Nothing screams an idyllic European summer quite like an island getaway in Italy: between the vineyard-dotted countryside and the rugged coast hugged by azure seas, it's probably the closest thing to paradise you'll find on Earth.
If only it weren't overwhelmingly crowded, and it didn't put such a strain on your wallet…
Well, today's your lucky day, as we have brought you not one, but 4 lesser-known islands in Italy, lying just off the northern coast of Sicily, that have yet to succumb to mass tourism, and where you can find beautiful beaches and ancient heritage for a small fraction of the Capri prices:
Lipari
Lipari is the most developed and largest island in the Aeolian archipelago. It features scenic mountains, dramatic coastal drives, and sand-and-gravel beaches straddling a turquoise-colored Tyrrhenian.
Its main settlement is Lipari Town, a laid-back coastal spot criss-crossed with narrow streets, and filled with traditional Italian eateries, lying at the foot of a medieval citadel—craving $8 panini and wine by the glass? Pop by Gilberto e Vera, only a few steps away from the marina.
Beyond the capital, other must-sees in Lipari include Canneto, a quaint fishing village offering cozy, beachside cafés and views of the island's famous pumice quarries, and the postcard-ready Spiaggia Bianca, with its pearly-white pebble stones and bright-blue seas.
As a budget traveler, you'll be spoiled for choice here. Most restaurants offer main courses for around $10–16, particularly if it's pizza or pasta.
Overnights range from a mere $56 for a one-bedroom apartment for 2 adults to $100 for a double room.
Vulcano
A short 25-minute hydrofoil ride from Lipari, Vulcano is a natural oasis that is certain to appeal to those who are into hiking, particularly across desolate volcanic landscapes, dotted with sulfur pools and natural mud baths.
The main town, and where most tourists will base themselves as they explore, is Vulcano Porto. More than just a busy port, it is the center of tourist amenities like restaurants and hotels and the starting point for several popular trails.
Gran Cratere, the island's main crater, is a 30-minute walk from the port, while Baia delle Acque Calde, a secluded bay with volcano-heated, bubbly waters, is 25 minutes on foot, and even Spiaggia Sabbie Nere (literally Black Sand Beach) is around 10 minutes away.
Other than being largely walkable, Vulcano fits every budget. Economy double rooms in beachfront hotels start from $90 for 2 adults (or $45 each) and go up to $203 in 4-star spa resorts, like Les Sables Noirs. A pasta dish and some wine cost on average $20 in most trattorias.
Stromboli
If you still can't get enough of volcanoes, perhaps you should check out Stromboli next: home to an imposing Mount Stromboli, one of only 4 active blowholes in Italy, and if you're into Greek mythology, the mighty Aeolus, divine keeper of the winds.
Whether a merciless god inhabits the deep crater or not, the island is indeed a lot windier than its counterparts, so you'll want to make sure you pack accordingly if conquering the landmark peak is on your bucket list.
On that note, Stromboli erupts regularly, and on the northern side of the volcano, there is an easily accessible slope, Sciara del Fuoco, serving as a viewing platform for the flowing lava—but then again, you'll want to check safety warnings beforehand.
Spending the night in Stromboli? Stromboli Town, the most-populated area, has a range of B&Bs priced $62–$158 per night, and a select list of casual eateries that will set you back by roughly $15–$25 for a typically Italian dinner.
Salina
Our last pick is Salina, the second-largest of the Aeolian Islands, and unlike most of its sisters, a verdant oasis peppered with family-owned vineyards, sleepy mountainside villages that date back centuries, and are somehow still frozen in time, and crowd-free beaches.
Standing 3,156 feet above sea level, Monte Fossa delle Felci is the highest mountain peak in the archipelago, and if you're not done with your summiting on the trip yet, it's a 4-5 hour from Santa Marina Salina, the island's capital.
Looking for Salina's renowned Malvasia wine? Drink straight from the source at Malfa, a village in the north, surrounded by storied wineries and offering easy access to pebbly beaches, or if it's a taste of rural Italy you crave, the inland Leni exudes that unmistakable, undeveloped Aeolian charm.
Similarly to the neighborhood, Salina is a budget-friendly island escapade: in the peak of summer, booking a double room with sea view in Malfa costs $90 per night, or $45 if you're splitting as a couple, and meals in mid-range restaurants average $20.
The Aeolian Islands Within Easier-Reach Of Americans This Year
The Aeolian Islands are administratively a part of Sicily, which will host nonstop flights operated by Delta, directly from New York (JFK), from May 21, 2025.
The flights will land in the southern region, in Catania (CTA), the busiest hub in Sicily, and a one-hour drive to Riposto, a port town that offers ferry services to Lipari, Salina, and other Aeolian islands, usually via Milazzo.
Alternatively, tourists can find more frequent ferries departing from the northern and eastern coast, most notably the aforementioned Milazzo:
- Milazzo to Lipari: $10–$13
- Milazzo to Vulcano: $11–$16
- Milazzo to Stromboli: $16–$32
- Milazzo to Salina: $16–$32
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