When it comes to islands in Italy, you are spoilt for choice. Ideal if you’re looking for a beach break, a hiking holiday, or some rest and relaxation, there is something for everyone. Read on to find out our tips and tricks for an Italian escape.
Well-known islands in Italy
With over 450 islands in Italy, it can be hard to work out which ones to visit. Some of the better known Italian islands are Sicily and Sardinia, which happen to be the largest and most populated ones, too. With easy access and great offerings, it’s easy to see why they are so popular. If you’re thinking of a trip to one of these islands, read on to find out more.
Sicily
Always a family favourite, Sicily kicks off the list of islands to visit in Italy. Consisting of nearly 10,000 square miles, it’s the largest Mediterranean island. With a range of great tourist attractions, there are enough interesting things to keep you and your travelling party occupied for days on end. With seven UNESCO World Heritage sSites to indulge in, such as the Archaeological Area of Agrigento and Villa Romana del Casale, you’ll be able to fill your days with wonder and astonishment.
For those wanting to take advantage of the Mediterranean climate, there are also popular beaches that are sure to make a splash with your kids. For a fun-filled day by the sea, head to Cefalu Beach, which boasts a rustic town, crystal clear waters, and the possibility to go kayaking. If you’re after more peace and quiet, head to Bue Marino Beach, where you can enjoy a quiet afternoon dip with very few other beachgoers around.
If you want to indulge yourself in local culture, then check out Cous Cous Fest, at San Vito Lo Capo. A festival dedicated to (you guessed it) couscous, you’ll be able to try a range of mouth-watering cuisines. There are also concerts and shows after sunset, which you can attend free of charge. This festival goes on for 10 days during September and is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
Best time to visit: From May to June or September to October.
Sardinia
Another popular island in Italy for holidaymakers is Sardinia. An island that has its own language, cuisines, and traditions, you’ll be forgiven for thinking that you’re not in Italy. Famous for its white beaches and crystal-clear waters, it’s one of the top destinations in Italy for beachgoers.
Brandinchi Beach is one of the most popular beaches, known locally as ‘Little Tahiti’. It’s a great beach if you’re travelling with young children, as the waters are shallow and there are plenty of places to get some shade amongst the surrounding pine trees. If you’re searching for the perfect snorkelling spot, then look no further than Capriccioli Beach, which offers an abundance of marine life for you to explore.
If you want to escape the heat on the beach, then head to the island’s capital, Cagliari, where you can enjoy the hilltop walled castle. Only a short journey from here, you’ll find more history in the ancient city of Nora, where Romans once traded. The Festival of Sant’Efisio is also a great event to attend if you’re in Cagliari during May. It consists of an epic feast, a parade and lots of music.
Best time to visit: Between June and August.
Must-see islands in Italy
Amongst all the islands in Italy, it can be hard to work out which ones are unmissable. Both the Venetian Islands and Ischia should be on your list, with both offering beaches, history, and great architecture.
Venetian Islands
Whilst the city is connected to the mainland by a causeway, Venice is made up of over 100 small islands. Four islands are of specific interest to tourists, which can only be reached by boat. Lido, which boasts Europe’s first beach resort, is a great place for visitors to take a beach break away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The beach is great for families, too, with the waters being calm and relatively shallow.
Murano and Burano islands are famous for glassblowing and lace-making respectively, two Venetian traditions that date back centuries. On each island, you can enjoy quaint walks along the canals, stopping along the way at cute cafes and restaurants. On Murano, you should visit the Murano Glass Museum to understand more about the history of the tradition. On Burano, the Lace Museum offers similar insight into the history of this ancient art.
Torcello is another important detached island – it was the original site of Venice. Little remains nowadays of the once vibrant town; however, the cathedral, which dates back to the 7th century, is of particular interest to history and architecture lovers. The mosaics inside the cathedral date back to the 11th century and are the earliest mosaics left in Venice.
Best time to visit: All year, but May to August offers the best weather.
Ischia
Another of the must-see islands in Italy is Ischia, which is in the Gulf of Naples. It’s an island which once attracted the ancient Greeks and Romans due to its hot springs. Now, it’s a popular tourist attraction for its great beaches and breath-taking gardens. A popular place to head if you want to combine all three of these elements is Spiaggia di Citara, which is home to the Poseidon Thermal Gardens and a beach with crystal clear waters.
When you’re visiting Ischia, heading to Castello Aragonese d’Ischia should also be high on your itinerary. This romantic medieval castle is connected to the main island by a stone bridge. Once you’re on the islet you can explore the ancient buildings, such as churches, prisons and cemeteries. If you’re up to the challenge of hiking to the top of the islet, you’ll be rewarded with some great views, too.
If you’re visiting Ischia during July, check out the Vinischia festival, which is dedicated to food, wine and regional crafts. An annual event that happens at Ischia Ponte, it’s a great place to immerse yourself in local traditions and cuisines. To get to Ischia, you need to take a boat from Naples, which takes in the region of 1 hour.
