Lipari has the largest city center of the archipelago and one of the most secure ports at Pignataro. The island also has numerous mechanics and is the right place to go if you are having problems or if bad weather is forecast. The city has a large supermarket (a bit of a walk from the anchorage) and numerous stores, bars, discos, souvenier shops, etc.
The main anchorage is just offshore the city center at either Marina Corta or Marina Lunga. Marina Lunga has a large and secure port called Pignataro, and in the summer numerous floating wharfs are reconstructed that offer water and electricity, yet are very exposed to back wash.
Other great anchorages are at the southern end of the island at Vinci with a great view of Vulcano, on the western coast of the island at Vallemura offshore a beach of pebbles, on the northeastern coast offshore of Porticello in crystal clear turquoise waters, or offshore of the small tourist town of Canneto.
The driver/guide was great, and took us around the perimeter of the island stopping at the obsidian and pumice mines for which the island is famous.
We could actually see Stromboli erupting and were amazed to see Mount Etna on the main island clearly in the afternoon sun.
The tour guide advised us correctly that visibility is best late in the day before sunset.
Howard and Jayne [Just Imagine] 27-May-2006
Keep in mind that the high season here in Sicily is in August. The mid season in July, and everything else is considered low season. Plan accordingly, because prices vary drastically between the seasons.
The Marina Lunga is open to a lot of backwash. In rough weather head to the protected marina located at the north of this bay called Porto Pignataro.