The first mental images that comes to mind when we talk about Italy is Rome, Vatican or traditional pasta and pizza. Sure, Italian cuisine is undoubtedly insane: But let’s not focus only on food, because Italy has many more elements for an unforgettable vacation, one of which is the exploration of its islands. Let’s have a look at the best Italian islands, spread along the coastline from south to north. One of them will definitely attract your attention
Sicily and the Aeolian Islands
Sicily is framed by orange and lemon trees like a mosaic. The island is the largest in Italy, with a perfect warm sea, famous Mt. Etna volcano and picturesque Palermo. A great option for accommodation is the mountain town of Taormina, with majestic views over the volcano. Don’t miss the pleasure of tasting local street food like arancini and panelle, and feel Italian “dolce far niente”.
Travel tip: Take a ferry ride to the Aeolian Islands nearby. Check the schedule on the official website.
As for the top islands near Sicily, they are:
• Favignana. Cala Rosa Bay is on the list of the top 10 beaches in Italy. In the low season when beach rest is not the priority, a great option for seeing the island is to rent a bicycle or a scooter.
• Levanzo. Levanzo is just a few minutes by boat from Favignana. If you come here, you can’t miss the Grotta del Genovese with ancient drawings and stone carvings from the Early Stone Age.
• Stromboli. In fact, the entire island was formed by a volcano. Organized hikes to the crater on the active Stromboli volcano with the boiling magma at the summit are available in the presence of volcanologist guides from April to October. There is a sulfur pond near the crater.
Travel tip: In high season, book your ferry tickets in advance. In the low season, double-check the schedule as there may be changes.
Authentic islands in the Bay of Naples
Naples is the sunniest city in Italy with open smiling people, incredibly lively and noisy. The municipal beaches in the city are not bad at all, but crowded. Island hopping, on the other hand, can be a great alternative. Capri, Ischia and Procida islands, located nearby, should be the focus of your attention. Book a ferry from the port, and go on the adventure to the following spots:
• Capri. The island is associated with luxury and Hollywood stars, who choose it for summer vacations, and whose photos we regularly see on tabloids in the hot season. Among Capri’s most popular attractions are the Blue Grotto, a seaside cave, and the Phoenician Steps, which connect the two island towns.
• Ischia. The island is a unique health resort because there are available active thermal springs. If you come to Ischia for a few days, rent a car or Vespa, and feel the vibe of Italian freedom.
• Procida. You can come to the island as a part of an organized trip, or on your own. There is an option to hire a tuk-tuk from the Marina Grande port to look around. The island’s most iconic spot for your photoshoot is Marina Corricella, a harbor with brightly colored houses cascading along the waterfront.
Travel tip: Stay overnight to experience the islands without other tourists, tasting limoncello in one of the cafes with panoramic views over the sea.
Sardinia and nearby islands
Most travellers come to see Costa Smeralda, but the list of real treasures of Sardinia is not limited to this place. One more beach, Cala Goloritzé, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To reach the beach, you can rent a boat. One more option is to go hiking, but don’t forget comfortable shoes and check the weather forecast.
The beach is wild, so it’s important to bring everything you need with you.
If you have time, take a ferry from Palau to visit La Maddalena Archipelago. The beaches here, such as Spiaggia Rosa, are the most beautiful in Europe. You can take your snorkeling gear and explore the underwater world.
Insider tip: Sardinia has a great choice of local wines. Don’t miss the opportunity to try Vermentino di Gallura for a perfect seafood dinner.
Historic Elba Island
The island of Elba is situated in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea. It’s a popular spot for beach rest in summer among Italians who live in Livorno and nearby. During the low season, you can go hiking. There are trails that cross the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. A great option for active travelers is to rent a mountain bike and explore the area independently.
Travel tip: The sea in this region is warm until late September. Off-season, rent a scooter and explore the island at your own rhythm.
The Pontine Islands
These islands in the region of Lazio deserve the status of hidden gems because only a few tourists come here. On the other hand, the place is popular among locals, who know that it’s a pure paradise. Ponza, the biggest island in the group, has a chic beach area, Spiaggia Di Frontone, perfect for a day visit. But if you’re looking for wild nature, rent a boat to Palmarola to swim or snorkel in crystal clear water near the cliffs.
The Islands of Venice
The first thing that comes to mind when we talk about Venice is the carnival. But curious minds should pay attention to a small and charming group of islands in the Venetian Lagoon. Your first stop may be Murano. You may attend a glassmaking spot, and even take a private lesson.
Next, catch a vaporetto again and head to Burano. The island looks like a fairytale dream. Small colorful houses make this place perfect for a photoshoot. To finish your trip, visit Torcello, famous for its ancient basilica.
Insider tip: Moving around the islands is super easy with a vaporetto (water bus) from Venice.
Takeaways
Islands are a big part of Italian culture, each with its own character and vibe. Of course, you won’t be able to visit all of them in one trip, but you can choose a group that is located as close as possible to the city in which you arrived in Italy and diversify your leisure time.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the Mediterranean vibe of the Italian islands, especially since you can get there by public sea transport.
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See more about Italy here in Dispatches’ archives.
Galyna Rogovska is a travel expert with extensive experience in content creation. She is an enthusiastic globetrotter who has visited 25-plus countries, and an explorer with a passion for adventure.
