Italy boasts over 350 islands, offering much more than the well-known Sicily, Sardinia, and Capri. From charming coastal villages to rugged landscapes, these less-talked-about gems provide unique experiences. It’s important to remember that Italians love their islands, especially during summer holidays. If you prefer a quieter visit, consider traveling in the shoulder seasons or even winter for true solitude.
Favignana
Favignana, shaped like a butterfly, is the largest of the Egadi Islands, a short ferry ride from Trapani in Sicily. The coastline here is dramatically jagged, with beautiful sandy beaches like Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, and hidden coves where the Tyrrhenian Sea is incredibly clear. I remember one afternoon, we rented a small boat from the port. It wasn’t a fancy tour, just us and the gentle waves. Cruising along, we found a perfect little cove to anchor. The water was so clear, and it felt like our own private slice of paradise. It’s moments like these, away from the crowds, that make island hopping so special.
Getting around Favignana is easy; you can rent a scooter near the port, which is a fun way to explore the island’s nooks and crannies. The interior roads are paved and easy to navigate. For fresh seafood and pasta, find Osteria del Sotto Sale, a local favorite. When it’s time to rest, Dimora dell’Olivastro is a peaceful guesthouse nestled among olive groves, offering a quiet escape.
Marettimo
Marettimo is the most secluded of the Egadi Islands, accessible by ferry from Trapani. Its charm lies in its rustic simplicity, with very few cars and no large hotels. The main village is a picturesque cluster of whitewashed buildings with blue shutters, all centered around a humble port. When we visited Marettimo, there was a distinct feeling of stepping back in time. The pace is slow, and the air is filled with the scent of wild herbs from the hiking trails. It’s the kind of place where you truly disconnect.
Days here are spent swimming, snorkeling, or diving in the protected waters surrounding the island, which are abundant with marine life. Exploring the numerous sea caves and grottos by boat is a must-do activity. For those who enjoy a bit of activity, the island offers fragrant hiking trails that lead to stunning viewpoints. Marettimo Residence provides comfortable, eco-friendly apartments with sea views, making it a great base for your explorations.
Salina
Salina is one of the seven Aeolian Islands, located in the middle of the archipelago. It’s known for its delicious Malvasia wine and capers. The island is dotted with small, whitewashed villages, with Santa Marina serving as the main hub. From Santa Marina, you can easily hire a boat to explore the coastline. I always advise friends to take advantage of these boat trips; they really give you a different perspective of the island’s beauty and allow access to secluded swimming spots you can’t reach by land.
Life on Salina moves at a leisurely pace. You can spend your days swimming in the crystal-clear waters off the pebbly beaches, savoring fresh seafood, and enjoying the panoramic views. Don’t miss the refreshing lemon granita at Da Alfredo in Lingua, or a delightful dinner on the waterfront terrace of Porto Bello. For a luxurious stay, Capofaro Resort is an excellent choice. You can reach Salina by ferry from Milazzo, usually via Lipari, which takes about 90 minutes. It’s also accessible from ports in Sicily, Palermo, and Naples.
Panarea
Panarea embodies barefoot luxury with its charming whitewashed lanes draped in bougainvillea. As one of the easternmost Aeolian Islands, it can be reached by ferry from Naples, Milazzo, Messina, or Reggio Calabria. Cars are not allowed on Panarea, so you’ll get around on foot or by golf cart, though exploring by boat is arguably the best way to experience its beauty. I’ve found that renting a small boat here is a fantastic idea. You can potter around the coastline, discovering little coves and the tiny islets nearby, often feeling like you have the whole sea to yourself.
Rent a boat from Sea Panarea to find hidden coves and sea caves, and visit the nearby islets of Basiluzzo and Lisca. As the sun begins to set, enjoy a Negroni at the popular Bar del Porto. For evening entertainment, Hotel Raya is famous for its rooftop cocktails and lively atmosphere. The ferry ride can be lengthy from some mainland ports, so plan your travel time accordingly, especially if you’re arriving with family and young children.
Pantelleria
Pantelleria is a remote volcanic island situated closer to Tunisia than mainland Italy. It’s characterized by its unique dammusi, traditional stone dwellings with thick walls and domed roofs designed to keep the interiors cool. The landscape is dramatically shaped by geothermal activity, featuring fumaroles, mud baths, and natural saunas instead of sandy beaches. When I visited, the sheer rawness of the landscape was striking. The steam rising from the earth in places like Grotta del Bagno Asciutto was otherworldly. It’s a place that truly engages all your senses.
A must-see is the cave-like Grotta del Bagno Asciutto, where steam naturally rises from the ground. Don’t forget to try the island’s renowned sweet dessert wine, Zibibbo. For accommodation, consider Sikelia, a beautiful hotel built around a group of dammusi, offering incredible mud treatments at its spa. For dinner, La Nicchia is highly recommended for its delicious swordfish dishes. Pantelleria is accessible by plane from Palermo or Trapani, with a short flight time of about 30 to 45 minutes.
