Italy is home to over 450 islands, from remote volcanic outposts to lush lake islets. While Sicily and Capri steal the spotlight, many of Italy’s most magical islands remain blissfully under the radar. Spread across the Tyrrhenian, Ionian, and Adriatic Seas, these hidden gems are rich in history, natural beauty, and local charm—without the crowds.
Only four Italian regions—Marche, Aosta Valley, Molise, and Abruzzo—lack islands, but the rest offer a trove of secluded escapes. Venice alone has 118 islands, while Sicily and Sardinia anchor vast archipelagos. Tucked away from tourist trails, these five lesser-known islands offer all the Mediterranean magic and none of the mass tourism. Whether you’re into diving, hiking, or just unwinding in peace, these spots promise a true taste of Italian island life.
1. San Domino – Tremiti Archipelago, Adriatic Sea
Part of a five-island group in the Adriatic, San Domino is a coastal treasure brimming with grottoes, pine woods, and clear blue coves. The island’s only sandy beach, Cala delle Arene, offers peaceful sunbathing, while nearby Grotta del Bue Marino and Grotta della Viole are prime diving spots. With no cars allowed and scenic trails throughout, it’s ideal for slow, scenic exploration on foot or by local bus.
Tremiti Island’s San Domino shines with pine forests, scenic trails, a charming lighthouse, and breathtaking sea caves only accessible by boat. 📷 @ori.bi
What to Do:
- Swim & Snorkel in Secluded Coves
Head to Cala delle Arene, the island’s only sandy beach, and explore the nearby Grotta del Bue Marino—a massive sea cave with crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Don’t miss Grotta delle Viole, known for its vibrant purple hues and peaceful underwater environment. - Hike Through Aleppo Pine Forests
Follow the walking trails through the island’s lush pine woods. These fragrant forests lead to breathtaking sea views and cliffside photo ops. - Kayak or Boat Around the Island
Rent a kayak or join a boat tour to explore hidden grottoes and cliffs from the water. Many operators offer guided trips around the archipelago. - Relax Off the Grid
With no cars and minimal infrastructure, San Domino is a haven for slow travel. Enjoy fresh seafood in local trattorias, watch the sunset from cliffside paths, and unplug from the modern world.
2. Favignana – Aegadian Islands, Sicily
Known for its ancient tuna fisheries, Favignana blends natural beauty with cultural richness. Just 18 km off Sicily’s west coast, the island boasts sandy coves like Lido Burrone and dramatic limestone bays such as Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra, perfect for snorkelers and swimmers. Once called “Aegusa” (Goat Island) by the Greeks, it’s now a quiet haven for those seeking sun, seafood, and serenity.
Favignana Island: the most famous of the Aegadi archipelago, easily reached from Trapani and Marsala, renowned for its heavenly beaches and crystal-clear waters. Photo: @davide_dc
What to Do:
- Beach Hop Between Coves
Visit Cala Azzurra for turquoise shallows, then relax at Lido Burrone, the island’s longest sandy stretch. For dramatic beauty, swim in the turquoise bay at Cala Rossa, framed by limestone cliffs and sea-carved rocks. - Cycle the Island
Rent a bike to explore Favignana’s flat terrain and reach secluded beaches, scenic viewpoints, and quiet inland villages. - Tour the Tonnara (Old Tuna Factory)
Visit Ex Stabilimento Florio, a beautifully restored tuna cannery-turned-museum that offers a deep dive into the island’s fishing heritage. - Snorkel or Dive the Clear Waters
The island’s marine reserve is a popular spot for underwater exploration. Take a snorkeling tour or dive trip to see vibrant marine life and submerged archaeological ruins.
3. Ponza – Pontine Islands, Lazio
Nicknamed “Capri without the crowds,” Ponza is steeped in myth and history—linked to Homer’s Circe and dotted with Roman ruins. The largest of the Pontine Islands, Ponza features white cliffs, sea grottoes, botanical gardens, and ancient tunnels. Its peaceful villages and crystal waters make it a favorite among in-the-know Italians looking to escape the mainland rush.
