Islands

With the exception of Sardinia and Sicily, most of the Italian islands are relatively unknown to the general public. A pity, because they are among the most beautiful that Italy has to offer. Gems that every Italy lover should see once.

There is also no shortage of sights. Picturesque villages, beautiful hiking trails and of course: Mount Etna. This volcano, which is still active, is well worth a visit. If only for the wonderful legends written about it. Like the story that the eruptions are caused by Hephaistos, a son of Zeus, who has a forge inside Etna.

The beautiful Syracusa also has many treasures from Antiquity. Here are the most important Greek theater of the time, the Altar of Zeus where 450 bulls were sacrificed annually, and a Roman theater where gladiators performed their perilous shows.

There is so much to do in Sicily that it is impossible to list it all here, you will have to go and see for yourself. Oh yes, and as far as the mafiosi are concerned: as a tourist you will not have any problem with that.

Sardinia has just as illustrious a past as Sicily. Here too, the cultural treasures alternate with culinary highlights and natural beauty. However, it is quieter here than in Sicily. Moreover, it has fascinating coastlines and you are everywhere in no time in the green, still untouched countryside, amidst a hilly landscape with characteristic Romanesque churches and picturesque villages.

The history of the island is rich. Many different peoples ruled here. Tribes already roamed here in prehistoric times and they were successively succeeded by: the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Vandals, the Byzantines and the Saracens. And all these peoples left their mark on Sardinia.

It's all possible in Sardinia: go into nature, watch the sun sink into the sea on Capo Caccia, laze on the beach, get lost in the maze of streets in medieval towns such as Bosa, visit historic buildings or let yourself be pampered culinary in one of the many restaurants.

Procida is one of the Italian islands in the Gulf of Naples, whose enchantment the emperors Augustus and Tiberius could not resist. Procida is small and quiet: hardly any traffic and little tourism. Here you can enjoy fantastic views, walk through the many small streets or go via a bridge to the uninhabited island of Vivara, where nature is dazzling. The harbor town of Procida with its beautiful colored houses and the eleventh century abbey are also well worth a visit.

This Italian island of Ischia has been a popular spa town since Roman times. The volcanic mud and thermal springs, complemented by all kinds of massage techniques, soothe just about every ailment you can think of.

There is also a lot to see here. Varied landscapes, beautiful harbors and an impressive castle, the Castello Aragonese, where Michelangelo is said to have had an affair. And don't forget La Mortell: a composer's garden where an interplay of sounds, colors and scents enchants every visitor.

Capri is dotted with natural attractions. Characteristic are the 'Faraglioni', three imposing rocks that rise from the depths of the sea and are home to a rare blue lizard. But there is more: the magical Blue Grotto, verdant orchards, the scent of herbs, the white and pastel-colored Capricorn houses, the Gardens of Augustus, the Matermania Grotto, the natural vault and a Carthusian monastery from the 14th century. And, on the south coast you can try and hear the Sirens that tempted Odysseus.

Once upon a time, seven gems from the necklace of Venus fell into the Tyrrhenian Sea; these became the islands of the Tuscan Archipelago. Elba is the largest; known for being Napoleon's first place of exile. Here you have white sandy beaches, a crystal clear sea, vineyards, ancient mule trails, impenetrable forests and rugged mountain ridges. And on the slopes of Monte Capanna, in Marciana, a settlement from Roman times, you can get lost in a labyrinth of narrow streets, squares and stairs and enjoy all the good things in life.

On the island of Ustica, the Ancient Greeks dumped 6.000 mutinous soldiers who all died from lack of food. Mussolini also gladly sent his political opponents here, escape is impossible.

Now many tourists go there voluntarily. This is because it is a great place for divers. The water is so clear that you can see the wide variety of fish and corals up to 15 meters away. The village of Ustica is also special, where many houses have been beautifully painted as a result of a biennial fresco competition.

The tiny Italian island of Pantelleria has no beaches or coves, but it does have beautiful vistas and natural hot springs, mud baths and saunas. You can also dive here, walk on the Montagna Grande or the Monte Gibele or, in the many restaurants on the island, enjoy the local wine under the Mediterranean sun. The specialty, however, are the capers. These 'little gherkins' have an unprecedented taste here due to the volcanic earth.

Lampedusa is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage, which has a lot to do with the Spiaggia dei Conigli (rabbit beach), which many consider to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Moreover, although it can get quite busy here in summer, this beach is the natural breeding ground of the Caretta-Caretta sea turtle.

The 7 Italian Aeolian Islands are all volcanic yet very different. Vulcano is a busy simmering volcano that, however, no longer erupts. And at its feet lie the warm volcanic mud baths. Lipari has good restaurants and a shopping street. Salina is the fertile island with many vineyards and little tourism. The jet set arrives in Panarea. There is little to do on the islands of Alicudi and Filicudi other than lazing around or swimming in the sea. The most famous island is Stromboli, on which you will find one of the most active volcanoes (together with Mount Etna) in the world. The island has an area of ​​12 km² and the highest point is approximately 920 meters. Experienced hikers can clamber up here to watch the spectacular lava show. After a lot of noise, the crater here spits glowing lava chunks high into the air, which then roll into the sea, hissing and steaming.

The volcano has been continuously active for the past two thousand years (some volcanologists even suspect five thousand years). There are regular ferries to the island, which is inhabited by about 450 people. During the boat trip to the island, the rising clouds of smoke from the three active craters are already clearly visible. Eruptions take place throughout the day, which are often small and harmless.

This spectacle is most impressive after sunset. The red-hot stones are pushed upwards with force, making this natural disaster even more visible. An ascent of the volcano is possible accompanied by a local guide. These spectacular trips are often made at the end of the day to get a good look at the gas explosions in the dark.

The Aegadian Islands are located just west of Trapani and are formed by a group of small mountainous Italian islands with a combined area of ​​37,45 km². The largest are: Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo. On Levanzo you can see the unique rock paintings from the Neolithic and the Paleolithic. Favignana has beautiful beaches, bars and is famous for the Mattanza: the traditional catch and slaughter of tuna. Marettimo is the furthest from Sicily. It is a mountainous island that is especially popular with trekkers. This nature park is car-free, but you can really get everywhere on foot via the hiking trails.