Vulcano
Vulcano, a short ferry ride from Milazzo, is famous for its active volcano, Gran Cratere, and its natural mud baths located just moments from the port. Visitors slather themselves in the mineral-rich mud before rinsing off in the sea. Exploring the island’s interior, where goats roam the mountainside, can be done by renting a Mehari. One thing to keep in mind with the mud baths is that they can be quite pungent and messy, so wear old swimwear! It’s a unique experience, though, and feels very natural and therapeutic.
Follow the winding roads to Gelso, a charming area with a black-sand beach and the waterfront Trattoria Da Pina, also known as Trattoria Dai Maniaci, for a meal. For breathtaking sea views, book a stay at Therasia Resort, located near the extinct Vulcanello. The ferry from Milazzo is frequent, making it an accessible day trip or a destination for a longer stay.
Ponza
Ponza is the largest of the Pontine Islands, situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea between Rome and Naples. It remains relatively unknown to many international travelers, which adds to its appeal. Brightly painted houses cling to the cliffs above a lively harbor. The island’s hilly terrain makes the local bus a convenient option for reaching scenic trails that wind through fragrant vegetation to hidden bays and coves. I found the bus system quite reliable, though sometimes crowded. It’s always a good idea to check the schedule, especially outside of peak summer months.
The stunning Spiaggia di Frontone, a pebbly crescent of clear water framed by rocks, is easily reached by a taxi boat from the port. For accommodation, Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla offers a private beach club, while Acquapazza is a great spot for fresh seafood with a view. Ferries depart from Anzio and take about 80 minutes to reach Ponza, making it a feasible excursion from the mainland.
Procida
Often overshadowed by its famous neighbors Capri and Ischia, the small island of Procida offers a more laid-back charm with its lemon groves, pastel-hued fishing villages, and unhurried pace. Ferries from Naples and Pozzuoli arrive at Marina Grande, a lively port filled with shops and restaurants. The true highlight, however, is Corricella, a picturesque jumble of candy-colored houses famous from “The Talented Mr. Ripley.” Climbing to Terra Murata offers spectacular panoramic water views. I love getting lost in the narrow alleyways here; the colors are so vibrant, and it feels very authentic. You can easily spend hours just wandering and taking photos.
Explore the island’s relatively flat terrain by scooter or bike, easily rented from Sprint near the port. After a day of exploring, unwind at La Casa sul Mare, which offers airy accommodations with sea views. For dinner, savor seafood pastas at Da Mariano. The ferry journey from Naples or Pozzuoli is quite short, making it an easily accessible escape.
La Maddalena
La Maddalena, the largest island in Sardinia’s archipelago of the same name, is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Palau. Despite its proximity, it feels worlds away from the glitz of the nearby Costa Smeralda. Its rocky coastline, tinged with pink, frames some of the clearest turquoise waters in the Mediterranean, best enjoyed on a boat tour. The island’s main town is a bustling port with shops, bars, and restaurants. A short bridge connects it to Caprera, home to the former residence of Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi and beautiful, pristine beaches. I found the boat tours from La Maddalena island itself to be fantastic for seeing the smaller, uninhabited islets and swimming in secluded bays.
For accommodation, Grand Hotel Resort Ma&Ma offers adults-only rooms, a spa, and convenient access to the archipelago. The ferry from Palau is frequent, and the journey is quick and scenic.
Elba
Elba, the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, offers a rich blend of history, culture, and beautiful beaches, accessible by an hour-long ferry from Piombino. Napoleon Bonaparte’s former villas are significant historical sights, along with the ruins of a Roman villa and Portoferraio’s Forte Stella. Between exploring historical sites, relax on the sweeping bay at Biodola or discover hidden coves accessible only by boat or on foot. Taking the cable car from Marciana Alta to Monte Capanne provides views stretching as far as Corsica, a truly memorable experience, especially for the kids.
Enjoy gelato in Portoferraio, Marciana Marina, or Capoliveri after a day of sightseeing. For a romantic stay, Hotel Ilio offers a beautiful seafront suite above Sant’Andrea Beach, surrounded by gardens. The ferry from Piombino is frequent and accommodates vehicles, making it easy to explore the island at your own pace.
Ischia
Just an hour by ferry from Naples, Ischia offers a more tranquil experience than its famous neighbor, Capri. Baia di Sorgeto is a hidden gem, a rocky cove in the southern village of Panza, featuring natural infinity pools warmed by volcanic springs that flow into the sea. While Baia di Sorgeto feels wonderfully secluded, other hot springs on the island, like Negombo and Giardini Poseidon, are more popular and can be quite crowded. It’s wise to visit these major attractions earlier in the day to avoid the peak crowds, especially if you have young children with you.
After a relaxing soak, head to Sant’Angelo, a charming car-free fishing village with boutiques, seaside cafes, and lovely views. Alternatively, unwind on the nearby Maronti Beach. Accommodation options range from the cliff-top Mezzatorre Hotel and San Montano Resort & Spa to Regina Isabella Resort and the garden-filled Villa Ravino.
Are you ready to discover Italy’s hidden islands?