Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PANAREA
POP 240
Exclusive and expensive, Panarea is the smallest and most fashionable of the Aeolians, at-
tracting the international jet-setters and Milanese fashionistas for a taste of
dolce far niente
(sweet nothing). In summer luxury yachts fill the tiny harbour and flocks of day trippers
traipse around the car-free whitewashed streets of San Pietro, the port and principal settle-
ment. Panarea is a strictly summer-only destination with very little going on outside the
tourist season - in fact, arrive between November and Easter and you'll find most places
closed.
Sights & Activities
Panarea offers a nice mix of activities, both on the mainland and offshore. Its largely
traffic-free streets and small network of trails make it an appealing walking destination in
spring and autumn. All the sights following are within easy striking distance of San Pietro.
North of town lie the tiny community of Ditella and the rocky beach at Spiaggia Fumarola.
South is the village of Drautto, followed by sandy Spiaggetta Zimmari, the prehistoric vil-
lage and the crystal-clear waters of Cala Junco.
Offshore Islands
Five islets off Panarea's eastern shore can be toured by boat. Nearest to Panarea is
Dattilo
,
which has a pretty little beach called Le Guglie. The isle of
Lisca Bianca
also offers good
swimming on a small white beach. North of Dattilo,
Basiluzzo
is the largest of the five islets,
given over to the cultivation of capers.
The remaining islands are
Lisca Nera
and
Bottaro
, the latter actually nothing more than a
protruding rock. On the seabed beneath the narrow channel between Lisca Bianca and Bot-
taro lies the
wreck
of a 19th-century English ship. Divers can hire scuba equipment and or-
To reach the islands, you'll need to hire a boat - ask at the seafront kiosks at San Pietro
or try
Nautilus
( 333 4233161;
www.panarea.com/nautilus
;
Via Drautto)
at Drautto, south of San Pietro;
prices range from €50 to €70 per day.
ISLAND
Cala Junco
BEACH
