The 10 beautiful Italian islands to visit in 2024
If you're planning a trip to Italy this year, avoid the crowds of Capri and Sardinia and try these untouched isles instead.
Italy’s summer is never far from my mind. Salt on skin; salt water dripping from my hair; the warmth of the Mediterranean sun; beach umbrellas lined up at a lido. Have a dip, stretch out on a sun bed, dip, nap, dip, repeat. It’s a routine that fuels memories of a lifetime – of sipping limoncello on an Amalfi terrace; sailing the idyllic Lake Como; basking under the Sardinian sun; slurping spaghetti alle vongole on Ischia and window-shopping in Portofino. Whatever way you slice it, Italian summer is addictive.
What if you could get more of that “dolce far niente” feeling somewhere new? The boot-shaped peninsula is blessed with pristine waters on almost every coastline. And where better than an island to enjoy long days of swimming, feasting on simple local cuisine and sipping beachfront cocktails? Capri, Sicily and Sardinia are household names but there are so many others. They lie off the coast of Tuscany and Puglia and even Sicily; an island with its own collection of islands. Add these 10 to your list.
FAVIGNANA, SICILY
The largest of the Egadi Islands lies just off the northwest coast of Sicily and is easily reached by ferry from Trapani. The crystalline sea and stark white sands here could rival the Caribbean, but head inland and the island is characterised by craggy cliffs, wild beauty and hidden coves such as Bue Marino, Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra. The pace is slow and, at just 9km long, Favignana is easy to get around by cycling or scootering the dusty lanes that criss-cross the countryside. Don’t skip the chance to watch the sun go down from Cala Rotonda, hike up to Santa Caterina castle, and to fill yourself with zingy lemon granita and the island’s famous fresh tuna.
StayZu Nillu Villa
PROCIDA, CAMPANIA
Procida is often overshadowed by its more famous siblings, Capri and Ischia, but this easygoing, colourful island has a seductive charm of its own. Indeed, it was declared Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022. As a working fishing hub, the historic port town of Marina Corricella is bright and bustling, with rainbow-coloured houses cascading down to the sea and the buttery-yellow church of Santa Maria delle Grazie a must-see. Walk up to the high point of the fortified medieval village Terra Murata for breathtaking views out to sea. Elsewhere, the island boasts dark volcanic-sand beaches, in particular Pozzo Vecchio, and areas of outstanding beauty such as Isola di Vivara, a nature reserve reached by footbridge that is home to aquatic birds, ancient ruins and abundant local flora.
WATCH: See the beautiful colours of Procida on a walking tour
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ELBA, TUSCANY
Best known as the place where Napoleon spent his exile, Elba draws crowds of mainly Italian tourists who come to follow in his historical foot-steps and enjoy the picturesque location. With its protected status as part of the Tuscan archipelago marine park, Elba satisfies culture lovers as well as those in search of outdoor pursuits. The vibe is elegantly Tuscan, with fabulous sand and shingle beaches, wonder-ful options for walks, biking, sailing and snorkelling, and loads of history to boot. Aside from a high-season rush in August, it is a relatively quiet spot to enjoy delicious seafood and celebrated Elba DOC wines. It’s an easy hour’s hop from the port of Piombino.
PONZA, LAZIO
Despite regular deposits of visitors from Rome and Naples taking advantage of good ferry links to Ponza’s location in the Tyrrhenian Sea, this welcoming member of the Pontine Islands has a distinct identity thanks to a strong community of year-round locals. The ambience is warm and welcoming while the bright, sunrise-coloured buildings and lively fishing village are all you could want from an Italian island hideaway. Flying under the radar of mass tourism means it’s popular with celebrities looking for peace, privacy and authenticity. Hire a boat and explore sea grottoes and secret bays under the shadow of Ponza’s bright white cliffs before spending the evenings soaking up the small-town atmosphere, good food and friendly hospitality.
