Italy’s Small Islands: Overview by Region
Italy is home to over 800 islands, with only around 80 inhabited. These islands, located in various seas surrounding Italy, offer diverse landscapes, rich historical significance, and vibrant ecosystems. Below is a breakdown of some of the most beautiful islands, grouped by geographic area.
Tuscany
Isola d’Elba
The Isola d’Elba is located in the Tuscan Archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea, between Tuscany and Corsica. It is the third-largest Italian island, with historical significance as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile in 1814. Portoferraio is the island’s main port and the center of tourism, with other popular destinations including Porto Azzurro and Marciana Marina. Elba is known for its pristine beaches, hidden coves, and mountainous landscapes, making it a haven for hikers and snorkelers alike.
Isola del Giglio
The Isola del Giglio, also part of the Tuscan Archipelago, lies off the coast of Monte Argentario. The island is known for its untouched natural environment, including rocky shorelines, clear waters, and a Mediterranean landscape that draws hikers and divers. Giglio Castello, a medieval village perched atop a hill, offers a glimpse into the island’s past. The Spiaggia di Campese and Cala delle Cannelle are two of the most popular beaches on the island.
Campania
Capri
Capri is located in the Bay of Naples and is one of the most famous Italian islands, known for its glamorous lifestyle and association with celebrities. The island’s iconic sites include the Grotta Azzurra, a sea cave that glows with a blue light, and the Faraglioni, towering rock formations that rise from the sea. While Capri Town is the epicenter of luxury shopping and fine dining, Anacapri offers a more tranquil and authentic experience. Key attractions include Villa San Michele and the Monte Solaro chairlift.
Isola di Procida
Also located in the Bay of Naples, Procida is much smaller and less touristy than Capri. Known for its colorful houses and quaint fishing villages, Procida has managed to retain its authentic charm despite its recent designation as Italy’s Capital of Culture 2022. The island’s highlights include Marina Grande, Corricella, and the Pozzo Vecchio Beach, which gained fame as a filming location for the movie Il Postino with Massimo Troisi.
Isola di Ischia
Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of Naples, offering a blend of volcanic landscapes, thermal spas, and Mediterranean vegetation. Its hot springs, found in places like the Giardini Poseidon Terme, make it a popular wellness destination. The island’s coastal towns, including Ischia Porto, Forio, and Casamicciola, attract visitors with their beautiful beaches and historical sites. The fishing village of Sant’Angelo is a picturesque spot known for its quiet atmosphere and traditional architecture.
Lazio
Isola di Ponza
The Isola di Ponza is part of the Pontine Islands in Lazio, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Known for its crystal-clear waters and rugged coastline, Ponza is a favorite destination for sailors and divers. Chiaia di Luna, one of the most famous beaches, is backed by a towering white cliff. Ponza also boasts hidden coves that can be accessed by boat, such as the Grotte di Pilato and the Grotta di Ulisse, offering excellent snorkeling opportunities.
Sicily and Surrounding Islands
Isola di Pantelleria
Pantelleria is located between Sicily and Tunisia, approximately 100 kilometers from the coast of Agrigento and 70 kilometers from Tunisia. Known for its volcanic origins, the island features unique landscapes with natural hot springs and volcanic caves. Among its famous sites is the Specchio di Venere (Mirror of Venus), a volcanic lake where, according to myth, the goddess Venus would gaze at her reflection before meeting Bacchus. The island is also famous for its traditional dammusi, stone houses with domed roofs, which are now often restored and used as holiday homes. Pantelleria is a favorite destination for birdwatching and scuba diving due to its rich marine biodiversity.
Isole Eolie (Aeolian Islands)
The Aeolian Islands (Isole Eolie) are an archipelago of seven islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea, located north of Sicily. They are of volcanic origin, and some of the islands still show active volcanic activity. The Aeolian Islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are famous for their stunning landscapes and rich cultural history. The most notable islands include:
- Lipari: The largest and most populated island, known for its white pumice beaches and historical Lipari Castle. The island also has a vibrant nightlife.
- Vulcano: Famous for its active volcano, sulfuric mud baths, and black sand beaches. Visitors can hike to the Gran Cratere, where they can see fumaroles emitting steam.
- Stromboli: Home to one of the world’s most active volcanoes, which has regular small eruptions visible from the sea. Visitors often take boat tours to see the volcanic activity.
- Panarea: Known as the most glamorous island in the archipelago, frequented by celebrities and yacht owners. The island has a charming village and is a popular destination for scuba diving and snorkeling.
