Fantastic beaches, fascinating landscapes and exciting cities – Italy is one of the greatest travel destinations in the world and I am always delighted with its versatility. Therefore I would like to introduce you to another facet of the country today: the most beautiful Italian islands. Curtain up!
My love for Italy is really limitless – no matter how often I have already visited the country, I would go back anytime. In addition to well-known vacation spots, there are also some insider tips that are still on my bucket list. As a small declaration of love to the country, I have therefore picked out the most beautiful Italian islands , which are sure to inspire you as much as I do. Everyone should visit these paradisiacal places once!
Filicudi – relaxation in a tranquil atmosphere
According to loverists, the small island of Filicudi is only known to a few and that is a good thing, because it is spared from mass tourism . With a total of 300 inhabitants and an area of 9.5 km², it is one of the smallest islands in the Tyrrhenian Sea .
Aeolian Islands
In my travel magazine you can find out everything about the Aeolian Islands , which include Lipari, Salina and Filicudi.
If you want to pay a visit to the mini-island, which belongs to the archipelago of the Aeolian Islands , you have to come a long way. There is a boat connection from Sicily that will take you to Filicudi in around 2.5 hours. The crossing is like a trip to the other end of the world, because Filicudi is the last stop on the plan. Before that, the ship stops in Vulcano, Lipari and Salina. But I can tell you one thing: the long journey is definitely worth it. When you arrive in Filicudi, an idyllic setting awaits you that is second to none. The remote island is the perfect destination for a relaxing and undisturbed vacation in Italy.
Getting to Filicudi
Return flights from Austria to Sicily are available from around € 40. Have a look at my flight search . From Milazzo in Sicily you then take the Liberty Lines ferry, which will take you to Filicudi in around 2.5 hours. The price per route is around € 27. You can book suitable accommodations on Filicudi at Airbnb from around € 30 per night.
Ponza – competition for Capri
Another insider tip in the Tyrrhenian Sea is the dreamy island of Ponza. The largest of the Pontine Islands is reminiscent of jet set destinations like Capri or Ischia with a picturesque harbor and colorful houses. But the island captivates with an authentic atmosphere and original island life , with charming pensions and small shops. And that’s not all, because Ponza is also an absolute paradise for divers. Around the island there are many mysterious grottos and tuff rocks that are just waiting to be discovered. The best way to get to the small island is from Naples, Formia, Anzio and Terracina.
Guru tips for getting to Ponza
You can book return flights from Austria to Naples in my flight search for as little as 60 €. Once in Naples, you can take a hydrofoil from the Società Navigazione Alta Velocità from Naples Mergellina to Ponza in about three hours. The crossing costs around € 20. You can get good hotels on Ponza from around € 50 per night.
Alternatively, you can visit the island of Ponza and other islands in the Gulf of Naples within a day trip from Naples. In my booking section you will find good Naples deals including flights, hotel and breakfast.
Elba – Caribbean flair in Italy
If you look at photos of Elba, you might think that this holiday destination is located in the middle of the Caribbean. But Elba is actually an island in the Mediterranean, only ten kilometers from the Italian mainland.
Elba offers immaculate beaches and crystal clear water
So you can easily reach this wonderful place in Tuscany . Once there, you can expect immaculate beaches and crystal clear water that offers cooling on hot summer days. Let’s be honest – why should you always travel far when such dream destinations also exist in Europe? If you want to learn more about Elba , I recommend my article in the travel magazine.
Tips for getting to Elba
To get to Elba, I recommend a flight to Florence or Pisa. You can book the return flight to Tuscany in my flight search for as little as 30 €. Then take a rental car or use the train and drive to the coastal town of Piombino, from where you can take the ferry to Cavo, Portoferraio or Rio Marina on Elba. The crossing takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the destination, and costs around € 60-70 including a car (€ 15 without a car).
If you prefer to book a package tour on Elba , you will find what you are looking for with just one click in my booking section. A one-week holiday on Elba including the flights and the hotel is available from € 322 .
Lampedusa – dream destination in the Mediterranean
Lampedusa is also located in the Mediterranean. Caribbean beaches with crystal clear water await you on this Italian island too. The best thing to do is to rent a boat and explore the sea in front of the island – believe me, Lampedusa will simply inspire you.
