When it comes to Italy, there is limitless beauty waiting for you. It has been a cultural epicenter for centuries. Its cultural heritage is so rich that one might forget how beautiful its islands really are. But it’s literally a waste of opportunities as there are more than 80 scenic islands within Italy’s borders to explore, so who can just pick the 10 best Italian islands to visit. Italian islands have many special things to offer.
These islands are unique in their features. Some islands have wonderful resorts, some possess dramatic volcanoes, some have magnificent cities, some famous for hiking and trekking, some own pure-white secluded beaches. In a word Italian island holidays are going to present you with some memorable experience. Here is our list of top 10 best Italian Islands to visit.
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10 Best Italian Islands to Visit:
10. Procida
Procida is a small island in the Bay of Naples in southern Italy. It is small but have enough reason to be on the list of best Italian Islands to visit. The best thing about Procida is that you can explore the island on foot if you want. The most attractive areas on the island are Marina Corricella, Marina Grande and Marina di Chiaiolella. There are not a lot of beaches in the island but you will get crystal clear water.
It’s not as crowded as the neighboring islands so tourists can enjoy a laid-back seaside vacation. Procida is popular as it has been featured in number of films including the classic Il Postino and The Talented Mr Ripley. Ferry services are available and cheap in Procida. It is without a doubt one of the best Italian Islands to visit.
9. Panarea
Panarea is without a doubt the most fashionable island of the Aeolians. It is a volcanic island and only 3 Km long and 2 Km wide. Most of the time of the year, it remains nearly vacant. During the summer, tourists make it lively. So as you can see Panarea is only a summer Italian island holidays. The island nowadays is famous for its celebrity visitors internationally.
There is no doubt why it is on top best Italian Islands to visit. The most pompous way to visit the island is to explore in the yachts. The island resembles more like Greek island for its classic Greek style white houses. Panarea is too expensive for the common tourists as it is a targeted destination for wealthy tourists. Anyway, it is without a doubt one of the best Italian Islands to visit.
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8. Ischia
Ischia is the largest and most developed island in the Bay of Naples. It is obviously one of the best Italian Islands to visit. It is a popular destination for beach holidays in Italy for its sandy beaches and natural hot springs. The island is dominated by the 2,589 foot tall volcanic Mount Epomeo. Ischia is full of wonder and fun to explore. Its buried necropolises, abundant gardens, vineyards, picturesque small towns and so many other things will guarantee your good time.
This one of the best Italian Islands to visit has been colonized by the Greeks, Romans, Saracens, Turks, and Aragonese. So the travellers will get a multicultural vibe around here. The best known architectural attractions are the Castello Aragonese, a medieval castle built by Alfonso D’Aragnona, and the Guervera Tower, a 15th century fortress. Ischia is one of the best Italian Islands to visit.
7. La Maddalena
Formerly served as important strategic naval and military bases, La Maddalena has at present become one of the best Italian Islands to visit. It is a charming island and it’s comparatively low cost allows common people to visit comfortably. Its main attractions are the final home of Italian hero Giuseppe Garibaldi, the beautiful unspoiled beaches and the crystal clear blue sea.
Near the town of La Maddalena, the pink-toned granite rocks are arranged in a row. Some of these rocks were used in the construction of the Statue of Liberty. The whole town glows with the rocks at sunset making it a fairy tale island. The island is famous for its wild nightlife too. It also largely summer Italian island holidays destination. It is without a question one of the best Italian Islands to visit.
6. Lampedusa
Situated nearer to Tunisia rather than to Italy, Lampedusa is one of the most beautiful Islands in Italy. It owns some of the most beautiful beaches in the world like Rabbit Beach, Cala Pulcino. Rabbit Beach is a heart shaped beach with crystal clear water. It’s a hot spot for romantic couples. It is voted by travel site TripAdvisor the world’s best beach in 2013.
It is a paradise for scuba -diver and nature lovers. Although it is part of Italy, it is part of the African continent geographically. It is one of the rare spots in the Mediterranean where loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs safely. A boat trip in this island is truly a life worthy experience. You can also enjoy a mix of African and Italian culture. This is one of the best Italian Islands to visit.
5. Lipari
Lipari is one of the most beautiful islands in Italy and the largest of the seven volcanic isles in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the northern coast of Sicily, southern Italy. It is a crowded place with a marvelous harbor, a historic castle-citadel and wonderful street. The last eruption on this volcanic island took place around 1,400 years ago and at present it is a safe island with a gift of hot springs that the volcanic eruption bestowed.
Lipari is highlighted for its rugged landscape, awesome white-washed towns and fascinating crystal-clear blue water. No wonder why it is on the list of best Italian islands to visit. It is an ideal place for diving, boating, snorkeling and hiking. It is one of the easiest island to visit in and one of the tourist friendly islands. It is without a doubt one of the best Italian islands to visit.
4. Elba
Elba is undoubtedly one of the best Italian islands to visit. This Mediterranean island in Tuscany is famous as a place of exile for Napoleon. Given the fact of modification of the island since the time of Napoleon’s exile, Napoleon may not mind to spend few more days here willingly. You are going to love Elba for everything. Its beaches and cliffs, its azure waters, its winds, its perfumes, its flavors, vineyards, its hillside villages will fascinate you. It is the largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest island in Italy.
This island is the best to spend your beach holidays in Italy. The island will also offer you lovely seafaring cuisine and wines. It is also a paradise for hiking, scuba diving, biking, sea-kayaking and all sort of adventures. It’s an ideal place for a family trip. Elba is without a question one of the best Italian islands to visit.
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3. Capri
Capri is a little paradise waiting for you in the bay of Naples. This island is all about history and mythology. It is the island where according to legend Siren tempted the sailors with her magical music. Its unparalleled beauty has dazzled Roman emperors, Russian revolutionaries and Hollywood stars for centuries. It is undoubtedly one of the best Italian islands to visit. One of the most popular attractions in the island is Villa Jovis, the emperor’s imperial residence.
Blue Grotto, a waterfront cave is the most notable natural attraction in this island. Capri was inhabited long before the arrival of Greek. It was a favorite playground for Roman Empire Emperor Augustus. Capri is special for its unspoiled charm. It has an overwhelming scenario with grand villas, sun-bleached, overgrown vegetable plots, peeling stucco and so many other things. This is one of the best Italian islands to visit.
2. Sardinia
Anchored between the North Africa’s coastline and Italian peninsula, Sardinia is one of the best islands to visit. Sardinia will offer you the uttermost tranquility you seek without the noise and stress of the mainland. It has the most lucrative beach in Mediterranean region. These beaches are going to make you dreamy. It has some great restaurants, bars and hotels.
This island is also a great place for adventure. Hiking, biking, windsurfing will fill your day with full of excitement. It has a 3000 years history. So it is also culturally, architecturally one of the rich islands in Italy. It has its own famous wine, its own eccentric festivals and so many other things to enjoy. It is one of the best Italian islands to visit.
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1. Sicily
Sicily is without a doubt the most famous island in Italy. So many histories are associated with Sicily. This island is definitely one of the most beautiful island in Italy. It has been fascinating passengers since the ancient time. The beauty of the island had been praised by Homer to Virgil.
It has been come under influence of different cultures like Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Elymians, Greeks and Romans. It is the gem of Mediterranean region. It is one of the most lucrative place on earth and one of the most architecturally rich areas in the world. It is without any question should be on top of the best Italian Islands to visit.