A real island holiday, on the sea, next to beach, a great value for money package. Michael loves Rocce Azzurre's stunning location, the personal touches and the jolly Adriano - it's so relaxing.
This family-owned hotel is just a few minutes' walk from the centre of Lipari. Down a quiet, typical, narrow street, Rocce Azzurre teeters on the water's edge, in one of the best spots for a hotel, with magnificent, uninterrupted sea views. Its private bathing area, built around the rocks, has ladders into the crystal clear sea. The small, pebbly Portinenti Beach, right next door, is lovely.
Rocce Azzurre's large lounge, with decked terrace, overlooking the sea, is perfect for relaxing, and there is sometimes a piano-bar. In summer, dinner (and lunch) is usually served on the terraces - very romantic, with candle-lit tables, under moonlight, with the sound of waves on the shore. The cuisine is simply presented, wholesome and very good, often with a choice of fresh fish, delicious, seasonal vegetables and home-made pasta. The jolly owner, Adriano, has been known to burst into traditional, Sicilian song, after dinner, with his acoustic guitar!
Bedrooms in the Hotel Rocce Azzurre are comfortable, light and elegant, and Sicilian tiles add a splash of colour. Most have balcony and sea-view; others look over rooftops, towards hills. The delightful suites are perfect for honeymoons or special occasions.
Clients love Rocce Azzurre's warm welcome and friendly atmosphere, as well as the experience of 'island-hopping' offered by the hotel - great boat trips and excursions (weather permitting), around Lipari and the other islands.
SO HOW DO YOU GET THERE?
Lipari is not as far flung as you might imagine and our clients have always been amazed at the seamless travel arrangements we make for them. Rocce Azzurre's really excellent value package price includes all transfer arrangements and costs to/from Catania Airport and Milazzo, so you can just sit back and enjoy the journey. Catania Airport is only about an hour and three quarters from Milazzo, which is where the frequent ferries and hydrofoils depart for Lipari.
For independent travellers, Lipari makes a great extra dimension to add to any Sicily itinerary. We can also arrange private taxis to Milazzo to/from Catania Airport or Taormina and these are not exorbitantly priced. Clients with car hire can park their cars at private secure car parks in Milazzo. (See price box for all transfer details, costs, etc.)
The Hotel Rocce Azzurre is within easy walking distance of the town (although on arrival, it is advisable to have a taxi or the hotel's minibus for luggage etc.).
LIPARI & THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS
North of Sicily, the Aeolians are astonishingly beautiful, hugely varied and undeveloped. Dominated by volcanic mountains, rising steeply from the sea, their rich soil encourages a profusion of flowers, shrubs and greenery. Vulcano has sulphurous mud baths, which warm the sea. Lipari, the main port, is thriving and pretty. Fertile Salina teems with flowers. Scenic Panarea is the smallest. Stromboli, with its constantly active volcano, bursts with colour. Alicudi and Filicudi are the most distant.
Island-hop from Lipari, the best base for exploring, with frequent hydrofoils, ferries and charters to the islands and Sicily. Bars line the sea front. Shops and restaurants are scattered through the picturesque streets. Eating out is a feast and the seafood is superb.
Lipari has fanastatic beaches – darker sand from black volcanic rock, or almost white sand from pumice deposits. The cobalt blue sea is transparent. The summer stretches drowsily month after month and the “winter” is like eternal spring, so the sea is warm.
Be enchanted by the Aeolian Islands - sit in a boat at night, just off Stronboli, and watch red-hot lava leap into the sky and then trickle down into the sea. Visit the surreal scenes on Vulcano - folk dressed in slippers and dressing gowns, wandering across the harbour to immerse themselves in the hot mud pools. Sit in Lipari's harbour and watch the world come and go. You'll love it.
Bedrooms in the Hotel Rocce Azzurre are comfortable, light and elegant, and Sicilian tiles add a splash of colour.
All rooms have air-conditioning, hairdryer, television, telephone, minibar and safe. They have been quite recently refurbished in a simple, Mediterranean style and feel very crisp and fresh with some lovely personal touches… we love the 'ship's wheel' bedstead!
Most rooms have fabulous sea-views and balcony; others look over rooftops, towards hills. The three delightful suites have jacuzzi bath, sea-view and two balconies, and are perfect for honeymoons or special occasions.
"The hotel was excellent. Adriano and all his staff made us feel very welcome, were extremely helpful & fell over themselves to cater for our every need. " Kaye & Michael, Woodbridge
"The hotel staff were all delightful and extremely helpful at all times. " Valerie & David, Menai Bridge
"We had a thoroughly enjoyable holiday in Lipari with good service and excellent food at the hotel. " Brian, Aberdare
"Excellent hotel, totally unpretentious and had an amazing wine list. We had a lovely view from the balcony. We really enjoyed swimming off the rocks and took many outings over to the other islands. We really enjoyed our stay and would like to return. " George & Rosemary, Ramsey, Isle of Man
"Seamlessly organised by Long Travel. If you like boats and the sea (and volcanoes!) this is the perfect place. It is infinitely fascinating. I am very much looking forward to going back for my third visit… " Annie, Richmond, Surrey
