Introduction
Travelling to this minute speck of an island brings travellers the feel of being in Greece more than on an Italian island. Panarea combines a wide appeal for worldwide jet-setters, unique setting of Greek-like adobe white houses. Its minute harbour is filled with moored yachts and receives hordes of tourists to Panarea who long at least to spend a day on this one-of-a-kind blend of luxury, beauty and flavour of other lands.
Most inhabitants have established their homes in Ditella, San Pietro and Drauto which lie in the east of Panarea. The three hamlets overlooking the waterfront do not look separate as the narrow roads from one fuse with the other hamlet’s. The closeness makes everyone know each other, even remember people from outside the island. San Pietro is where boats arrive and highly priced lodging is.
Panarea’s history even dates back to the 14th century. In Punta Milazzese, located to the south, are the 23 huts of the Bronze Age Village found in 1948. The pieces unearthed from Panarea have been taken to the Museo Archeologico Eoliano on Lipari. Pottery keeps traces of Minoan culture which indicates relationship between settlers from Panarea and Crete's inhabitants.
Cala Junco is also located in Punta Milazzese descending to the sun drenched beach of crystal clear greenish blue waters which is ideal for bathing and basking in the sun freely. Spiaggia Fumarola is on a signposted road to the north of Ditella and overflows with holidaymakers in the summer.
The islets near the east coast of Panarea are only visited by boat. Basiluzzo is the most remote one and is almost exclusively devoted to grow capers. From the island you can see the wreck of a Roman ship which makes a fascinating sight. Dattilo boasts Le Guglie, a nice small beach. Lisca Nera is to the south of Dattilo. From Dattilo you can head for Lisca Bianca to enjoy wreck hunting provided you have a scuba equipment. If not, do not despair for Amphibian on Via Ditella in San Pietro can rent gears. Lisca Bianca affords a beautiful sandy beach on its south coast . Around the island there is also an old English ship located at a depth of about 45 metres perfect to visit if you are wreck hunting.
Where to Eat
When high summer season finishes prices luckily go from exorbitant to fair.
The restaurant at hotel La Piazza on Via San Pietro is recommendable.
Hotel Raya which draws the international jet set affords its atmospheric restaurant where dining its so delicious dishes by the shimmering light of oil lamp makes booking a must. Its swinging disco is also an attraction.
Trattoria da Pina off the harbour on Via San Pietro lists a good menu of dishes served on its covered terrace. It is so recommendable that in the summertime it is always busy.
Da Francesco on Via San Pietro attracts people for its delicious menu and nice view of the harbour front. The house special is the spaghetti with mussels.
How to Get to/away /across
BY FERRY OR HYDROFOIL: On Via San Pietro are the offices of Siremar and Ustica Lines which operate the island. They are situated on the harbour front. Services in the season are to Stromboli (length: 30 minutes, services: 5 a day), to Salina, Lipari, Milazzo and Filicudi (length:1 ½ hours, services: 1 a day).
BY CAR: they are forbidden and unnecessary for the island is magnificent to be experienced walking for its beauty and little size. Golf carts make taxis on Panarea. They are available at the port or can be hired at Paolo & Angela.
BY BOAT: to visit the whole archipelago of Panarea, its islets, you can hire rubber dinghies, wooden boats or motor boats at Tesoriero Roberto.
