Sicily's Aeolian Islands

These seven delightful islands lie off the north coast of Milazzo between Italy and Sicily. Each is different, featuring steaming volcanoes, luxurious mud baths to wallow in, crystal-clear waters full of fish and caves to explore, beaches to relax on, pleasant island walks and some serious trekking to reach the volcanic craters. However, they also share the same great weather in summer, fertile soils, beautiful blue waters, wonderful vistas and waves of day-trippers and vacationers. Don't be under any illusion - these islands have been discovered, but if you come on either side of July and August the weather is still fine and the crowds have either just left or are yet to arrive. The farther out you go on the islands too, the more you'll escape the summer hordes. Here are a few highlights! Take a sulphorous mud bath on Vulcano. Climb Stromboli's volcano at night amid the steaming vents. Hang out with the bearded locals at the remote hamlet of Ginostra. Join the elite, well-heeled crowd on elegant Panarea. Taste Malvasia wine at Salina. Explore prehistoric sites on Filicudi. A great new resource. --Travel + Leisure. "The perfect companion for planning." --Rutgers Magazine.  "These useful travel guides are highly recommended." --Library Journal. There aren't many places in the world you can ski and then hit the beach afterwards for a refreshing dip; see Greek, Roman, Etruscan, medieval and Arabic architecture all in the same town; and meet some of the friendliest people in the world. The richness in culture is demonstrated in the theater, cinema and art found everywhere. The coastal towns, the Mafia, the wines and foods, the astonishing history - all are explored in this guidebook. Full color throughout. This is excerpted from our full guide to Sicily.