Sailboat in the bay of the Valle Muria, Lipari island, Sicily, Italy, Europe

Getty Images/Imagebroker RF

Spiaggia Valle Muria

Top choice in Lipari


Lapped by clean waters and surrounded by sheer cliffs, this dark, pebbly beach on Lipari's southwestern shore is a dramatically beautiful swimming and sunbathing spot. From the signposted turnoff, 3km west of Lipari town towards Pianoconte, it's a steep 25-minute downhill walk; come prepared with water and sunscreen. In good weather, Lipari resident Barni sells refreshments from his rustic cave-like beach bar, and provides memorably scenic boat transfers to and from Lipari's Marina Corta (€5/10 one-way/return).

The turn-off is easily reached by car, scooter or local bus from Lipari Town. The path down to the beach starts as a paved road, but eventually narrows to a dirt trail, passing through a rugged landscape of long grass, flowers and cacti. Slogging back up the hill is a real workout, so it's preferable to arrange return boat transit with Barni beforehand. Navigating through the faraglione (rock towers) of Lipari's western shore at sunset, with Vulcano's crater smoking on the horizon, is an unforgettable experience, and the perfect way to return home after a long day on the beach.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Lipari attractions

1. Quattrocchi

0.29 MILES

Lipari's best coastal views are from a celebrated viewpoint known as Quattrocchi (Four Eyes), 3km west of town. Follow the road for Pianoconte and look on…

2. Town Centre

1.2 MILES

One of Lipari Town's great pleasures is simply wandering its streets, lapping up the laid-back island atmosphere. Lipari's liveliest street is Corso…

3. L'Osservatorio

1.28 MILES

Down near Lipari's southwesternmost tip, this high perch commands unparalleled views south to Vulcano (backed by Mt Etna on a clear day), and west into a…

6. Parco Archeologico

1.34 MILES

In the sunken area opposite Lipari's cathedral, you can see the remains of a series of circular huts, the oldest of which date to the 17th century BC…

8. Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano

1.35 MILES

A must-see for Mediterranean history buffs, Lipari's archaeological museum has one of Europe's finest collections of ancient finds. Especially worthwhile…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "italy/sicily/lipari/attractions/spiaggia-valle-muria/a/poi-sig/1206364/359995",
      "destination": "Lipari",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Italy",
      "region": "Lipari",
      "position": "superzone"
    }