Marina Lunga, the larger and busier harbour on the north side of the castle rock, is where the big ferries and hydrofoils to and from Milazzo, Messina, and the other Aeolian Islands dock. It is also the working harbour: fishing boats, dive operators, boat-rental kiosks, and excursion-tour offices line the quay.
If you arrive in Lipari, you will arrive here. Most accommodation is within ten minutes' walk. The Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main pedestrian shopping street, runs uphill from the corner.