10 Best Italian Islands

Located in the gulf of Naples, the island of Ischia oozes Italian chic with its unspoiled beaches, pretty tavernas and ancient old town. Visit the historic quarter of Ischia Ponte - with cobbled streets and the medieval Aragonese Castle - without having to fend off the crowds that you might find on neighbouring island Capri.

Thanks to its mineral-rich waters with healing properties, Ischia is also home to several volcanic springs and thermal spas, where you can relax and unwind on your Italian island break. Plus, you can take a wine tasting tour at one of the wineries in Panza or Serrara Fontana – or arrange a boat tour to ensure you see the best bits of the island.

An island paradise in the Mediterranean, off the northwest coast of Sicily, Levanzo is an idyllic spot for an Italian beach holiday. The smallest of the Aegadian Islands, it’s a laid back and low-key destination, where you can sunbathe on uncrowded pebble and sandy beaches and swim in crystal-clear turquoise waters.

A picturesque place to visit, Levanzo is distinguished by the striking contrast of white limestone rock set against the turquoise ocean. The island features many caves, such as the Grotta del Genovese, which is the main tourist attraction on the island. An important Italian archaeological site, the cave features prehistoric cave paintings and engravings, dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic age.

One of the most well-known Italian islands, Capri is a popular tourist hot spot with high-end hotels, designer boutiques and upscale eateries. Also famed for its natural beauty, you can expect dramatic landscapes, awe-inspiring coastline, colourful yachts and azure blue ocean. Be sure to take a boat tour to the Blue Grotto – a captivating sea cave found along the coast.

Love shopping? Capri town is home to endless luxury stores – plus, you can visit the town square – the Piazetta – and Marina Piccola in this area. For the best photo opportunities, take the chairlift up Mount Solaro for the best ocean views – and be sure to visit the Gardens of Augustus, one of the prettiest places on the island.

Sitting at the heart of the historical centre of Syracuse, Sicily, the island of Ortigia is small but picturesque with historical landmarks and stunning views. Syracuse has been inhabited for thousands of years and Ortigia is now an UNESCO World Heritage site thanks to its fascinating Greek history. Be sure to visit the Neapolis Archaeological Park, which features the largest Greek Amphitheatre in Sicily.

There’s a wonderful old town to explore on foot in Ortigia, with winding streets and sights such as the Cathedral of Syracuse and the Diana Fountain. There are also many wonderful local restaurants and sundecks scattered around the island where you can kick back and relax or sip a cocktail with sunset sea views.

Although not as well-known as some of its island neighbours, Elba is the biggest of the Tuscan Archipelago islands, and has plenty going for it. The island is home to some stunning beaches and is the perfect place for snorkelling and diving, with a rich and exotic marine life beneath the clear, crystalline waters.

As well as beautiful beaches Elba has some fascinating historical landmarks, some of which are linked to Napoleon, who was once exiled to Elba. Be sure to check out two of Napoleon’s residences on the island, Villa San Martino and the Villa Dei Mulini. Elba is also a popular place for outdoor sports fans with many hiking and mountain-biking trails on offer.

With a multitude of white-sandy beaches, top notch restaurants and historical landmarks, Sardinia makes for a world-class holiday destination. Situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, south of Corsica, you can expect plenty of sunshine and some of the best-looking beaches in Europe with hidden-away coves and crystal-clear waters.

From water sports and adventure parks to aquariums and caves, Sardinia is also a family-friendly destinations with plenty of activities to keep little and big kids busy. With much of the island designated as a national park, there are incredible unspoiled landscapes and plenty of wildlife to discover. Plus, foodies can look forward to delicious meat stews and fresh seafood at the island’s top notch restaurants.

Off the coast of Tuscany in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the island of Giglio is the second largest island of the Tuscan archipelago and a magical place to visit. The island boasts pristine white beaches and pretty coves, as well as clear waters that are perfect for diving to explore the island’s sea life.

There are three villages in Giglio, where you can enjoy many historical sights – make sure you visit the Castle of Gliglio, ‘Torre del Saraceno’ – the remains of a Roman Villa – and the church of ‘San Pietro Apostolo’ on your trip. As well as sights to see, you can dine out at several delicious local restaurants – or have a sundowner drink with ocean views.

Situated in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ponza is a charming and picture-postcard pretty place to visit and a popular holiday destination for Italians - just a three-hour trip from Rome. Don’t expect to find endless sandy beaches here, but instead you’ll find colourful houses in the hills overlooking dramatic coastline, caves and turquoise sea.

There are plenty of things to see and do in Ponza – with water sports such as snorkelling and sailing - and many boat tours available so you can make the most of your visit. The bustling Ponza harbour is home to many boutiques, restaurants and bars, where you can watch the sun set over the water with a cocktail in hand.

The Sicilian island of Pantelleria, located close to Tunisia, is an emerging tourist hotspot thanks to its natural spa pools, delicious food and many lakes that are perfect for wild swimming. The island is a top spot for diving and snorkelling too with clear, crystalline sea and an array of marine life waiting to be discovered below the surface.

You can explore all the Aeolian Islands if you’re staying in Lipari, but the Sicilian island is also a popular holiday destination in its own right. It has a relaxed, laid-back vibe with buckets of natural beauty, historical sights and numerous restaurants where you can sample delicious local delicacies. Make sure you spend some time exploring the old town on your stay, including the castle, Saint Bartholomew Cathedral and Marina Corta square.

A great base for island-hopping, you can easily travel from Lipari to explore the other Aeolian islands, via the interconnecting ferry routes. The archipelago is an UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring seven volcanic islands with spectacular beaches and hiking trails too.