Italy Travel
Off The Beaten Path: The 6 Best Italian Islands
Here at Olive Tree Escapes we make it our mission to broaden your perspective beyond the most traveled places. That’s why today, to put you in a summer mood, we have picked the 6 best Italian islands. They may be smaller in size than their more famous counterparts, but are just as much wanderlust-inspiring. Plus they’ll save you from the feeling that you had the same idea as everyone else.
Discover the 6 Best Italian Islands!
1. Favignana, Sicily
Favignana sits just 10 miles off the coast of Trapani in Sicily. An excellent day trip option! It’s known for it’s bluefin tuna, and hydrofoil rides. Once upon a time, the Arabs used the island as a watchtower. The coastline is dotted with caves that were once used to take refuge from pirates. This means you won’t find any sandy beaches. On the plus side, the crystal clear waters have made it a perfect spot for scuba diving and snorkeling.
2. Filicudi, Sicily
The island of Filicudi will amaze you with its untouched beauty. It probably doesn’t hurt that it’s part of an UNESCO World Heritage site either. In the Spring, the island bursts full of colorful flowers. Small wonder it’s popular with artists and photographers! Red rocks, white-washed villages, donkey trails, and hidden grottoes are just a few of the island’s unique features. Filicudi is by no means a remote island, but visitors and nearby townspeople agree there’s just something about it that feels that way. Find out for yourself before everyone else does!
3. Asinara, Sardinia
This next island, has roots dating back to the Neolithic age. At only 20-square miles long, Asinara is proof that big things come in small packages. Asinara gets it’s name from the albino donkeys (asino) that call it home. Once a WWII prison camp and later an actual prison, Asinara has found new life as a National park and marine reserve. It’s trails are a great choice for active travelers.
4. Pantelleria, Sicily
Our next island, admittedly, is a bit unconventional. Composed almost entirely of volcanic rock, Pantelleria may not be for the beach lovers. We know what you’re thinking, why would anyone want to go to island with no beach? That’s fair, but what it lacks in white sands it makes up for in clear waters, cool natural rock formations, and a thermal lake. Fun fact: Giorgio Armani owns a villa here.
5. Elba, Tuscany
Tuscany is more than rolling hills, vineyards, and cyprus trees as far as the eye can see. Elba is the biggest island of the Tuscan Archipelago. It’s also famous for being Napoleon’s home during his exile. With over 70 beaches, Elba is one of the most scenic islands in Italy. There just might be a beach for every personal preference. Rugged and rocky, crystal clear waters, or even red-sanded.
6. San Domino, Puglia
San Domino sits in the Tremiti Archipelago in the region of Puglia. It’s so small you can walk it in just two hours! It may be uninhabited, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth your time. It’s great for hiking, with pine trees that grow right up to the water’s edge. You’ll also find plenty of coves, underwater caves, and reefs perfect for scuba diving.
Have you been to any off-the-beaten-path island destinations in Italy? Tell us about it in a comment!
Natasha Zicarelli holds a Master\'s Degree in Conference Interpreting from the University of Bologna. Originally from Italy, she began dreaming about the United States when she was very young. During college, she was able to live in Los Angeles for a year on the UCLA Study Abroad Program, and she loved her American life so much she didn\'t want to leave. Now, four years later, she is finally back in the US, living and working in Chicago. She loves travel, fitness, engaging novels, and good food, especially when enjoyed in good company!