Due to its location between Sicily and Tunisia, Lampedusa offers the perfect Mediterranean climate. You should definitely not miss a trip to Isola dei Conigli , a small islet that is only a few meters from the coast and has one of the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean. Would you have thought that? Far away from the classic routes, you can enjoy a top-class vacation on Lampedusa .
Tips for getting to Lampedusa
Lampedusa has its own airport, but unfortunately there is currently no direct flight to it from Austria. I therefore recommend that you book a flight to Sicily in my flight search and take the ferry to Lampedusa from Porto Empedocle in the southwest of the island near Agrigento. The crossing takes place with a night ferry, which takes about eleven hours to reach the Italian island. The one-way ticket costs € 75 in the cheapest category. But if you prefer a cabin for 90 €, then you can get some sleep during the crossing.
You can book hotels on Lampedusa in my hotel search for as little as € 40 per night. A great alternative are the private accommodations on Lampedusa , which you can book for less than € 30 per night via Airbnb.
Tremiti Islands – like arriving in paradise
The archipelago of the Tremiti Islands is in front of the Gargano Peninsula – the spur of the Italian boot in the Italian region of Apulia . It is surrounded by the blue, clear sea of the Adriatic. In 1989 these islands, San Domino (the green one), San Nicola (the rugged one) and Capraia (the wild one) with their countless grottos, the bay-rich coast and their untouched landscapes were declared a marine nature reserve. The Tremiti Islands are truly a paradise for those who love the sea and the beach or are avid divers.
Tips for getting to the Tremiti Islands
The Tremiti Islands can only be reached by ferry. It is best to book a flight to Rome or Naples in my flight search and then either take the trains or a rental car to Termoli. From Termoli you can take the ferry to the Tremiti Islands for around € 20 each way. The crossing takes a little over an hour.
You should definitely book your hotel on the Tremiti Islands well in advance, as the few accommodations are in great demand. Again, Airbnb is a good and inexpensive alternative. You can book unique accommodations on San Domino or San Nicola here from € 50 per night.
Lipari – The pearl of the Aeolian Islands
Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands and at the same time the center of the archipelago. The inhabitants even refer to the 88 hectare island as a “city”. With around 12,000 inhabitants, Lipari is not exactly a metropolis, but there is a lot more going on here than on the other islands in the area. On Lipari you will find a small old town with a castle, some churches and an archaeological museum. But the real highlight are the beautiful beaches and bays for which Lipari is known. Just lean back on your beach chair and enjoy its beauty – this Italian island will inspire you.
Tips for getting to Lipari
The journey to Lipari is basically the same as the journey to Filicudi . The island is also part of the Aeolian Islands, which can be reached by ferry from Sicily. You can find good hotels on Lipari in my hotel search from € 70 per night, while you can get wonderful Airbnbs on Lipari from € 35 per night.
Procida – Colorful dream island
Procida is one of my all-time favorite destinations in Italy . Colorful houses are stacked on top of each other and create an almost unreal atmosphere – the small Italian island looks like a place from a fairy tale and has also served as a film location for “Il Postino” and “Mr. Ripley ”.
Procida has been spared from mass tourism
At four km², Procida is the smallest of the three islands in the Gulf of Naples and has so far been spared from mass tourism. The charming island can be reached quickly and easily via Naples. From the port of Molo Beverello there are numerous ferries to Procida every day and believe me, this excursion is definitely worth it. You can find out more about Procida in my travel magazine .
Tips for getting to Procida
The best way to get to Procida is to book a flight to Naples in my flight search . The ferries from the mainland to Procida leave several times a day from Porta di Massa and Molo Beverello in Porto di Napoli, the port of Naples, and from the port of the city of Pozzuoli and take about an hour. The price for the crossing is € 15-20.
Since there are not very many hotels on Procida , you have to reckon with a price of 80-100 € per night. My tip: At Airbnb you will find accommodations from which you have a sensational view of the Gulf of Naples. You don’t have to dig deep into your pockets for this – the Airbnbs on Procida are available from € 35. If you prefer to book a package tour to Procida , you will find what you are looking for in my booking section: You can book four days including flights and the hotel with breakfast here from € 416 .
