Italy’s marvellous mainland is high on every traveller’s bucket list (and rightly so). But did you know that there are around 450 islands in Italy? Whether you’re searching for otherworldly beaches, ancient history or picturesque villages, Italy’s scene-stealing islands deliver. From the large and legendary to the best off-the-beaten-track beauties, read on for our roundup of the most beautiful islands in Italy. Your travel bucket list is about to become a lot longer…
1. Elba
2. Ischia
3. Sicily
4. Sardinia
5. Procida
6. Favignana
7. Giglio
8. Burano
Elba
Kicking off our list of the most beautiful islands in Italy is enchanting Elba, the largest in the seven-strong Tuscan Archipelago. Aside from Napoleonic fame (the French emperor was exiled here in 1814), Elba entices travellers with its azure waters, stunning stretches of sand and rocky coves. From the shingle-strewn Sansone to the curved bay of Laconella, there are over 100 beaches to choose from.
The best part? Elba slips under the tourist radar, so you can forget about saving spots in the sand. Get lost among maze-like streets in the quaint hilltop villages of Poggio and Sant'Ilario, enjoy spritzes with sea views and uncover the island’s rich history at its myriad museums.
Image by elzaeur / Getty Images
Ischia
It’s time for Ischia’s moment in the spotlight. Sitting in the shadow of its glitzy neighbour, Capri, this Amalfi Coast gem has long been a favourite among Neapolitans. Pastel-painted villages, natural hot springs and shrub-shrouded coves scatter the rugged isle, which retains an authentic Italian character.
Take a boat trip around Ischia’s tranquil waters, visit the iconic Aragonese Castle and tour lush vineyards. Along with plenty of time spent lounging on volcanic beaches, don’t miss Ischia’s magical botanical garden, La Mortella, a tropical oasis overlooking the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea.
Image by Lucy Laucht
Sicily
Islands in Italy don’t get more iconic than Sicily. Italy’s largest isle is also one of its most alluring, whether you’re a beach-lover, history buff or nature enthusiast. Treat your tastebuds to steaming arancini and flaky cannoli in Palermo’s bustling streets, admire the smouldering Mount Etna from Taormina’s ancient Greek-Roman theatre or find your personal slice of paradise along the wild 922-mile-long coastline.
Sicily is even orbited by a smattering of its own islands, including the Aeolian and Aegadian (or Egadi) groups – tranquil havens away from the well-trodden trail. Day trip, anyone?
Image by Olga Angelucci / Unsplash
Sardinia
Hot on Sicily’s heels for Italian icon status is Sardinia. From its translucent turquoise waters to its rugged, hilly interior, Italy’s second-biggest island has a lot to shout about. Hop on a boat trip around the stunning La Maddalena archipelago, feast on fat culurgiones (Sardinian stuffed pasta) and search for hidden swim spots along rugged coastal paths.
Sardinia is much more than its beaches, however (although it might be hard to tear yourself away). Whether exploring Cagliari’s characterful old town, Orgosolo’s fascinating murals or Bosa’s multicoloured houses, there’s no shortage of culture, history or nature to uncover on one of the best Italian islands.
Image by Glenn Souer / Unsplash.com
Procida
Ischia’s pretty little sister, Procida, is next up on our list of favourite islands in Italy. Film buffs might recognise this tiny island (and Ischia, too) from the 1999 film, The Talented Mr. Ripley. Candy-coloured houses tumble into the harbour, fishermen haul in the day’s catch and fritterie (Italian-style fish and chip shops) serve it up in crispy golden batter.
On Procida, you can people watch along the island’s picturesque promenade, climb up to the charming 15th-century monastery for spectacular views of the Amalfi coast and toast to idyllic island life with a shot of limoncello (one of the region’s most famous exports).
Image by Marco Bottigelli / Getty Images
Favignana
Why not escape it all on far-flung Favignana? The largest of Sicily’s Egadi islands is best admired from its surrounding waters. From a boat, you can see Favignana’s rocky perimeter in all its dramatic glory, and even check out neighbouring islands, Levanzo and Marritemo.
In between refreshing plunges into the electric blue waters, simply enjoy la dolce far niente, ‘the sweetness of doing nothing’ – it’s what Italians do best. Back on land, seek out the creamiest gelato on the island, learn all about its rich tuna fishing history and explore its fascinating tuff rock quarries and caves. The latter are also next to some of the island’s most glorious swimming spots, Bue Marino and Cala Rossa. Thank us later.
Image by ignacio brosa / Unsplash
Giglio
Sick of picturesque pastel houses yet? We hope not, because gorgeous Giglio has them in scores. As the second-largest island in the Tuscan Archipelago, Giglio boasts pristine sandy beaches (we’re looking at you, Cannelle and Caldane), historic hilltop villages and hiking trails galore.
Head up the hill to the Medieval fortified village, Giglio Castello, for labyrinthine alleyways and magical views across the Mediterranean. Sip on local wine at one of the island’s terraced vineyards, or discover the vibrant underwater world on a scuba diving excursion (it’s one of the best diving spots in Italy).
Image by Atlantide Phototravel / Getty Images
Burano
Last up on our list of the most beautiful islands in Italy is Burano, a dinky isle in the Venetian lagoon that often gets overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbour. Visit the Burano Lace Museum to learn about the island’s rich lacemaking history; sip a steaming espresso in the charming main square, Piazza Baldasarre Galuppi; discover Il Campanile Storto, the island’s leaning tower; and stroll past the rows of rainbow-hued houses that line its canals. It might not take you long to wander Burano’s technicoloured streets, but we promise you’ll never forget it.
Image by Jorg Greuel / Getty Images
Written by Hannah Whitehall | Header image by Lucy Laucht
