey by boat or helicopter.
By car: Between June and October cars are forbidden on Panarea. You can enjoy the experience of travelling around the island on one of the many 'Ape' taxis (the three wheeled Vespa vans) but agree a price before getting on board.
By boat: You can catch boats to Panarea from Naples, Messina, Milazzo, Palermo, Capo D'Orlando and Reggio in Calabria. The main operators are Siremar, Ustica Lines, Alilauro and NGI.
Other: Panarea can be reached by helicopter (Icarus and Air Panarea). You can also catch a sea plane (Acqua Airlines) from Reggio Calabria, Catania or Palermo to Lipari, which is about an hour by connecting boat from Panarea.