Ponza, known as “Capri without the crowds,” boasts white cliffs, sea grottoes, Roman ruins, and crystal-clear waters—a hidden gem for those seeking peace and history. 📷 Karina Halley
What to Do:
- Cruise the Coastline
Hop on a small boat and circle the island, stopping at iconic spots like Chiaia di Luna, a crescent-shaped beach backed by cliffs, or the vibrant blue Grotte di Pilato—Roman-era sea caves once used as fish farms. - Explore Roman Ruins & Tunnels
Discover Villa di Giulia and Grotta della Maga Circe, or walk the Roman Gallery, an ancient tunnel that leads from Ponza town to the sea. - Stroll the Port of Ponza
Spend time in Ponza Porto, with pastel-colored houses, chic boutiques, and seafood restaurants serving the day’s catch. It’s perfect for an evening passeggiata. - Swim in Natural Pools
At Cala Feola, you’ll find natural rock pools carved by the sea—an ideal spot to lounge, snorkel, or cliff-jump in calm waters.
4. Marettimo – Aegadian Islands, Sicily
Marettimo is the wildest and most untouched of the Aegadian Islands. With fewer than 1,000 residents even in peak season, it’s a rustic retreat where you’ll find no cars, just hiking paths and boat trips to hidden caves and remote beaches. The sea here is strikingly blue, and its underwater archaeological sites date back to the Paleolithic era.
Marettimo: a wild paradise of white houses, blue doors, wooden boats, and fishermen mending their nets—evoking the charm of Greece. 📷 @martina.dinatale
What to Do:
- Hike the Island’s Rugged Trails
Choose from scenic trails like the route to Punta Troia Castle, perched high above the sea, or the panoramic Case Romane, ancient Roman ruins with views of the surrounding coast. - Take a Boat Tour of the Sea Caves
Explore over 400 caves by boat—don’t miss Grotta del Cammello, named after a nearby camel-shaped rock, and Grotta della Bombarda, where waves crash with an explosive boom. - Swim in Hidden Coves
Since many beaches are only accessible by boat, charter a small vessel or join a tour to find your own slice of sea-bound solitude. - Dive into History
Marettimo is a haven for divers. Beneath the waves are ancient Roman anchors, amphorae, and even shipwrecks, offering a fascinating underwater archaeological experience.
5. Elba – Tuscan Archipelago, Tuscany
Elba is Italy’s third-largest island and famously Napoleon’s place of exile. Today, it offers a mix of dramatic cliffs, hilltop towns, secret coves, and hiking trails—all within Europe’s largest marine park. With vineyards, medieval villages, and a coastline perfect for sailing, Elba is Tuscany’s best-kept secret, offering both history and breathtaking natural scenery.
Elba, Italy’s third-largest island and Napoleon’s exile spot, blends dramatic cliffs, secret coves, vineyards, and medieval villages within Europe’s largest marine park. 📷 @isoladelbatoday
What to Do:
- Visit Napoleon’s Villas
Explore Villa dei Mulini in Portoferraio and Villa San Martino inland to get a sense of Napoleon’s exile life. Both offer historic insights and sweeping views. - Beach Hop Across the Coastline
With over 70 beaches, Elba is perfect for a beach-hopping road trip. Try Spiaggia di Sansone for snorkeling, Cavoli Beach for lively vibes, and Fetovaia for a calm, Caribbean feel. - Hike Monte Capanne
The island’s highest point offers panoramic views of Corsica and mainland Italy. You can hike up or take a charming cable car ride to the summit. - Tour Hilltop Towns & Vineyards
Explore medieval villages like Capoliveri and Marciana, known for their narrow cobblestone lanes and artisanal shops. Stop at a local winery to sample Elban wines like Aleatico and Ansonica. - Sail or Kayak the Coastline
Rent a kayak or book a sailing trip to discover Elba’s quiet coves, dramatic cliffs, and the rich marine life of the protected national park.
