Italy’s quieter islands not often make it into shiny brochures or viral journey threads. However they exist — calm, untouched, and unusually empty. I’ve spent years searching for corners that also really feel like Italy earlier than tourism took over.
These aren’t the locations you’ll discover by way of big-name influencers or polished resort chains. They’re actual, sluggish, and peaceable.
Right here’s a better have a look at seven Italian islands locals don’t often speak about — and possibly don’t need you to search out.
Key Highlights
- Uncover hidden islands throughout Italy untouched by mainstream tourism.
- Discover sensible journey ideas from a frequent island explorer.
- Get recommendation on methods to attain these distant locations with out stress.
- Find out about yacht and catamaran choices for reaching smaller islands.
- Know which months supply actual quiet and fewer crowds.
- Perceive the place to remain, eat, and swim with out relying on TripAdvisor.
1. Marettimo – Uncooked cliffs, no automobiles, and silence
Marettimo seems like time stopped. It’s essentially the most distant of the Egadi Islands, sitting west of Sicily. You received’t discover flashy resorts or seaside golf equipment right here. What one can find is silence, craggy limestone cliffs, and turquoise water that just about feels pretend.
Only some ferries run per day from Trapani. When you’re there, neglect about automobiles — the island has none. Locals stroll, bike, or use small boats. It’s that quiet.
Go climbing towards Punta Troia for views that may cease you in your tracks. The one factor you’ll hear is wind towards rocks. I stayed at a family-run pensione with 5 rooms and the form of breakfast that makes you need to write a novel.
2. San Domino – Forests in the midst of the ocean
San Domino sits within the Tremiti Islands, north of Puglia. It’s tiny, walkable in just a few hours, and coated in Aleppo pines. It smells like pine needles and salt. The water is shockingly clear.
Locals from Foggia and Bari come right here, nevertheless it’s nonetheless largely off-grid for worldwide guests. The seashores are rocky, and the ocean caves may be reached by kayak or boat. Cala Matano is a standout swimming spot.
If you happen to plan on staying in a single day, strive for early June. You’ll keep away from summer season crowds and get excellent sea temperatures. There are not any big motels — simply low-key lodges and small trattorias with actual meals.
3. Salina – For individuals who hate chaos
If you happen to’re trying to find quiet however nonetheless need wine, olives, and correct cappuccinos, Salina works. It’s a part of the Aeolian Islands, however not like flashy Panarea or overrun Lipari, it stays grounded.
It has volcanic soil, so the Malvasia wine right here hits totally different. You possibly can attain it by ferry from Milazzo or Naples. When you arrive, lease a small scooter or simply stroll. The island is sufficiently small.
Midway by way of my keep, I booked a non-public boat day journey by way of Malta Charters. They don’t solely do Malta — their Mediterranean fleet consists of crusing yachts, catamarans, and smaller RIBs, excellent for exploring lesser-known Italian coasts. The crew dealt with the whole lot, and I didn’t carry a finger. It was hands-down the simplest, most scenic a part of the entire journey.
4. San Pietro – Sardinia’s calm cousin
San Pietro sits simply off the southwestern coast of Sardinia. Not like the massive vacationer zones, this island by no means shouts. Carloforte is the one actual city right here — and even that feels extra like a fishing village than a vacation spot.
The dialect is Ligurian. The tuna is caught and eaten the identical day. And there’s a protracted custom of crusing and coral diving right here. You’ll desire a automobile or scooter if you happen to’re planning to discover the island absolutely, however don’t anticipate site visitors.
Go for La Bobba Seashore or the stone formations at Le Colonne. Watch the solar set from Capo Sandalo. Then seize gelato at a bar the place the proprietor is aware of everybody by identify.
5. Giannutri – No sneakers, no retailers, no nonsense
If you wish to unplug, actually unplug, Giannutri strips issues again to fundamentals. No retailers, no ATMs, no motels. It’s technically a part of the Tuscan Archipelago, reached by ferry from Porto Santo Stefano.
There are Roman ruins, rocky trails, and untouched shoreline. You’ll have to carry your individual water, meals, and plan for restricted sunlight hours. The island is protected, so entry is restricted. It’s largely day-trippers, divers, and hikers.
After I went, I noticed extra lizards than individuals. No joke. Put on actual strolling sneakers. Nobody will care what model they’re.
6. Procida – Colour with out the group
Is Procida nonetheless a secret? Kind of. Vacationers rush to Capri or Ischia, leaving Procida unusually underexplored. Its pastel buildings would possibly seem like Positano, however the temper is quieter.
Locals go about their day. Laundry flaps throughout balconies. Vespas buzz previous avenue cats. Marina Corricella is the place to remain. I like to recommend reserving a room in one of many homes proper over the water. Mornings are sluggish and price savoring.
There are solely a handful of seashores, however they’re clear, uncrowded, and open to everybody. I spent three days there and noticed the identical individuals each morning — fishermen, bakery house owners, and previous ladies gossiping on benches.
7. Ponza – Rome’s not-so-well-kept secret
Ponza is the place Rome escapes. It’s not unknown, nevertheless it nonetheless feels untouched in spring and late September. You attain it by ferry from Anzio or Formia. Anticipate cliffs, caves, and water that turns lavender beneath the afternoon solar.
Lease a small boat. No want for a license if you happen to go together with a information. The shoreline is filled with swimming spots unreachable by foot — Grotte di Pilato, Arco Naturale, Cala Feola. If you happen to love snorkeling, this place delivers.
The city itself is filled with low-rise buildings and bakeries that scent like almond and lemon. For dinner, guide forward. Ponza fills up quick within the evenings. However by some means, it by no means feels overwhelming.
Earlier than You Go
Discovering quiet in Italy takes greater than luck. It’s a must to be keen to skip the massive names and dig somewhat deeper. The excellent news? The payoff is all the time price it. These islands ask for endurance — sluggish ferries, fewer eating places, small motels. However they provide again greater than they take.
They make you decelerate. Eat higher. Sleep deeper. Breathe absolutely.
If you wish to disappear for some time, do it the place nobody’s wanting.
