5 Incredible Italian Islands to Add to Your Travel Bucket List (#4 is a True Hidden Gem)
Planning a trip to Italy? Sure, Rome, Florence, and Venice are awesome. But these five stunning Italian islands are pure Mediterranean magic.
Italy is one country that definitely should be on every Travel Bucket List.
But while most visitors flock to Rome, Venice, and the rolling hills of Tuscany, some of Italy’s best destinations can be found just a ferry ride away from the mainland.
Scattered across the Tyrrhenian and Adriatic seas are dozens of islands where you’ll find sandy beaches, volcanic landscapes, colorful fishing villages, and glamorous hideaways.
Some are well known, like Capri, while others manage to fly completely under the radar (like #4 on our list).
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If you’ve already explored the best of mainland of Italy, it’s time to add a few dreamy islands to your next Italy itinerary.
Here are five gorgeous Italian islands you’ll adore:
1. Elba Island
The island of Elba is the largest in the Tuscan Archipelago and most famous as the place where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled in 1814. You can still tour Villa dei Mulini, his former residence, and get a glimpse into this unusual chapter of history.
But Elba isn’t just about Napoleon—it’s an island with more than 150 beaches, hiking trails through pine forests, and panoramic views from Monte Capanne, the highest peak.
Get Here
There’s a small airport with limited flights, but most visitors arrive by ferry from Piombino on the Tuscan coast. From there, it’s just a one-hour ferry ride.
Tip: The absolute best site for booking ferries in Italy is FerryHopper.com.
Stay Here
- Hotel Hermitage – A five-star resort right on lovely Biodola beach with sea views and a relaxed, luxurious vibe.
- Hotel Biodola – A classic beachfront property with a private sandy cove.
Don’t Miss
- A cable car ride up Monte Capanne for incredible views across the Tuscan coastline.
- A stroll through Portoferraio, with its pastel-colored houses and small harbor. Explore on your own or go more in-depth with this 2-Hour Portoferraio Guided Walking Tour.
- Swimming in the crystal-clear waters at Capo Bianco or Sansone Beach.
Read More: Make Like Napoleon This Summer and Escape to Italy’s Dazzling Elba Island
2. Maddalena Islands
Off the northern coast of Sardinia, the Maddalena Islands (La Maddalena) are a cluster of seven main islands and many smaller islands, most part of a protected national park.
The impossibly clear Tyrrhenian waters here rival the Caribbean, with shades of turquoise and emerald that seem unreal. The best way to experience them is by a small boat day trip like this Sailboat Tour of the Maddalena Archipelago.
Get Here
There’s no airport on the islands. Reach them by ferry from Palau in northern Sardinia, which is easily accessible by car or bus from Olbia (where you’ll find the nearest airport).
Stay Here
- Grand Hotel Resort Ma&Ma – The only five-star hotel in the Maddalena Islands, this adults-only resort with sleek rooms and sea views is perfect for couples.
- Hotel Excelsior La Maddalena – Located in town just steps from the ferry port, this full-service hotel is perfect for exploring on foot.
Don’t Miss
- A boat trip through the archipelago, stopping for swims in hidden lagoons around these idyllic islands.
- Admire the unique sands of Spiaggia Rosa (Pink Beach) on Budelli Island. Access is restricted, but you can see it from the sea on a boat tour like this popular Full Day Boat Tour to La Maddalena, Caprera, Spargi, Budelli.
- Sampling the island’s fresh seafood, especially spaghetti with sea urchins.
Read More: How to Take a Brilliant Day Trip to the Maddalena Islands from Sardinia
3. Ischia
Located in the Bay of Naples, Ischia is a volcanic island famous for its thermal springs and mud baths. For centuries, visitors have soaked in its hot waters, and today, many hotels and spas still tap into this natural wellness tradition.
Beyond the springs, Ischia is wonderfully green with botanical gardens, vineyards, and medieval castles.
Get Here
Ischia doesn’t have an airport. You’ll get here by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples, with regular departures from Molo Beverello and Pozzuoli. Crossing times range from 50 minutes (hydrofoil) to about 1 hour 30 minutes (ferry).
