Of the seven Aeolian Islands, Lipari Island offers the most variety of attractions and the Hotel Carasco, on the southern fringes of the town of Lipari, is the Island's grandest hotel. While officially rated three stars, it is really a four star property in disguise, with six-star views. It is open from Easter through mid-October. Most of the rooms face either the sea or the Castello area of Lipari, where the Cathedral and fabulous Archeological Museum are located. The rooms are surprisingly large and well appointed. Some have large balconies where guests may sit for hours enjoying the stupendous views. An ample buffet breakfast is served on the covered veranda, with full views of the town, the swimming pool and the sea. Next to the veranda is the restaurant, where formal dinners are served while guests drool upon the view of the Castello area at sunset. Outside of July and August, when the Aeolian Islands are overrun with tourists, prices at the Carasco are very reasonable. The hotel is a ten minute walk from central Marina Corta, where the hydrofoils dock, and there is a complimentary hotel shuttle bus which runs hourly from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., essential for arrivals and departures with luggage, but handy as well to avoid the hot sun and the steep inclines and descents of the walk into town. The Carasco is perched right on the cliffside, and has a magnificent pool and deck area overlooking the azure sea. One could very easily be tempted to spend one's entire trip at the hotel, but this would be a grave mistake, as Lipari Island and indeed the other six islands of the archipelago offer much to be seen and experienced. The success of the Carasco is due in large part to the meticulous and loving care of its owners and on-site operators, the Del Bono family, who will personally welcome you and make certain that your stay is totally enjoyable. All of the front desk staff are fluent in English. Lipari is very well connected to the Italian mainland (Naples, Reggio Calabria) and to Sicily (Messin
there is also a year-round overnight ferry service from Naples which handily avoids having to train to Milazzo and connect to a hydrofoil.