13 Beautiful Italian Islands — From Popular Hot Spots to Underrated Gems

"Where there's smoke, there's Stromboli. The northernmost of Sicily's Aeolian Islands is formed in a telltale cone shape, and its active volcano puffs smoke on a near-constant basis, making a seaborne approach — you can only arrive here via ferry or a pricey helicopter ride — especially thrilling. If you come for the black-sand beaches, bring some swim socks because that sand can get hot in the summertime. Other activities on this low-key outpost include exploring the small main village or taking a nighttime boat ride to see the glowing volcano. Several tour providers offer hikes up the side of the volcano, but it's best not to overestimate your fitness level and tolerance for heat and extreme elevation gain." - Travel + Leisure Editors