7 spectacular lesser-known Italian islands
The boot-shaped Italian peninsula is almost entirely surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, so its no surprise that the country has a lot of islands. Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, and Venice are probably the most well-known Italian islands, but there are many others worth visiting that dont get as much press. Some are an ideal beach destination, while others offer fantastic food or a rich history or opportunities for adventure. In geographic order from north to south, here are seven spectacular Italian islands we recommend, and why you should visit:
Isola Bella, Lake Maggiore
A tiny island in the alpine Lake Maggiore (next to Lake Como), Isola Bella is easily reached by a short ferry ride from the town of Stresa. Famous for its 17th century Palace and gorgeous gardens, a few hours will suffice for a visit. Its easy to visit the other nearby islands, Isola Pescatore and Isola Madre, in the same day. All three islands have wonderful options for lunch. These islands make up the Borromean islands, named because they belong to the Borromeo family. Visit for: scenery, history, gardens, lunch.
Torcello Island, Venice
One of the islands of the Venetian Lagoon, Torcello is about a 45-minute boat ride from bustling Venice. Its a wonderful place to soak up a quiet atmosphere and understand more about the origins of Venice. Inhabited since the 5th century, today travelers can visit Torcellos Basilica (with amazing mosaics!) and the archaeological museum. For lunch, choose from four restaurants in the small town center, or have a picnic behind the Basilica. Only a dozen permanent residents keep the islands tourism economy running. Include this quiet island in a Lagoon tour that also includes the glass-blowing island of Murano, and the island next door, Burano, which is famous for its lace production and colorful painted houses. Visit for: history, quiet, off the beaten track.
Elba Island, Tuscany
The largest island in the Tuscan archipelago, Elba is famous as the location of Napoleons year-long exile in 1814. Even though its only an hours ferry ride from the Italian mainland, Elba is more than a day trip. The island has several towns and lots to do. Its a fantastic beach destination, is crisscrossed with hiking paths and cycling routes, and attracts lots of bird watchers. Visit for: beaches, water sports, history, hiking, cycling, food.
La Maddalena Archipelago, Sardinia
The La Maddalena Archipelago is a small group of islands off Sardinias northeast corner. Easily reached by a short ferry from the Sardinian town of Palau, La Maddalena is a fantastic place to relax and unwind. Rent bicycles to get around, go snorkeling or SCUBA diving, spend time at the beach, and enjoy the incredible local food. Rent a boat for a day and explore the other islands of the archipelago, or stop on nearby Corsica for a few hours (just to say you went to France for the day!). Go for a walk in the natural reserve on Caprera island (named because of its many goats – capra in Italian), which is connected to Maddalena by a bridge. Visit for: beaches, water sports, scenery, food.
Ponza Island
For travelers who want to an off the beaten track island vacation, but dont want to travel to Sardinia or Sicily, Ponza is an ideal fit. Home to small fishing villages and beautiful beaches, its also a relatively short ferry ride from Rome or Naples. Last time we sent Italy Beyond the Obvious travelers to Ponza, they commented that they were the only English native speakers on the island. In addition to beaches, Ponza has Etruscan and Roman archaeological ruins, pretty walking trails, and a good selection of hotels and restaurants. Visit for: beaches, food, history, off the beaten path.
Ischia Island, Amalfi Coast
This under-the-radar island is overshadowed by its famous neighbor, the crowded and glitzy island of Capri. Ischias rich history dates back to the 8th century BC, and travelers today can explore the Aragonese Castle or visit the La Mortella or Villa Ravino gardens. Known for its natural hot springs and volcanic mud, Ischia is home to many thermal spas, also making it an excellent cold weather destination. The island has great hotels and restaurants, cute fishing villages, and even produces local wine. Visit for: beaches, thermal waters, history, food & wine, off the beaten path.
Stromboli Island, Sicily
Part of the group of Aeolian Islands off Sicily, the island of Stromboli is also an active volcano. Its not easy to get to, however: getting there requires some planning. Adventure-seekers or hikers will love the climb to the top of the volcano with a professional guide (you are not allowed to go on your own). Hikers summit in the dark, accompanied by the volcanic fire spitting into the sky at regular intervals. The island has a small town with a few hotels, or visitors can stay in luxury hotels on other nearby islands such as Lipari or Panarea. Visit for: hiking, adventure travel, scenery, unique experiences, off the beaten path.
Madeline Jhawar is Owner of Italy Beyond the Obvious.
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Hi! You suggest that Elba deserves more than a day to see it. How long do you think one should go for to get a really good feel for what it has on offer.
I love islands and like the idea of really getting to see a place.
Hi Jane, It depends on what you want to do. Many people go to Elba for a week on holiday, but Italians go for a weekend or a long weekend so 3-4 days.
Isola Bella worths a visit, I know this area very well because my mum lives in Cannobio and I had the possibility to go there many times. Don’t forget the other islands too: Isola Madre is smaller and more quiet, you access the big gardens directly when you get off the ferry, then you can visit the palace on the Island too. Isola Pescatori is different with some more shops and restaurants. I could visit Stromboli too, I did not climb the volcano but we could see it from the boat, it was spewing in the night.
Staying on the mainland but having the option to visit some of the islands as day trips would be a good way to pack more in during a week or two. Would you recommend that, or rather staying on one of the islands like Elba? I’m not sure how prices would compare either. I love the look of Elba Island and Ischia Island in particular. It’s hard to grasp how big either of them are but they seem to have plenty to do that you could easily stay there rather than the mainland. I’ve only been to Italy once many many years ago but sadly it was a pretty limited visit and we never got to see any islands. If I go again one day that’s what I would want to do to actually explore more because there’s so much on offer there.
Elba is big and you could easily stay a week. Ischia is smaller and could be done as a day trip, although it has very nice thermal springs. Elba is also much less touristy, mainly because Ischia is off the Amalfi Coast which is much more touristy. That said, Ischia is much less touristy compared to nearby Capri. Also, there are other islands to visit in the Tuscan archipelago near Elba, so you could stay on Elba and use that as a base, and visit some of the other islands.