By Georgie Darling
A freelance copywriter and writing consultant based between London and Bali.
Pastel-hued architecture, pink beaches and azure waters: step off the mainland to discover the beauty of Italy’s tiny islands.
Experience everything Italy is loved best for: incredible food, centuries-old castles and tiny, winding roads filled with colorful houses - without the queues and tourists.
Visit mainland Italy during its peak season and you’ll push your way to the front of the Trevi Fountain or queue for hours for a boat taxi around Venice. Or, you could spend your time away from the crowds, exploring Italy’s most beautiful islands.
Suitable for both day trips or overnight adventures, these picturesque spots highlight some of the best of Italy's wildlife, history, architecture and restaurant culture. Drive, hike or donkey-ride your way around these spots to explore Italy from a whole new perspective.
Once you’ve seen this side of Italy, you’ll appreciate the country like never before. Read on for our top spots.
Egadi Archipelago
Sicily
The Egadi Archipelago is made up of three major islands, Levanzo, Favignana and Marettimo. Most people tend to base themselves on Favignana and explore the beauty of Levanzo and Marettimo on day trips.
These picturesque islands sit just off the west coast of Sicily and fuse together traditional Italian fishing village culture with a dash of Tunisian charm. Expect a slower Mediterranean pace of life here with days spent wandering through characterful, traditional villages, digging into freshly caught seafood and taking a dip in the azure waters.
The Egadi Islands are renowned for their incredible scuba diving and snorkeling spots, so you'll want to spend at least some time underwater. If you've visited the Aeolian islands and want something a little less tourist heavy, head to the Egadi Archipelago instead.
Ponza
Lazio
Ponza is often called “Capri without the tourists,” and this beautiful island certainly has a lot to offer. Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea between Rome and Naples, it's home to streets filled with candy coloured houses and with dramatic landscapes and jewel-coloured waters accentuating every viewpoint.
Ponza is a small island and adventurous types may even like to wander the length of its 22km (14 mile) perimeter. Or, hire a scooter and drive around for the day to dig into gelato, visit the Roman ruins or check out the local markets. Ponza's location means it's a top spot for stunning sunsets too, which you can watch from the island's best viewpoints or on a sunset boat trip. Before you leave, keep an eye out for the Roman tunnel which will help you to find the Chiaia di Luna beach: a romantic, crescent-shaped bay that seems to glow under moonlight.
Giglio
Tuscany
Giglio's sandy beaches and endless coves makes this one of the best tiny Italian islands for sun lovers. A place where relaxing is top of the list, Giglio makes a wonderful day trip from nearby Tuscany and is also home to a range of hotels if you're looking to stay a little longer. This small island is shaped around its historic town center, where you'll find plenty of family-run restaurants with recipes dating back through generations.
The definition of a treasure chest in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Giglio is a haven for beauty, culture and food. Make sure to check out the Giglio Castello, a medieval village built on a hill in the heart of the island, for breathtaking panoramic views.
Panarea
Sicily
Panarea may be a tiny island but it squeezes a lot into its small space. No matter whether you're looking for unspoilt trails to hike, turquoise waters to swim or buzzing bars that come to life after the sun sets, you'll find them here.
Panarea is the smallest of the Aeolian Islands and is known as one of the most fashionable, which ensures a steady flow of super yachts approaching its coastline regularly. With its breathtaking natural vistas, labyrinthine-like streets and Moroccan lanterns lighting up the starry sky, it's a place you'll want to get lost in for a few hours. If you're really looking to get off the beaten track, take a boat out to the uninhabited mini-island of Basiluzzo, where you'll find a few secret beaches.
La Maddalena
Sardinia
Situated in northeastern Sardinia, La Maddalena is actually the collective term for a group of 62 islands but is also the name of the largest island there. The best way to see La Maddalena is simply by choosing a starting point and wandering with no particular destination in mind.
At some point during your walk, you'll almost definitely end up at Piazza Garibaldi, the central hub of the island with a flow of easy chatter and fun-loving atmosphere. La Maddalena's wider national park is another-must see for some of the most incredible beaches as well as boat tours and snorkeling adventures.
Fine white sand and sheltered coves make this a seriously dreamy spot for exploring. Delve a little deeper into La Maddalena’s more secretive spots and you’ll find a handful of pastel pink beaches, too.
Alicudi
Sicily
The best time of year to visit Alicudi, just off the coast from Sicily, is May or June. That’s when you’ll get the maximum amount of sun-filled hours without quite as many tourists in the peak of summer. This tiny island is the westernmost of the seven islands in the Aeolian archipelago and is famed for its rich, artistic heritage and crumbling historical buildings. With no traffic (donkey is the main mode of transport here) and no light pollution, Alicudi is certainly one of the most peaceful Italian islands.
Check out its most famed natural wonders, like the dragon-like Rock of the Galera and the Sciara dell'Arp valley, or hike right to the top of this volcanic island's peak to gaze out at some of the most stunning views around.
Procida
Campania
Procida takes the title of Italy's most colorful island: something you'll believe as soon as you've stepped foot onto this pastel-hued paradise. Filled with faded yellow, blue, peach and lilac houses dusted with a soft coating of sunshine, this tiny island in the Bay of Naples is a must-visit.
Procida was named as Italy’s City of Culture for 2022 and is a sister island to Ischia and Capri. With a laidback feel and relaxed pace of life, Procida is filled with art exhibitions, literary readings and creative workshops throughout the summer months. If you've ever daydreamed of spending days digging into a good book while sipping espresso in an Italian coffee shop, Procida promises to bring those hazy days to life.