Do you like what you saw? Do you wish to see this irresistibly inviting Italian islands and more of similar places in the world?
If yes, then, you have the eyes of a special breed of travellers who can recognize aesthetics and go towards such incredible beautiful places in the world.
The picture above is of Procida, an Italian island located in the Tyrrhenian Sea that hosts several such fantastic islands that will not let you leave them. They have such power over their tourists.
Before venturing further, let us have a look at the seas where these gorgeous islands are floating.
- Adriatic Sea on the east
- Ionian Sea on the south
- Tyrrhenian Sea on the west
Tyrrhenian Sea is an arm of the charming Mediterranean Sea.
Note:
I guess you would not have heard of the 7 Italian islands that you will come to know about in this article. These Italian islands are overshadowed by several of their siblings that include Sicily, Sardinia, Corsica, Capri, Ischia, etc
In spite of Rome’s imposing cathedrals, and museums, piazzas of Venice, and Milan, art galleries of Florence, the food and wine all over the country, the extraordinary beauty of Amalfi Coast, the enchanting towns along the celebrated Italian Riviera, the Italian islands draw nearly 20 million tourists every year.
Explore the 7 Inviting and Irresistible Italian Islands!
Let me expose you to the 7 gems of Italian Islands that are less crowded.
-
La Maddalena Islands
There is a group of Italian Islands between Corsica Island (France) and Sardinia. This archipelago is called Maddalena. La Maddalena is one of the communes of this chain of Italian Islands.
The moment you hit the beach on this island, you will realize you have set afoot on a paradise on earth.
If you have the time and budget, from La Maddalena, you can visit as many as 30 islands and islets.
A boat tour is irresistible because the water is startlingly green. Naturally, you would want to touch the water.
You can reach La Maddalena by a ferry from the northern shore town (Palau) of Sardinia. The distance is only 2 km to cross the Strait of Bonifacio.
There is a beautiful public square here and is called Piazza Comando.
-
Caprera
People come as close as to Sardinia or La Maddelena but unfortunately ignore its neighbor Caprera Island in the Mediterranean Sea.
Caprera Island is part of Maddelana archipelago.
Reaching Caprera:
You can walk to this island in Italy! Yes, it is connected by bridge over the sea, connecting Caprera and Le Maddalena Islands. The road bridge is only 600 meters long. Your car is allowed to cross over.
Caprera is known for extremely beautiful beaches. The image above shows the CalaNapoletana Beach. Other great beches include:
- Cala Serena
- CalaAndreani
- Spiaggia del Relitto
Marine lives around this island are said to be precious and thus highly protected.
Giuseppe Garibaldi spent his last years on this island. His home is now converted into a museum.
The island is full of wild goats, after which, the island is named.
These goats look wild, really!
Another easily spotted wildlife is the Royal Seagull.
Sailboat tours are arranged by your hotel travel desk.
Day trip to Caprera:
If you are staying in Santorini or La Maddelena, you can plan a day trip to Caprera. The island’s coves and beaches should not be missed.
-
Levanzo
I think visiting the Stone Age cave where you can see some graffiti on the rocks is probably the only thing to do on this Italian Islamd.
Did you notice the strange rock formation as the tourists trudged the rugged path up to the cave?
In addition, the view of the blue Mediterranean Sea from the cliffs is truly amazing.
If you ever wished to visit a sparsely populated and sunny Italian Island where there are no roads, where you can happily chat with the permanent residents on their life, food, and the seabirds and about their daily catch from the sea, then, Levanzo should be your target.
You can easily dash to this Italian island when you go to Sicily.
Levanzo is lying at a short distance (22 km) from Trapani, an important port city in Sicily’s western coast.
Trapani city itself is not far from Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Just a little more than 100 km separates them.
Reaching Levanzo Island:
The ferry ride from Trapani takes about 40 minutes.
Three beaches will steal your heart and may even beg you to stay near them.
- Faraglione Beach
- CalaMinnola Beach
- Capo Grosso Beach
There is a non-functioning lighthouse in Capo Grosso beach.
If you are a scuba diver and have the necessary accessories with you, you can dive off the beach of CalaMinnola. There is a submarine shipwreck, and some historic sites of the Roman era.
This is the port where there is a resort and a guest house (CalaDogana guest house) that offer boarding and lodging.
Just spend a relaxed forenoon, gazing at the Mediterranean, and get back to Trapani or Palermo.
