The 11 Most Underrated and Lovely Islands in Italy

Everybody’s heard of Sicily, Sardinia, and trendy Capri, however in terms of enchanting islands, Italy has rather more to supply than the standard headline acts. And few folks notice that the nation’s shoreline is definitely peppered with over 350 idyllic islands, from picture-perfect Favignana to car-free Panarea to rugged Marettimo. 

Some islands are distant and exhausting to achieve, whereas others require much less effort. Some are stylish, whereas others are laid-back and rustic. One phrase of warning, although: Italians adore their islands and make a beeline for them throughout their summer season holidays. So, if you happen to do not need to share your slice of paradise with numerous others, keep away from touring there in July and August. If true solitude is what you are in search of, go to throughout the winter months—it’s possible you’ll be the one customer.

Listed below are among the most underrated islands in Italy.

Favignana

An hour’s ferry trip from Trapani, Sicily, butterfly-shaped Favignana—recognized for its jagged shoreline, sandy seashores like Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, and hidden coves lapped by impossibly clear Tyrrhenian waters—is the most important of the three Egadi Islands. Rent a small boat from the port (Capitan Sinagra is an effective wager) to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe, then discover on land by scooter (leases out there from Brezza Marina). When starvation calls, head to Osteria del Sotto Sale for recent seafood and pasta earlier than retreating to Dimora dell’Olivastro, a tranquil guesthouse set amongst olive groves.

Marettimo

Essentially the most distant of the Egadi Islands, tiny Marettimo—accessible by way of ferry from Trapani—stays delightfully rustic due to its restricted accessibility, close to absence of vehicles, and lack of enormous accommodations. The principle (and solely) city has a cluster of whitewashed, blue-shuttered buildings by a shabby port. Right here, vacationers spend their days swimming, snorkeling, or diving within the surrounding protected waters, exploring sea caves and grottos, or mountain climbing aromatic trails. Marettimo Residence, an eco-friendly aparthotel with sea views, provides a wonderful residence base for exploring. 

Salina

The center of the seven Aeolian Islands, sleepy Salina is famed for its Malvasia wine and capers. Small, whitewashed villages dot its coast, with Santa Marina serving because the central hub—and the very best place to rent a ship for exploring by sea. Days listed below are blissfully easy: swimming in crystal-clear waters off pebbly seashores, lingering over recent seafood, and taking in sweeping views. Do not miss the lemon granita at Da Alfredo in Lingua, dinner on the waterfront terrace of Porto Bello, and a keep on the luxe Capofaro Resort. To succeed in the island, take the ferry from Milazzo by way of Lipari (about 90 minutes). It is also accessible by way of ports in Sicily, Palermo, and Naples.

Panarea

With its whitewashed lanes and bougainvillea-draped terraces, Panarea is the definition of barefoot luxurious. One of many easternmost Aeolian Islands, it is reachable solely by ferry from Naples, Milazzo, Messina, or Reggio Calabria. Automobiles are banned, so guests get round on foot or by golf cart; nevertheless, the island is arguably greatest explored by boat. Hire one from Sea Panarea to find hidden coves, sea caves, and the close by islets of Basiluzzo and Lisca earlier than settling in for sundown Negronis on the see-and-be-seen Bar del Porto. Nights typically finish at Hotel Raya, famed for its rooftop cocktails and late-night soirées.

Pantelleria

Nearer to Tunisia than mainland Italy, Pantelleria is a distant volcanic island dotted with conventional dammusi, thick-walled, domed stone dwellings constructed to maintain out the warmth. Its rugged panorama is formed by geothermal exercise, with fumaroles, mud baths, and pure saunas instead of sandy seashores. Do not miss the cave-like Grotta del Bagno Asciutto, the place steam rises from the earth, or a glass of the island’s famed candy dessert wine, Zibibbo. Reserve a room at Sikelia, constructed round a gaggle of typical dammusi, the place the mud remedies on the spa alone are value a keep, and dine at La Nicchia for swordfish with tomatoes, olives, and capers. Pantelleria is reachable by aircraft from Palermo or Trapani (it is a few 30 to 45-minute trip).

