Has anyone ever needed convincing to go on holiday to the Italian Islands? Probably not. Close your eyes and picture this. You’ve been lazing around on a catamaran all afternoon, hopping from island to island, and you’ve just stopped off at a secluded seaside restaurant for a polpo all’Insalata. Taking a sip from your chilled glass of crisp white wine, you watch your skin shimmer in the afternoon sun. Your hair is still salty from diving into the sparkling shallows of the Mediterranean over and over again, and your collection of seashells are chiming against one another the pocket of your linen shorts.
A perfect day in Sardinia…

Here are some known, and some mysterious islands to add to your bucketlist.

1. Sardinia

The reason why Sardinians live longer than almost any other group of people in the world is not because they have different DNA. The secret to their extended lifespan is in their unhurried pace, their oil rich diet, their consistent physical activity due to the mountainous terrain of the landscape, and their community and family traditions. Surrounded by some of the most pristine waters in the world, Sardinia is quite easily the diamond of the Mediterranean. Stretched for miles along the eastern coast is the dramatic Costa Smerelda shoreline, literally translating as ‘Emerald Coast’, broken up by rugged sandy coves that boast shallow, turquoise water. On the northern shore of the island, before you hit the most southerly point of Corsica, lies the Maddalena Archipelago. With over 60 islets, a pink sand beach and water switching between shades of sapphire and cerulean, La Maddalena is a delightful location to hire a boat and spend the afternoon.

2. Sicily

Whilst it is able to boast that it is Italy’s largest island, many Sicilians will swear they are not Italians, due to it being one of five autonomous Italian regions. Nevertheless, it is still nicknamed lo Stivale - Italy’s ‘boot’, and hosts an incredibly diverse terrain. A stay in Sicily will have you exploring remnants of ancient Phoenician ruins on one day, and standing at the base of Mount Etna, Europe’s largest active volcano, on the next. An island stricken by some of the highest poverty rates in Italy, Sicily is Sardinia’s much more rugged yet charming big sister. Enjoy the long stretch of beach at San Vito lo Capo, with panoramic views of Mount Monaco, and spend an evening in the medieval hilltop town of Taormina.

3. Ponza

Holiday as the Romans do in Ponza, a lesser-known island about 21 miles off the coast of mainland Italy. Google Maps haven’t quite reached yet, but A-list celebrities have, making Ponza a high-priced option for a weekend-break. Once inhabited by Odysseus for a year, the island gives off a Greek vibe to many visitors, and it is easy to see how the landscape of the old volcanic rocks that make up the Pontine Islands would become the perfect inspiration for stories of Greek Gods and Goddesses. 

4. Capri

Fragrant scents of limoncello perfumeries travel in gentle breeze of this iconic island. Capri is inundated with fashion boutiques and luxurious hotels perched over the dramatic coastline, and has become the ultimate symbol of the Italian dolce vita. Staying here for even just a long weekend may stretch your pocket, but diving into the Blue Grotto, travelling up to the quieter town of Anacapri in a vintage convertible, and taking a chairlift to the summit of Monte Solaro, where views extend out onto the Bay of Naples and Mt Vesuvius, is more than worth it.

5. Procida

‘Taste the Rainbow’ has never applied more to anywhere than it does to Procida. If a bag of Skittles could morph into an island, this would be it. A boat from the Port of Naples to Procida takes just 45 minutes. Procida’s saturation of colourful buildings distracts you from how tiny this little island is! A day visit to Procida will suffice, though you could be so charmed, you may never want to leave. Announced as Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022, Procida is due to receive an influx of tourists, where it usually remains a holiday spot for Neapolitans in summer.

6. Ischia

Just like Procida, Ischia has been overshadowed by the most glamorous of the nearby islands, Capri. Nevertheless, Ischia does not compromise in owning its own elegant spots, with a side of rustic charisma. The island is not short of exquisite hotels, picturesque bays and cultural sights. The medieval Castello Aragonese on the islet across the causeway will catch your eye instantly, but perhaps you’d rather relax in Ischia’s mineral-rich thermal springs at Sorgeto.

7. Elba

Not many people outside of the north-west of Italy know about the beautiful Tuscan island of Elba. Yes, that’s right…islands in Tuscany! There are seven islands which make up the Tuscan Archipelago, of which Elba is the largest. Set off for Elba from Piombino on the mainland, where about an hour later, you will approach the shoreline of one of Italy’s most precious secrets. Once the home of Napoleon Bonaparte, Elba’s dishevelled yet delightfully charming landscape drives you to consider how the third-largest island in Italy has been kept such a secret.