-
Marettimo
It is one of the Italian islands that is floating in the Mediterranean Sea. Here is the location map of the island.
As you can see, Marettimo is not far from Sicily. It is only an hour’s sea passage from Trapani by ferry.
The island is mountainous and situated in an exalted position (2250 feet). On the mountain, there is a remnant of a defence structure called Casa Romano. It acted as an observation post for the Romans.
The rare flora species might invite flora enthusiasts. If you want to know about the fauna of the island, it includes mostly goats, donkeys, horses, and rabbits.
Of course, the ubiquitous and noisy seagulls are seen in large numbers.
The small port is devoid of a beach. A few caves, some of them can be accessed only through boats, attract tourists from Trapani and Favigana Island.
Staying options on Marettimo Islands:
There are more hotels to serve a few visitors that go to the island daily. Hotel ScaloVecchio is looking good with great view of the sea.
More than 10 places are on the island to eat, but only 3 are highly recommended.
They are:
- Al Carrubo
- La Scaletta
- PirataRistorante
Marettimo Island is really a paradise for relaxing, and to enjoy the atmosphere of an island without crowd.
-
Isola del Giglio
Simply call it Giglio Island that belongs to Italy. It is floating in Tyrrhenian Sea.
It is near the Tuscan region in Central Italy. It’s an island possessing stunningly beautiful bays and cove-shaped beaches. They are easily understood as semicircular bays with negligible waves.
The lighthouse on an elevated grassy plateau is a good place to visit and take photographs. You can make it look like you are standing on the edge of the world.
One of the best sights on this Italian island is the Archipelago Toscano National Park that aims to protect the marine creatures off the water of the following islands near Giglio.
- Montecristo
- Pianosa
- Elba
- Capra
- Gorgonaia
ArenellaBeach, and Canelle Beach are the two most visited beaches on this elevated island overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Ferries take you to Giglio Island from the port town of Santo Stefano.
The island’s pine forests attract visitors from Tuscany. In addition, you can see quite a few vineyards that produce a local wine called Ansonaco.
The island has enough hotels to serve the tourists that arrive mainly from Tuscany and Elba, a popular island where Napoleon Bonaparte was held as a prisoner.
The island’s unspoiled beaches, wonderful water, and cheap accommodation, make it a wonderful island escape.
-
San Domino
It looks fresh, clean, and calm. This little-known island is located in Adriatic Sea. The island is very small, measuring just one sq. km area.
San Domino is part of the Tremiti Islands archipelago that has 4 more islands in its chain.
In spite of its size, you have a few hotels to stay and some cafés that serve unbelievably fresh seafood.
The Greeks call these islands as Diamond Islands, named after the clear, green, sparkling water.
When you go to San Domino, you can pay a visit to its siblings namely:
- San Nichola
- Pianosa
- Cretaccio
- Capraia
Reaching the Tremiti archipelago.
Ferries ply between Termoli and San Domino. A few more towns also offer sea passage, but Termoli port is much dependable.
The voyage takes about 75 minutes only and the ride is said to be enjoyable, and picturesque.
In addition, there is a coastal town called Foggia. From there, Alidaunia air operates helicopter to San Domino. In just 20 minutes, you can reach San Domino Island.
Gargano National Park was carved out of Foggia, and the Tremiti Islands mainly to preserve the islands’ ecology, pristine pine forest, and the marine lives.
Around 500 people live in these 5 Italian islands. I am sure; interacting with them will be informative regarding the geography of this part of Italy.
CalaMatano Beach is where; you will be joining the locals and other tourists in the evening.
Organized boat tour of the Tremiti islands should not be ignored. You will be taken to some hidden, but breathtaking coves, and grottos.
- CaladelleArene Beach
Oh, this is beautiful. Surely, we will miss this beach with amenities if we don’t join the tour of San Domino and other4 islands.
- San Domino Beach
- Pagliaio Beach
- CaladegliIndesi Beach
Ferry Scanner recommends NaviTremiti tour operator for dependable services.
-
Pantelleria Island
The well-populated Pantelleria Island is seen close to the west of Sicily. It is known for its subterranean volcanic nature.
Consequently, there are several fumaroles, and hot springs.
Fumeroles are venting fumes from the earth.
Reaching this well-visited island is easy from Palermo and Trapani. Ferries get you to the islands in two and a half hour.
In addition, the island is equipped with an airport. It receives flights from Palermo. The flying duration is 45 minutes.
It is surprising to read that this island produces wine that tastes very sweet.
