I've Lived in Italy for Over 40 Years—These Are the Most Beautiful Islands No One Talks About

Travel + Leisure

a day ago

Everyone's heard of Sicily, Sardinia, and fashionable Capri, but when it comes to enchanting islands, Italy has much more to offer than the usual headline acts. And few people realize that the country's coastline is actually peppered with over 350 idyllic islands, from picture-perfect Favignana to car-free Panarea to rugged Marettimo.
Some islands are remote and hard to reach, while others require less effort. Some are chic, while others are laid-back and rustic. One word of warning, though: Italians adore their islands and make a beeline for them during their summer holidays. So, if you don't want to share your slice of paradise with lots of others, avoid traveling there in July and August. If true solitude is what you're seeking, visit during the winter months—you may be the only visitor.
Here are some of the most underrated islands in Italy.
Favignana
Favignana Lighthouse at dusk.
FrancescoAn hour's ferry ride from Trapani, Sicily, butterfly-shaped Favignana—known for its jagged shoreline, sandy beaches like Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, and hidden coves lapped by impossibly clear Tyrrhenian waters—is the largest of the three Egadi Islands. Hire a small boat from the port (Capitan Sinagra is a good bet) to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe, then explore on land by scooter (rentals available from Brezza Marina). When hunger calls, head to Osteria del Sotto Sale for fresh seafood and pasta before retreating to Dimora dell'Olivastro, a tranquil guesthouse set among olive groves.
Marettimo
Aerial view of a village on Marettimo island.The most remote of the Egadi Islands, tiny Marettimo—accessible via ferry from Trapani—remains delightfully rustic thanks to its limited accessibility, near absence of cars, and lack of large hotels. The main (and only) town has a cluster of whitewashed, blue-shuttered buildings by a shabby port. Here, travelers spend their days swimming, snorkeling, or diving in the surrounding protected waters, exploring sea caves and grottos, or hiking fragrant trails. Marettimo Residence, an eco-friendly aparthotel with sea views, offers an excellent home base for exploring.
Salina
Lingua coastline on Salina.The middle 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 as the central hub—and the best place to hire a boat for exploring by sea. Days here are blissfully simple: swimming in crystal-clear waters off pebbly beaches, lingering over fresh seafood, and taking in sweeping views. Don't miss the lemon granita at Da Alfredo in Lingua, dinner on the waterfront terrace of Porto Bello, and a stay at the luxe Capofaro Resort. To reach the island, take the ferry from Milazzo via Lipari (about 90 minutes). It's also accessible via ports in Sicily, Palermo, and Naples.
Panarea
White buildings on the coast of Panarea.
RogerWith its whitewashed lanes and bougainvillea-draped terraces, Panarea is the definition of barefoot luxury. One of the easternmost Aeolian Islands, it's reachable only by ferry from Naples, Milazzo, Messina, or Reggio Calabria. Cars are banned, so visitors get around on foot or by golf cart; however, the island is arguably best explored by boat. Rent one from Sea Panarea to discover hidden coves, sea caves, and the nearby islets of Basiluzzo and Lisca before settling in for sunset Negronis at the see-and-be-seen Bar del Porto. Nights often end at Hotel Raya, famed for its rooftop cocktails and late-night soirées.
Pantelleria
Agricultural terraces on Pantelleria.
Grey Zone/Adobe Stock
Closer to Tunisia than mainland Italy, Pantelleria is a remote volcanic island dotted with traditional dammusi, thick-walled, domed stone dwellings built to keep out the heat. Its rugged landscape is shaped by geothermal activity, with fumaroles, mud baths, and natural saunas in place of sandy beaches. Don't miss the cave-like Grotta del Bagno Asciutto, where steam rises from the earth, or a glass of the island's famed sweet dessert wine, Zibibbo. Reserve a room at Sikelia, built around a group of typical dammusi, where the mud treatments at the spa alone are worth a stay, and dine at La Nicchia for swordfish with tomatoes, olives, and capers. Pantelleria is reachable by plane from Palermo or Trapani (it's about a 30 to 45-minute ride).
