Antico Palmento

The host Nicola is a genuinely lovely person: kind, caring, always available, and happy to help. He gave us great ideas for eating, sightseeing, and getting around, and we really loved him. The B&B is beautifully refurbished, tastefully done, and impeccably clean, with spacious, comfortable rooms. Its location is almost ideal, with the beach 150 meters away, a bus stop just 50 meters away, plenty of places to eat nearby, and several supermarkets close by. Breakfast was good and in the typical Italian style, with more than enough after a perfect dinner. There's also a beautiful terrace where we enjoyed sitting with a drink in the evening. Guests can have dinner prepared with typical Eolian dishes, with wine and water included. The food was fantastic, portions were huge, and the price very reasonable. We heartily recommend this place and hope to come back one day. Grazie mille Nicola!!!

For a quieter swim and more manageable prices, I always prefer September or October on the Aeolian Islands, well away from August's crowds. I've been coming here since 1971, when I was 16, and on Lipari I suggest staying at B&B "Antico Palmento" in the main square of Canneto di Lipari, on Vico San Cristoforo. It's right by the sea and centrally placed. Nicola makes guests feel at home, with real warmth and lots of helpfulness. The place was carefully renovated two years ago, with majolica floors, white Trani stone, and the old palmento, where wine used to be made. Breakfast is generous, and if guests want, Nicola will sing from his wide collection of timeless songs in the evening. Renato Zero fans may get a special surprise, a little breath of fresh air for the heart, all for love. A few nearby suggestions if you want to keep costs down: for trips to the other islands, the sailing group "Aliante" is just meters from the square. Nino and Gaetano, father and son, are discreet and charming, with a courteous, ethical way of working that stands out from the crowds. You can mention me, Aurelio. For an easy swim, Coral Beach serves typical Aeolian food at affordable prices, and the chef is good at meeting tourists' needs. In the square, Maria Orto's "il piccolo bar" has handmade products, lovely pastries, and plenty of granitas. Near Lipari's port, La Conchiglia, run by Stefano Mazza, serves refined first and second courses. Stefano is a very kind, old-school elegant man who chats with diners as he moves from table to table, like an English lord. The Aeolian Islands are the islands of Aeolus, tamer of the winds, or Aiolos in Greek. I return often, and I wish everyone peaceful September and October holidays with Helios and Selene, among the sky, earth, and sea. Conditio sine qua non... I could have written so much more. Sincerely, Aurelio Bellitti.

The setting is so convenient: a bakery, bar, supermarket, rental shop, pharmacy, and other services are all a short walk away. The shuttle stop is close too, and you can reach the main sights easily. From Canneto marina, the loveliest islands and beaches are accessible without dealing with traffic at Lipari port. Nicola is what makes the place memorable. He's an artist in his work and in his story, and he's welcoming, thoughtful, and readily helpful. He stays attentive without hovering, and somehow makes you feel at home. The rooms are comfortable, carefully furnished with story-filled details, and everything is spotless. In the living room, an old palmento has been brought back to life. Breakfast on the intimate, welcoming terrace is a lovely part of the stay. All of it gives the place a relaxed, familiar feel. Nothing seems left to chance, and the care behind each detail comes through. We recommend this one-of-a-kind spot, with its rare "zero to zero" balance.

The room was cozy and clean, and breakfast was delicious. Nicola was especially friendly and helpful, a wonderful host. We only stayed one night, but the B&B is right by the sea and handy for the bus to the port. I'd definitely recommend it.