"The largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari is also its most populated and makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding archipelago. Lipari town is the biggest, but by no means the only one on the island, and its pretty centro and ample tourist services make it an easy choice for a stay of a couple of nights or more. There are good beaches and boating to be had and, for archaeology buffs, Lipari has a fascinating history and loads of ruins, including some dating back to the Bronze Age, when it was a stop on a Mediterranean-wide obsidian trade route. Days can be spent exploring, while evenings are best enjoyed at a restaurant close to the sea, where the seafood is as fresh as you'd expect on an island. Plus, the views are epic." - Travel + Leisure Editors