Beyond its famous cities and crowded coastlines, Italy hides a number of little-known archipelagos where volcanic landscapes, crystal-clear waters and fascinating history combine to create unforgettable escapes. Here are five of them worth discovering.
When we think of Italy, we often picture its cuisine, museums and iconic coastlines. Yet beyond the mainland lie numerous archipelagos that are well worth exploring. Volcanic, wild, lush and steeped in legend, these five island groups offer a completely different way to experience the Italian peninsula.
The Aeolian Islands: a fascinating volcanic landscape
North of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands rise from the Mediterranean in an almost unreal setting. This volcanic archipelago, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of 17 islands and islets with dramatic scenery. Each island has its own distinct identity.
While Stromboli draws visitors thanks to its constantly active volcano, Lipari — the liveliest island — boasts crystal-clear beaches and charming whitewashed villages. Vulcano, meanwhile, is famous for its natural mud baths, prized for their relaxing properties.
More secluded, the islands of Alicudi and Salina immerse visitors in a timeless atmosphere. Then there is Panarea, which attracts travellers seeking understated luxury and idyllic coves. Travelling through the Aeolian Islands feels like moving from one world to another in just a few minutes by boat.
The Maddalena Archipelago: Sardinia’s wild jewel
Located off the north-western coast of Sardinia, just a stone’s throw from the famous Costa Smeralda, this archipelago includes seven islands — La Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi, Santo Stefano, Budelli, Santa Maria and Razzoli — along with around sixty rocky islets.
Formed by tectonic movements that separated Sardinia from Corsica, these 'seven sisters' came together in 1994 to create Sardinia’s first geomarine national park.
Here, the sea’s astonishing shades will leave you speechless, shifting from turquoise blue to emerald green depending on the time of day and the light. Granite rocks, sculpted by the wind over centuries, create improbable shapes framed by lush Mediterranean scrub like a living painting.
Beyond its landscapes, the archipelago also preserves a rich historical heritage linked to figures such as Napoleon and Giuseppe Garibaldi.
The Tremiti Islands: a secret refuge in the Adriatic
Off the coast of the Gargano region, the Tremiti Islands appear like a small treasure set upon the Adriatic Sea. This tiny archipelago consists of just five islands, two of which are inhabited.
Begin your escape on San Domino, the centre of local life, known for its forests of Aleppo pines. San Nicola, meanwhile, preserves its historical legacy through its ancient abbey and the many legends surrounding it.
Capraia is a paradise for diving enthusiasts thanks to its remarkable seabed and crystal-clear waters. Pianosa, far more remote than its neighbours, remains completely protected in order to preserve its ecosystems.
This isolation has allowed the Tremiti Islands to retain their untouched nature and rare Mediterranean charm.
The Tuscan Archipelago: a preserved treasure off the Italian coast
The Tuscan Archipelago includes several islands scattered between Livorno and Grosseto. Today, they all belong to the Tuscan Archipelago National Park.
Elba Island remains the best known thanks to its beaches and historical heritage. Giglio offers wild coves and walking trails overlooking translucent waters. More confidential, Capraia reveals a rugged, mountainous landscape in the middle of the Corsican Channel.
Do not miss Montecristo, which has fascinated visitors for decades due to its extremely limited access and steep terrain. For the more adventurous traveller, Giannutri — almost uninhabited — and Gorgona, with its dense vegetation, are equally spectacular.
The Aegadian Islands: a still little-known paradise
West of Sicily, the Aegadian Islands remain relatively untouched despite their spectacular beauty. The archipelago includes Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo — three islands whose waters are among the clearest in the Mediterranean.
Favignana is far livelier than its neighbours, with its little squares and beaches accessible by bicycle. Tiny and peaceful Levanzo impresses visitors with the richness of its underwater world. Marettimo, meanwhile, is every bit as remarkable, with a much wilder appearance, steep landscapes and hiking trails overlooking the sea.
Inhabited for millennia by Romans, Normans and many others, the three islands now share turquoise bays that have been protected since 1991 as one of the largest marine reserves in the Mediterranean.
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