Italy’s quieter islands not often make it into shiny brochures or viral journey threads. However they exist — calm, untouched, and surprisingly empty. I’ve spent years on the lookout for corners that also really feel like Italy earlier than tourism took over.
These should not the locations you’ll discover by big-name influencers or polished lodge chains. They’re actual, gradual, and peaceable.
Right here’s a more in-depth have a look at seven Italian islands locals don’t normally 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 suggestions from a frequent island explorer.
- Get recommendation on the way 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 looks like time stopped. It’s essentially the most distant of the Egadi Islands, sitting west of Sicily. You received’t discover flashy resorts or seashore golf equipment right here. What you will see that is silence, craggy limestone cliffs, and turquoise water that just about feels faux.
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 mountaineering towards Punta Troia for views that can cease you in your tracks. The one factor you’ll hear is wind in opposition to rocks. I stayed at a family-run pensione with 5 rooms and the form of breakfast that makes you wish to write a novel.
2. San Domino – Forests in the course 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, but it surely’s nonetheless largely off-grid for worldwide guests. The seashores are rocky, and the ocean caves might be reached by kayak or boat. Cala Matano is a standout swimming spot.
In case you plan on staying in a single day, attempt for early June. You’ll keep away from summer time crowds and get excellent sea temperatures. There are not any big inns — simply low-key lodges and small trattorias with actual meals.
3. Salina – For individuals who hate chaos
In case you’re looking for 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 may 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 my keep, I booked a non-public boat day journey by 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 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. 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 automotive or scooter when you’re planning to discover the island absolutely, however don’t anticipate site visitors.
Go for La Bobba Seaside 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 retailers, no nonsense
If you wish to unplug, actually unplug, Giannutri strips issues again to fundamentals. No retailers, no ATMs, no inns. 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 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 folks. No joke. Put on actual strolling footwear. Nobody will care what model they’re.
6. Procida – Coloration with out the group
Is Procida nonetheless a secret? Type of. Vacationers rush to Capri or Ischia, leaving Procida surprisingly underexplored. Its pastel buildings would possibly appear 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 gradual and value 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 folks each morning — fishermen, bakery homeowners, 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, but it surely 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 below the afternoon solar.
Hire a small boat. No want for a license when you go together with a information. The shoreline is stuffed with swimming spots unreachable by foot — Grotte di Pilato, Arco Naturale, Cala Feola. In case you love snorkeling, this place delivers.
The city itself is stuffed with low-rise buildings and bakeries that odor like almond and lemon. For dinner, e book forward. Ponza fills up quick within the evenings. However someway, it by no means feels overwhelming.
Earlier than You Go
Discovering quiet in Italy takes greater than luck. You must be keen to skip the massive names and dig a bit deeper. The excellent news? The payoff is at all times price it. These islands ask for endurance — gradual ferries, fewer eating places, small inns. 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 trying.