Vulcano
A hiker on Vulcano.About an hour ferry ride from Milazzo, Vulcano lures visitors with its active volcano, Gran Cratere, and open-air mud baths just steps from the port, where bathers slather on the mineral-rich goodness before rinsing in the sea. Beyond the shore, rent a Mehari to explore the island's lush interior, where goats roam the mountainside. Then, follow the winding roads to Gelso, home to a black-sand beach and the waterfront Trattoria Da Pina, also referred to as Trattoria Dai Maniaci. Finally, for sweeping sea views, book a stay at coastal Therasia Resort near the extinct Vulcanello.
Ponza
A woman on a remote nature path on Ponza.The largest of the Pontine Islands, Ponza sits in the Tyrrhenian Sea between Rome and Naples, and remains largely under the radar for most international travelers. Brightly painted houses cling to cliffs above the bustling harbor, and the island's hilly terrain makes the local bus the easiest way to reach scenic trails that wind through scented vegetation to hidden bays and coves. The stunning Spiaggia di Frontone, a pebbly crescent of clear water framed by rocks, is easily reached by taxi boat from the port. Stay at Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla, which boasts its own beach club, and dine at Acquapazza for fresh-caught seafood with a view. Ferries from Anzio take about 80 minutes.
Procida
Marina di Corricell on Procida.
Frank Fell/robertharding/Getty Images
Often overlooked 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 pace. Ferries from Naples and Pozzuoli disembark at bustling Marina Grande, lined with shops and restaurants, but the real draw is Corricella, a jumble of candy-colored houses made famous in "The Talented Mr. Ripley." Climb to the fortified Terra Murata for panoramic water views, then explore the flat terrain by scooter or bike from Sprint near the port. After a day in the sun, unwind at La Casa sul Mare, where airy accomodations offer sea views, and linger over plates of seafood pastas at Da Mariano.
La Maddalena
A secluded beach on La Maddalena.
Salvatore/Adobe Stock
La Maddalena, the largest of Sardinia's namesake archipelago, is just a 20-minute ferry ride from Palau but feels far removed from the flash of the nearby Costa Smeralda. Its pink-tinged rocky shoreline frames some of the clearest turquoise waters in the Mediterranean, best experienced via boat tour. The island's sole town is a lively port with shops, bars, and restaurants, while a short bridge connects it to Caprera, home to Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi's former residence and pristine beaches. Base yourself at Grand Hotel Resort Ma&Ma, which offers adults-only accommodations, a spa, and easy access to the archipelago.
Elba
Fetovaia beach on Elba Island.Elba, the largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, offers a mix of history, culture, and postcard-worthy beaches—and it's only an hour ferry ride from Piombino. Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled here in 1814, and his villas remain among the island's top sights, along 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 seek out hidden coves only reachable by boat or on foot. From Marciana Alta, ride the cable car to Monte Capanne for views as far as Corsica, then unwind with gelato in Portoferraio, Marciana Marina, or Capoliveri. For a romantic base, book the standalone seafront suite at the boutique Hotel Ilio, set above Sant'Andrea Beach and surrounded by gardens.
Ischia
Just an hour by ferry from Naples, Ischia offers a quieter charm than nearby Capri, and Baia di Sorgeto is its hidden crown jewel. Tucked into the southern village of Panza, this rocky cove is home to natural infinity pools warmed by volcanic springs that spill into the sea. While Baia di Sorgeto feels blissfully under the radar, other hot springs on the island—such as Negombo and Giardini Poseidon—are more popular and, chances are, far more crowded. After your soak, head to Sant'Angelo, a car-free fishing village with boutiques, seaside cafés, and sweeping views, or unwind on nearby Maronti Beach. Accommodation options abound, from the cliff-top Mezzatorre Hotel and San Montano Resort & Spa to Regina Isabella Resort and the garden-filled Villa Ravino.