Panarea is the smallest of the Aeolian Islands—and the most fashionable. While you’ll find more than a few boutique hotels in the San Pietro area, and luxury (and celebrity) yachts can fill the harbor during summer, there are things to do in Panarea that contradict its expensive party reputation. Enjoy the nightlife, but don’t leave before boating to a beautiful beach, exploring whitewashed San Pietro, and catching sea views from the Church of San Pietro, dedicated to the island’s patron saint and fishermen.
Panarea is sometimes considered a summer-only destination, as much of the island shutters between late fall and Easter. While mingling with the summer nightlife scene can be fun, the attendant crowds can overshadow the island’s natural beauty. Visit during early spring or fall for relative peace; for something different, plan your trip on June 28–29, when island residents celebrate their patron saint with music, dancing, fireworks, and a procession.
You can easily walk between Panarea’s three inhabited areas: San Pietro, Drautto, and Ditella. Alternatively, use the Aeolian taxi golf cart service for transportation from the port. Cars are nowhere to be found on Panarea, but you can rent a scooter, bike, or 3-wheeled Piaggio Ape to navigate the island. For coastal exploration, book a boat excursion or rent an inflatable boat.
You can save a lot of time boating to Panarea’s beaches rather than walking to them—in fact, any beach or swimming cove on the island's west side is only accessible by boat. But reaching them is half the fun: Rent a gommone (a motorized inflatable raft or rubber boat) from shops near the port and cruise to the beaches. Cala Junco and Spiaggia della Calcara are some of the most beautiful.