The best thing about this house is it’s truly remarkable position in one of the most remote parts of wonderful Lipari. The view of Panarea and Stromboli is a huge privilege to live with for a few days. The garden is also rather charming.
But here are a few things we wish we’d known about and may help future guests make the most of their stay:
1. You need a car, especially as there are no supplies, even basic ones, in the house. You have to bring everything!
2. We had already read about the track and how far it was from the house to where you park. What we hadn’t realised is how very steep and uneven it is. Normal rolling suitcases will need to be carried! But the real issue is there is zero lightning if you arrive after dark. Nor does the host provide any help with either carrying things or a torch etc. Plus, due to the lack of supplies, you will need to do a big supermarket shop and lug everything down. It’s all possible but best you are prepared.. 😅
3. If you read the description and reviews carefully you will have realised the layout is a bit unusual with one double bedroom upstairs and then two small ‘apartments’ in a separate section on a lower level. If this suits you then it should be no problem but just be aware that a) the upstairs bedroom is adjoining the kitchen and so gets cooking smells etc and b) the downstairs sleeping areas have no view or much light as they are right at the back.
4. The inside living room is small and basic. No problem at all if the weather is good as the outside spaces are wonderful and spacious, plus have the amazing view. But again we wished we’d known.
5. The kitchen is fine and everything works. But the equipment is basic and most has seen better days. Again all ok but don’t expect a microwave, an electric kettle, etc. there’s only one kitchen knife for example and one small Moka coffee machine.
6. Don’t expect spare towels, bedding or anything like that.
7. Certainly no welcome bottle, snacks etc! Not an issue for us but indicative maybe of a bit of lack of care or empathy for guests.
8. We did a big supermarket shop in Milazzo before getting on the ferry but actually the one in Lipari town is fine. The ready cooked section is excellent - useful as the house’s kitchen isn’t up to too much cooking! Sunday many things shut.
9. We went to a different island each day. Volcano& Stromboli especially interesting.
10. It’s easy to buy hydrofoil tickets by the port - suggest you get them all in one go as queuing and process can take a while.
11. If you bringing your own hire car from the mainland you’ll have to take the Siremar ferry. It takes two hours.
12. The neighbours have a cockerel which starts at around 4.30am. Earplugs will help.
Please do NOT be put off by all this. The location is magical and Lipari is a great base to explore the islands. But Caveat Emptor!