Vulcano

About an hour ferry trip from Milazzo, Vulcano lures guests with its energetic volcano, Gran Cratere, and open-air mud baths simply steps from the port, the place bathers slather on the mineral-rich goodness earlier than rinsing within the sea. Past the shore, hire a Mehari to discover the island’s lush inside, the place goats roam the mountainside. Then, comply with the winding roads to Gelso, residence to a black-sand seaside and the waterfront Trattoria Da Pina, additionally known as Trattoria Dai Maniaci. Lastly, for sweeping sea views, ebook a keep at coastal Therasia Resort close to the extinct Vulcanello.

Ponza

The most important of the Pontine Islands, Ponza sits within the Tyrrhenian Sea between Rome and Naples, and stays largely beneath the radar for many worldwide vacationers. Brightly painted homes cling to cliffs above the bustling harbor, and the island’s hilly terrain makes the native bus the best method to attain scenic trails that wind by way of scented vegetation to hidden bays and coves. The beautiful Spiaggia di Frontone, a pebbly crescent of clear water framed by rocks, is well reached by taxi boat from the port. Keep at Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla, which boasts its personal seaside membership, and dine at Acquapazza for fresh-caught seafood with a view. Ferries from Anzio take about 80 minutes.

Procida

Usually neglected in favor of Capri and Ischia, the tiny, low-key island of Procida charms with its lemon groves, pastel-hued fishing villages, and laid-back tempo. Ferries from Naples and Pozzuoli disembark at bustling Marina Grande, lined with retailers and eating places, however the actual draw is Corricella, a jumble of candy-colored homes made well-known in “The Gifted Mr. Ripley.” Climb to the fortified Terra Murata for panoramic water views, then discover the flat terrain by scooter or bike from Sprint close to the port. After a day within the solar, unwind at La Casa sul Mare, the place ethereal accomodations provide sea views, and linger over plates of seafood pastas at Da Mariano.

La Maddalena

La Maddalena, the most important of Sardinia’s namesake archipelago, is only a 20-minute ferry trip from Palau however feels far faraway from the flash of the close by Costa Smeralda. Its pink-tinged rocky shoreline frames among the clearest turquoise waters within the Mediterranean, greatest skilled by way of boat tour. The island’s sole city is a vigorous port with retailers, bars, and eating places, whereas a brief bridge connects it to Caprera, residence to Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi’s former residence and pristine seashores. Base your self at Grand Hotel Resort Ma&Ma, which provides adults-only lodging, a spa, and easy accessibility to the archipelago.

Elba

Elba, the most important island within the Tuscan Archipelago, provides a mixture of historical past, tradition, and postcard-worthy seashores—and it is solely an hour ferry trip from Piombino. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled right here in 1814, and his villas stay among the many island’s prime sights, together with the ruins of a first-century B.C. Roman villa at Punta delle Grotte and Portoferraio’s hilltop Forte Stella. Between sightseeing excursions, lounge on the sweeping bay at Biodola or search out hidden coves solely reachable by boat or on foot. From Marciana Alta, trip the cable automotive to Monte Capanne for views so far as Corsica, then unwind with gelato in Portoferraio, Marciana Marina, or Capoliveri. For a romantic base, ebook the standalone seafront suite on the boutique Hotel Ilio, set above Sant’Andrea Seaside and surrounded by gardens.

Ischia

Simply an hour by ferry from Naples, Ischia provides a quieter allure than close by Capri, and Baia di Sorgeto is its hidden crown jewel. Tucked into the southern village of Panza, this rocky cove is residence to pure infinity swimming pools warmed by volcanic springs that spill into the ocean. Whereas Baia di Sorgeto feels blissfully beneath the radar, different sizzling springs on the island—corresponding to Negombo and Giardini Poseidon—are extra widespread and, likelihood is, much more crowded. After your soak, head to Sant’Angelo, a car-free fishing village with boutiques, seaside cafés, and sweeping views, or unwind on close by Maronti Seaside. Lodging choices abound, from the cliff-top Mezzatorre Hotel and San Montano Resort & Spa to Regina Isabella Resort and the garden-filled Villa Ravino.