Seven volcanic islands off Sicily's north coast, sewn together by hydrofoil. Lipari makes the lively base, with pumice-pale beaches and a fortified old town; Salina is greener and slower, all caper farms and Malvasia vineyards; and Stromboli supplies the finale — an evening boat trip to watch the crater flinging lava into the dark. Swimming is off black sand and warm rock into deep, clear blue. Hydrofoils run from Milazzo; go in June or September.
Featured in Ten island-hopping routes for the perfect beach fortnight · Beach