Stay Here
- San Montano Resort & Spa – A luxury hotel with its own thermal pools and stunning views.
- Grand Hotel Santa Domitilla – A stylish stay close to the port, with multiple thermal pools and gardens.
Don’t Miss
- Exploring Aragonese Castle, perched dramatically on a volcanic rock.
- Spending an afternoon at Giardini Poseidon Terme, the island’s largest spa park.
- Hiking Monte Epomeo, Ischia’s highest point, for a panoramic view of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Read More: The Volcanic Island of Ischia is Italy’s Hottest Destination, Here’s Why
4. Procida
Tiny Procida has long been overshadowed by Capri and Ischia, but that’s exactly why it’s always been one of my favorite islands in Italy. It’s all charm, no crowds.
Just a quick ferry ride from Naples, Procida is famous for its colorful houses stacked along the waterfront at Marina Corricella. It has a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path feel, with working fishing boats and locals chatting in the piazza.
In fact, I think the island of Procida is one of the most underrated islands in Europe.
Get Here
Procida doesn’t have an airport. It’s reached by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples or Pozzuoli, with a short travel time of 30–40 minutes.
Stay Here
There’s a lack of large hotels on Procida, but that’s just one of the many reasons you’ll love it.
- San Michele – A chic boutique hotel with modern design and a perfect location in Marina Corricella.
- Albergo La Vigna – Set among vineyards, with sea views, an infinity pool, and a cozy, traditional feel.
Don’t Miss
- Wandering the narrow lanes of Marina Corricella, one of the most photogenic spots in Italy.
- Visiting Terra Murata, the island’s historic fortified village with breathtaking views over the marina.
- Enjoying a plate of fresh seafood pasta while watching fishermen bring in their catch.
Read More: Pretty Procida is the Best Italian Island You’ve Never Heard Of
5. Capri
The Island of Capri isn’t exactly undiscovered. It’s one of Italy’s most famous destinations (and it has the legendary crowds to prove it).
Sitting just off the coast of Naples and the Amalfi Coast, fashionable Capri has lured Roman emperors, Hollywood stars, and luxury travelers for centuries. It’s easy to see why this is one of Italy’s most famous destinations.
With limestone cliffs, dramatic sea caves, and a rugged coastline, it’s often considered the most beautiful islands in Italy. Just be sure to avoid July and August on this popular island.
Tip: Late spring and early fall are magical.
Get Here
Like the rest of the islands on this list, Capri doesn’t have an airport. Get here by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast. Crossings typically take 40–80 minutes, depending on the route.
Stay Here
- JK Place Capri – A luxurious, design-forward hotel with breathtaking sea views.
- Hotel Caesar Augustus – A cliffside retreat offering a mix of elegance and history.
Don’t Miss
- A boat ride to the Blue Grotto, Capri’s famous glowing sea cave.
- A cable car ride up to Anacapri for sweeping views of the island.
- Walking the Via Krupp or the Path of the Forts for coastal panoramas.
Add these Italian Islands to your next Italy itinerary!
Italy’s islands are every bit as magical as its famous historic cities—and often far less crowded.
Whether you’re hopping a quick ferry from Naples, cruising Sardinia’s coast, or adding a few days of island time to your Tuscan adventure, these colorful islands prove that some of Italy’s greatest treasures are surrounded by the sea.
So when you’re planning your next Italian escape, don’t just stop at the Italian mainland. Hop on a ferry along the coast of Italy to explore some of Europe’s most beautiful islands.
Looking for more great places in Italy? Start here:
15 Amazing Places in Italy to Add to Your Travel Bucket List🍋🌎✈️
Bucket List Italy: How to Visit the Iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Best of the Amalfi Coast Italy in 4 Amazingly Affordable Days
Italy’s Fantastic 5 – The Seaside Towns of Cinque Terre in 48 Hours
The Fairytale Republic of San Marino: Italy’s Mountaintop Microstate
Tuscany’s San Gimignano is Everything an Italian Hill Town Should Be
