If you ever wondered where Italians want to take a quiet getaway or a fabulous vacation, wonder no more. They know to escape the mainland and head to the country’s greatest islands. From the crystal blue waters of Mediterranean coves to charming fishing villages near active volcanoes, island escapes off the coast of Italy are the perfect destinations to fulfill your vacation dreams. Whether you’re looking for five star luxury or total disconnection for digital detox, Italy’s over 400 islands offer pristine beaches, rich culture and untouched parts of the beautiful country. While Sicily, Sardinia, and Capri are well known Italian islands, there is so much more to explore. Here are 5 lesser known Italian islands that make for the perfect island vacation:
Ponza
Located off the coast of the Lazio region in Italy, Ponza is the largest island of the Italian Pontine Islands archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its was derived from the Latin word, “Pontia”, which means bridge as Ponza has many natural bridges. The surrounding Pontine islands are Palmarola, and Zannone in a western cluster and Ventotene and Santo Stefano in an eastern group. While some call the island “Capri without the tourists,” Ponza has a population of nearly 3,500 and a mythological tie to Homer and Sorceress, Circe. Ponza is made up of steep white cliffs, sapphire blue waters, caves, grottoes, botanical gardens and an underground labyrinth of Roman tunnels. Ponza was a Roman port and colony which was constructed to control the central Tyrrhenian Sea and during the reign of the Roman Empire, nobles had built vacation villas on the island.
San Domino
San Domino Island is a secret piece of paradise with an immaculate coastline. This fantastic island is part of Arcipelago Tremiti consisting of five islands located in the Gargano National Park in the Adriatic Sea. The Tremiti islands consist of diverse grottoes, caves, coves, and the enchanting Aleppo pine woods. The island’s only sandy beach, Cala delle Arene, has an adjacent cove, Grotta del Arene, where you can swim and enjoy calm clear waters. The largest grotto, Grotta del Bue Marino, is idyllic for divers looking to explore the undersea world. Cars are not allowed on the Tremiti islands but each island is small enough to walk on foot and slowly enjoy your surroundings. Alternatively, there is local public transportation with buses connecting the port of San Domino with the central part of town.
Favignana
Situated off the northwestern coast of Sicily, Favignana is one of the three Egadi islands famous for their tuna fisheries and ancient fishing techniques. Considered a summertime dream, Favignana continues to be a stunning, popular and treasured jewel amongst Italians with clear saltwater blues that rival any Caribbean. This gorgeous island, once called “Aegusa” meaning “goat island” in Greek, has caves of calcarenite rock, fields of cows, and several beaches where you’ll find divers, snorkelers and sailboat enthusiasts. Famous spots around the island include Cala Azzurra - a prominent cove of rock paths, limestone cliffs, shallow blue waters and white sand, Lido Burrone and the most renowned coastline called Cala Rossa Cove which is a natural bay of crystal clear waters.
Elba
The biggest island of the Tuscan archipelago and the third largest in Italy, Elba is situated between the Tyrrhennian and Ligurian Sea. The island is also part of the National Park of the Tuscan Archipelago - the largest marine park in Europe. Elba has a history that dates back to pre-Roman times. This island is the largest remaining stretch of land from the ancient route that once connected the Italian peninsula to Corsica, France. It is also famous around the world for being the site of French Emperor Napoleon’s exile in 1814. What makes Elba so special is that it’s filled with pine groves, steep cliffs, hidden bays, coves, vineyards, preserved medieval villages, hilltop towns and castles. Outdoors enthusiasts can enjoy diving and snorkeling in the alluring sea or spend time on land hiking, mountain biking or indulging in complete relaxation at the thermal baths of San Giovanni.
La Maddalena
Located in northeastern Sardinia, the archipelago of La Maddalena is quite possibly one of the most magnificent parts of this planet. Made up of 62 islands with the official title of The National Park of the Archipelago of La Maddalena, this protected paradise is home to some of the most glorious parts of nature. Activities include adventurous hikes to sunbathing on white-sand beaches and it’s a fantastic location for seeking out secluded spots to enjoy turquoise waters and scuba diving. Along with the islands’ historical connection to Giuseppe Garibaldi and a number of centuries-old fortifications, La Maddalena is a complete destination for anyone looking for spectacular beaches in Italy and some of the cleanest and clearest water. The most well known part of the archipelago is Costa Smeralda where there is an active yacht scene for those who enjoy sailing out to heavenly lagoons like the Porto della Madonna, and the islands' deserted beaches only accessible by boat, and stops for lunch at one of the islands' waterside trattorias.
Arianna DiCicco
Arianna DiCicco is an educator and writer from California, born into an Italian American restaurant family with strong ties to her grandparents’ home in Abruzzo, Italy. She has lived in San Francisco, Rome and New York City where she’s made deep connections within the Italian communities and gained new perspectives about her own culture. With a Masters in International Education, Arianna has a love and passion for learning and educating others about Italian history & culture.