PANAREA, SICILY
If small, chic and charming is your desire, Panarea delivers by the bucketful. A tiny, exclusive idyll in the Aeolian Islands, it has no swanky hotels or big chains. Instead, you’ll find gleaming whitewashed buildings housing boutique accommodation ideal for a romantic escape. The focus is on relaxation, although you may find in July and August the fashionable elite come out after sunset to party in the stylish bars and restaurants. Aside from the main settlement and port of San Pietro, the island is largely unspoiled. Don’t miss a trip to Cala Junco beach with its iconic red rocks, and take a walk to Punta del Corvo for a fabulous panorama. The island has no street lights, so stroll back after dark under a sky full of twinkling stars.
VENTOTENE, LAZIO
Unlike Ponza, its busier neighbour, Ventotene is modest and humble. Named in Homer’s Odyssey as the island of the sirens, it occupies just 2km sq, and despite having no cars and only two beaches, there is still plenty to enjoy, particularly for history buffs and nature lovers. Visitors can admire the frescoes and mosaics of Villa Giulia, home of Emperor Augustus’s daughter who was exiled here, and ancient Roman cisterns and fishponds. The coast of Ventotene is considered one of the top scuba diving destinations in Italy and the island is a renowned stop-off point for migratory birds. Be sure to sample zuppa di lenticchie, a traditional dish of locally grown lentils, prized throughout Italy and served in a broth with tomato and celery.
StayHotel Villa Iulia
italia.it/en/lazio
SAN DOMINO, PUGLIA
An emerald isle of thick pine forests, sapphire sea and serenity, San Domino is a natural paradise in the Tremiti archipelago, a small cluster of islands in the Adriatic Sea just off the coast of Puglia. With no cars, there are lovely walking and cycling routes to caves such as the vivid Bue Marino and Grotta delle Viole, which flashes with spectacular purple light, as well as the heavenly white sand and sparkling sea of Cala di Arene. San Domino’s laid-back rhythm is ideal for a carefree holiday of snorkelling, sunbathing and picnics. There are boat links to the Tremiti from the mainland but to arrive in style take the helicopter ride from Foggia.
beautifulpuglia.com/tremiti-islands
PANTELLERIA, SICILY
Closer to North Africa than it is to Sicily, Pantelleria retains a notable Arab influence, and its volcanic landscape gives it an otherworldly air. The landscape is dotted with dammusi houses, historic huts made from local stone that can be rented overnight for an authentic stay in the rugged hinterland. There is no sand here; just craggy outcrops where you can join sunbathing Italians sprawled on the rocks before launching into the sea. The Specchio di Venere (Mirror of Venus) is a stunning lake in the north famed for its purifying mud and natural properties. Try the renowned passito dessert wine, which is produced on the island, as well as the capers, a signature product of Pantelleria.
ISOLA DEL GIGLIO, TUSCANY
An hour’s ferry hop from Monte Argentario takes you to Giglio, part of the Tuscan Archipelago. The island has three inhabited towns: Giglio Porto with its pretty pastel buildings; Giglio Castello, in the centre with its elevated medieval castle, Rocca Aldobrandesca; and Giglio Campese, the main tourist hub on the opposite coast. Campese beach is the largest but there are smaller, quieter options such as Caldane, Cannelle and Arenella, and plenty of sailing and other watersports to keep you occupied. Much of the interior is rocky and wild, dotted with vineyards producing a celebrated wine made from grapes still cultivated by hand due to the challenging landscape.
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LA MADDALENA, SARDINIA
Located off Sardinia’s northern coast, the Maddalena archipelago is a group of 62 islands ranging in size from tiny islets to the largest of the bunch, La Maddalena. Its buzzing main town is the only urban area here. The turquoise waters of the pink-tinged outcrop make it ideal for sailing and moseying around caves and secluded bays. While the famous spiaggia rosa (pink beach) at Budelli is closed to visitors, there are plenty of pristine alternatives. The islands are known for their links to the famous 19th-century general Giuseppe Garibaldi, who had a house on Caprera, yet they are relatively new to tourism. Most visitors drift over on flashy yachts from the nearby Emerald Coast to swap the glitz for peaceful isolation.
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This story was first published on May 13, 2023.