Best time to visit: Between June and August.
Islands in Italy: hidden gems
If you’re after an island that’s more off the beaten track, then you’ll love this list of hidden gem islands for you to visit. Both Procida and Capri are at the top of the list of lesser-known islands in Italy that are perfect for a family holiday.
Procida
Located close by Ischia and easily missed is the island of Procida. This island is perfect for a day trip, or longer if you prefer, from either Naples or Ischia. One of the most interesting things to do on the island is a hike around one of the walking trails that follow the coastline. These offer stunning views of the rest of the island, including the colourful 17th-century fishermen’s houses.
You can also enjoy a relaxed beach day on this island, with there being a range of child-friendly beaches to visit. Head to Libera della Chiaiolella Beach, which has calm and shallow waters that are great for young kids. There is also a range of restaurants and amenities close by, which makes this a great place to soak up some sun.
History fans can take a visit to d’Avalos Palace, which was built in the 16th century and housed the island governors up until the 1700s. After this, the palace became a prison for over 150 years. Nowadays, the tourist attraction is one of the most popular places to visit on the island. Similar to Ischia, you can only get to the island by ferry, which takes about 30 minutes from Naples and about 25 minutes from Ischia.
Best time to visit: Between June and August.
Capri
Perhaps not a complete hidden gem but off the radar of many tourists nonetheless is the island of Capri. This island in Italy is the perfect place for couples to visit, with it oozing romantic vibes everywhere you go. One of the most popular things you can do whilst visiting Capri is take a boat trip to the Blue Grotto caves, which have luminous blue water as a result of the reflecting daylight from outside. An alternative boat trip is to the iconic rock formations of Faraglioni, where you can enjoy sublime views whilst travelling through a natural arch in the rocks.
For those that want their hit of history, Villa Jovis is a must-see as well. Once a grand Roman palace, the remains now offer a stunning insight into medieval life. The island also offers some great walking opportunities, with some of the hikes being particularly challenging. If you want to enjoy the views but struggle with mobility, one option is to take the chairlift up to the summit of Mount Solaro.
During the first week of August, you can attend the annual International Folklore Festival, too, which gives you an opportunity to enjoy a range of traditional music and dancing. Alternatively, every December or January, The Capri Hollywood International Film Festival showcases a selection of international films for you to enjoy. To get to Capri, you’ll need to take a ferry from Naples, with the journey taking around 45 minutes.
Best time to visit: From April to mid-June and September to mid-October.
Islands in Italy: the best of the rest
With so many great islands in Italy, it’s hard to refer to them all. There are some though that just can’t be left off the list. If you’re after something a bit different, then check out Elba Island and the Aeolian Islands below.
Elba
If you’re looking for islands in Italy that offer rest and relaxation, then look no further than Elba. A beautiful spot between Corsica and Tuscany, the island can be reached from Piombino, on the mainland, in about 40 minutes. Elba is very popular for its stunning beaches, where you can enjoy crystal clear waters and a calm atmosphere. Sansone Beach is one of the recommended places to visit if you’re looking to disconnect for a short while.
Elba also has some great nature, such as Parco Nazionale dell’Arcipelago Toscano, which boasts seven small islands, numerous hiking paths, and jaw-dropping scenery. Alternatively, you could take a hike (or chairlift) up to the summit of Mount Capanne, where you’ll get panoramic views around the island.
During the first weekend of October, there is the annual Grape Festival, where neighbourhoods are transformed into a chosen historical theme. During the festival, visitors can gain insight into the traditional trades and crafts of bygone years. This really is a top event and one worth timing your trip around if you’re not visiting during the peak season.
Best time to visit: Between May and September.
Aeolian Islands
Last, but certainly not least, is the Aeolian Islands, also known as the Lipari Islands. These are a group of seven islands, two of which have active volcanoes that regularly erupt. A dramatic volcanic landscape, thermal springs, and ancient relics make this a popular tourist hotspot. The islands are located close to Sicily, and the most comfortable way to reach them is by ferry from Milazzo, which takes about one hour.
The islands offer outdoor enthusiasts great opportunities to go hiking, with one hiking route to the volcano on the island of Vulcano being particularly striking. With many beaches offering water sports as well, there is plenty on offer for those looking for their hit of adrenaline. With all seven islands being UNESCO protected due to their raw beauty, they really are worth visiting. Lipari and Salina are two of the more popular islands for visitors. However, if you’re looking for something a bit more off the beaten track, then you can head to Alicudi and Filicudi, which are by far the wildest of the islands.
Best time to visit: From April to early June and September to October.
Excited for your next adventure? Our friends at Where to Go, produced by the team behind the award-winning DK Eyewitness travel guides, are here to help!
Each fortnight, hosts James and Lucy talk to local experts about the destination they have chosen to call their home, exploring their personal connection to the place, what makes it so special and the best things to see and do.
Listen to the podcast below for more inspiration and tips from Italy:
