The Uncrowded Aeolian Island With Breathtaking Volcano Views, Turquoise Waters And Mediterranean Charm

A dreamy Mediterranean vacation sounds incredible until you get to the destination and the pristine spots you've seen in photos are actually overrun with tourists. Fortunately, if you're willing to look just a little deeper, you can find several places that live up to the images in your mind. Just north of Sicily lie the Aeolian Islands. The largest inhabited island of this volcanic archipelago is Lipari, and anyone looking to soak up authentic Mediterranean charm needs to add it to their travel list.

Despite Italy's popularity amongst tourists (Statista places it as the fourth most visited country in the world), there are still pristine hidden gems to explore, like Calabria, which boasts Amalfi Coast views without the crowds and touristy prices. About 23 square miles in size, surrounded by turquoise waters and dramatic volcanic islands, Lipari is perfect for exploring at your own pace. You can visit for a day and see all the major sights or stay for a week and still not tire from all the experiences it offers.

If the allure of sipping wine at seaside vineyards and a constant supply of Sicilian delicacies wasn't enough, Lipari's beauty is literally legendary. The island's history stretches back to 5000 B.C., and it is even mentioned in Greek mythology — the eponymous Liparus, grandson of Ulysses, founded the area's first colonies. The volcanic formations of the archipelago are also singular and have resulted in Lipari being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lipari overflows with effortless Mediterranean charm that's built up over millennia and multiple civilizations. The island's old center is replete with quaint square buildings dotted with tiny balconies and profusely flowering shrubs. The winding cobblestone lanes open up to sunny, flagstone-encrusted squares lined with cafés and local shops. Lipari city's main street, Corso Vittorio Emanuele, and its bylanes are delightful to explore, and a keen eye will be rewarded with artistic details hidden in plain sight.

History buffs, even those who may have already visited Italy's oldest city, Matera, will nonetheless be impressed by Lipari's museum complex — one of the best in the region. Set inside an ancient castle, the museum walks you through the island's longstanding history. Lipari's rich supply of obsidian or volcanic glass was valuable enough to enrich the island, and it also protected it from being invaded. Since the island was also part of ancient Greece, you'll find well-preserved remains on Lipari.

Next, head to one of the island's many beaches, which alternate between black and white shores washed with azure warm waters. There are almost two dozen beaches on the island, including busier ones like the popular White Beach, close to the town center, as well as remote and pristine beaches that are only accessed by a hike or boat ride. While the views are persistently good across the island, arguably the best vista is from Quattrocchi, a viewpoint about 2 miles from the town center. From there, you get a spectacular view of the iconic nearby island of Vulcano and the smoke plumes emanating from its crater.

Since Lipari is only accessible by sea, the easiest way to reach the island is to fly into one of Sicily's many airports. Palermo and Catania have the biggest airports, but smaller Sicilian airports also cater to international flights. You can then catch a ferry from Milazzo or any one of the multiple seaports to get to Lipari or take the boat ride directly from Naples. However, keep in mind that sea conditions can sometimes cause delays in the ferry service.

While you can explore most of the old town on foot, some of Lipari's more remote parts are best accessed on wheels. Much like Levanzo (the secret Italian island made for a slow-life vacation), Lipari is best experienced at a leisurely pace. Take your time exploring different parts of the island, pausing along the way to soak in the views and visit the island's seaside vineyards. Consider renting a car or two-wheeler while you're there, or there's also a local bus service on the island. Additionally, Lipari has frequent connections to the other six surrounding Aeolian islands. More adventurous explorers can also climb the Stromboli volcano and get up close to the glowing lava.

Accommodation in Lipari is quite affordable, with budget hotel rooms starting at around $60 a night during the summer season from July to September. For the best mix of weather and low crowds, consider visiting between April and June or just after summer.