- Salina: The second-largest island, recognized for its green landscapes and vineyards. The island is famous for producing Malvasia wine and its role as the filming location for the movie Il Postino.
- Filicudi and Alicudi: The most remote and least developed islands in the archipelago. These islands are ideal for travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Isole Egadi (Egadi Islands)
The Egadi Islands are an archipelago located off the western coast of Sicily, near Trapani. They are renowned for their crystal-clear waters and dramatic coastlines. The three main islands are:
- Favignana: The largest of the Egadi Islands, Favignana is known for its turquoise waters and white sand beaches such as Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra. The island is also home to the Ex Stabilimento Florio, a former tuna processing plant turned museum.
- Levanzo: The smallest of the Egadi Islands, Levanzo is known for its prehistoric cave paintings found in the Grotta del Genovese, which date back to the Upper Paleolithic period.
- Marettimo: The most remote and rugged of the Egadi Islands, Marettimo is characterized by steep cliffs and caves. It is a favorite spot for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Sicily and Pelagie Islands
Lampedusa
Lampedusa, the largest of the Pelagie Islands, lies closer to Africa than Italy. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, particularly the famous Spiaggia dei Conigli, which is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The island is part of the Lampedusa and Linosa Marine Protected Area, which safeguards its rich marine life.
Sardinia and Surrounding Islands
La Maddalena Archipelago
The La Maddalena Archipelago is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the northeastern coast of Sardinia. This group of islands is famous for its stunning beaches and clear waters. The islands form part of the La Maddalena National Park, a protected marine area. Some of the most notable islands include:
- La Maddalena: The largest island in the archipelago, known for its granite cliffs and turquoise waters. The main town, also called La Maddalena, is a pleasant place for a stroll, with its narrow streets, restaurants, and cafes.
- Caprera: Connected to La Maddalena by a causeway, Caprera is famous for being the final home of Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian nationalist leader. Garibaldi’s house is now a museum.
- Budelli: This island is known for its Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach), a beach with distinctive pink sand due to microscopic organisms found in the coral. In 1964, some sequences of the film Red Desert with Monica Vitti and Richard Harris, by Michelangelo Antonioni, were shot on the pink beach.
Isola di San Pietro
San Pietro is located off the southwestern coast of Sardinia and forms part of the Sulcis Archipelago along with the nearby Isola di Sant’Antioco. The island’s main town, Carloforte, was founded by Genoese settlers in the 18th century, giving the town a distinctive Ligurian character. The island is known for its rocky cliffs, sandy beaches, and underwater caves, making it a popular destination for divers and snorkelers.
Isola di Sant’Antioco
Sant’Antioco, connected to mainland Sardinia by a bridge, is the second-largest island in the Sardinian Archipelago. It has been inhabited since prehistoric times and is home to ancient Punic and Roman ruins. The island is known for its archeological sites, such as the Tophet of Sant’Antioco, and its coastal landscapes.
Calabria
Isola di Dino
Located off the coast of Calabria, the Isola di Dino is a small island known for its lush vegetation and sea caves.
The island is uninhabited but is popular with visitors for its boat tours that explore its caves, such as the Grotta del Monaco and Grotta Azzurra.
Puglia
Isole Tremiti
The Tremiti Islands are an archipelago located in the Adriatic Sea, north of the Gargano Peninsula. The islands are part of the Gargano National Park and are a paradise for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The archipelago consists of five islands, with San Domino and San Nicola being the only two inhabited.
- San Domino: Known for its lush pine forests and clear blue waters, San Domino offers numerous secluded beaches and caves, such as the Grotta del Bue Marino.
- San Nicola: The historical heart of the archipelago, San Nicola features the Abbazia di Santa Maria a Mare, a Benedictine abbey built in the 11th century. It is also believed to be the resting place of Diomedes, a hero from Greek mythology.
Islands of the Venetian Lagoon
Burano
Burano is a small island located in the Venetian Lagoon, about 7 kilometers from Venice. It is famous for its brightly colored houses, which line the narrow canals, creating a distinctive and picturesque appearance. Local tradition dictates that the houses were painted in vibrant colors to help fishermen find their way home during foggy days. The island is also renowned for its lace-making tradition, which dates back to the 16th century.
The Museo del Merletto (Lace Museum) showcases the island’s history of lace production, a skill that was once highly prized by European royalty. In addition to its artistic heritage, Burano offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of Venice, making it a popular destination for a relaxing day trip. Despite its small size, the island has several restaurants where visitors can enjoy traditional Venetian seafood dishes.
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