Homer believed this unspoiled archipelago to be home to the gods; residents deem them Le Perle del Mare (Pearls of the Sea). In summer, boatloads of visitors arrive from Milazzo to experience the magic of the rugged shores and pristine landscapes of the Isole Eolie (EE-so-leh Ey-OH-lee-yeh). Lipari, the central and largest island, has ancient ruins and serves as a perfect base for exploring the other islands. If staying longer, visit nearby Stromboli for its restless volcano, Panarea for its inlets and elitism, Salina for its sheer cliffs over cerulean waters, and Vulcano for its radioactive mud baths and the Great Crater, the long-extinguished home of Vulcan, god of fire. Far more affordable in the low season, the islands see a steep price hike in July and August. Summer reservations should be made well in advance, especially for more elite resorts.
The islands lie off Sicily, north of Milazzo, the principal and least expensive departure point. Trains run to Milazzo from Messina (30min., 21 per day, €3.10) and Palermo (3hr., 12 per day, &euro ...more
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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