Italy’s quieter islands hardly ever make it into shiny brochures or viral journey threads. However they exist — calm, untouched, and surprisingly empty. I’ve spent years in search of corners that also really feel like Italy earlier than tourism took over.
These are usually not 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 take a look at seven Italian islands locals don’t often discuss — and perhaps don’t need you to seek out.
Key Highlights
- Uncover hidden islands throughout Italy untouched by mainstream tourism.
- Discover sensible journey ideas from a frequent island explorer.
- Get recommendation on tips on how to attain these distant locations with out stress.
- Study 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 looks like time stopped. It’s probably the most distant of the Egadi Islands, sitting west of Sicily. You gained’t discover flashy resorts or seashore golf equipment right here. What you can find is silence, craggy limestone cliffs, and turquoise water that nearly 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 mountain climbing towards Punta Troia for views that can 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 sort of breakfast that makes you wish 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 a couple of 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 principally off-grid for worldwide guests. The seashores are rocky, and the ocean caves will be reached by kayak or boat. Cala Matano is a standout swimming spot.
In the event you plan on staying in a single day, strive for early June. You’ll keep away from summer time crowds and get excellent sea temperatures. There aren’t any large accommodations — simply low-key lodges and small trattorias with actual meals.
3. Salina – For individuals who hate chaos
In the event you’re attempting to find quiet however nonetheless need wine, olives, and correct cappuccinos, Salina works. It’s a part of the Aeolian Islands, however in contrast to flashy Panarea or overrun Lipari, it stays grounded.
It has volcanic soil, so the Malvasia wine right here hits totally different. You’ll be able to attain it by ferry from Milazzo or Naples. When you arrive, hire a small scooter or simply stroll. The island is sufficiently small.
Midway by way of my keep, I booked a personal 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, perfect for exploring lesser-known Italian coasts. The crew dealt with every little thing, and I didn’t raise 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. In contrast to 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 need a automobile or scooter in case you’re planning to discover the island totally, however don’t anticipate 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 footwear, no outlets, no nonsense
If you wish to unplug, actually unplug, Giannutri strips issues again to fundamentals. No outlets, no ATMs, no accommodations. 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 must convey your individual water, meals, and plan for restricted daytime. The island is protected, so entry is restricted. It’s principally day-trippers, divers, and hikers.
Once I went, I noticed extra lizards than individuals. No joke. Put on actual strolling footwear. Nobody will care what model they’re.
6. Procida – Shade with out the gang
Is Procida nonetheless a secret? Form of. Vacationers rush to Capri or Ischia, leaving Procida surprisingly underexplored. Its pastel buildings would possibly appear to be 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. Count on cliffs, caves, and water that turns lavender underneath the afternoon solar.
Hire a small boat. No want for a license in case you go along with a information. The shoreline is filled with swimming spots unreachable by foot — Grotte di Pilato, Arco Naturale, Cala Feola. In the event you love snorkeling, this place delivers.
The city itself is filled with low-rise buildings and bakeries that odor like almond and lemon. For dinner, guide forward. Ponza fills up quick within the evenings. However in some way, it by no means feels overwhelming.
Earlier than You Go
Discovering quiet in Italy takes greater than luck. It’s important to be keen to skip the massive names and dig a bit deeper. The excellent news? The payoff is all the time value it. These islands ask for endurance — sluggish ferries, fewer eating places, small accommodations. However they provide again greater than they take.
They make you decelerate. Eat higher. Sleep deeper. Breathe totally.
If you wish to disappear for some time, do it the place nobody’s trying.
