Looking for the most beautiful islands in Europe to visit this year? One of the most beautiful regions in the Mediterranean is Italy, and while the mainland is beautiful, the picturesque islands are even more so.
Italy is also one of the oldest cultures in the world and has had a great influence on world history over time. Among other things, the country has the greatest art treasures, breathtaking architecture, beautiful cities and delicious Italian cuisine.
It also offers some of the most beautiful natural areas in the world, including the Italian Alps, virgin white beaches and islands scattered among lakes and lagoons.
Deciding which of Italy’s 450 islands to visit can be tricky, so we at Operation Men have listed the best ones below!
ISCHIA
On the northern coast of the Gulf of Naples lies Ischia. This volcanic island is conveniently located less than 30 kilometers from Naples. It is a good alternative to the big tourism in the summer because it is not so crowded. The island’s hilltops are dotted with pastel-colored houses, giving way to quiet fishing villages along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Cartaromana Beach and Aragonese Castle offer spectacular underwater Roman ruins and a medieval castle.
Travel tip: You can take a boat from Naples to Ischia.
CAPRI
It is undoubtedly one of the most famous Italian islands, and should not be missing from this list. The island became famous for Jackie Kennedy’s visit in the 1960s, when it was in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It has stunning panoramic views of the Bay of Naples, as well as crystal blue sea, sea caves, intricate rock formations and peaceful gardens.
Capri is one hour from Naples by ferry, and only 30 minutes from Sorrento.
Travel tip: The crossing from Naples or Sorrento to your destination takes about 45 minutes to an hour.
SICILIA
Sicily, the largest island in Italy and the Mediterranean, is about 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Tunisia.
Sicily has something for everyone: a long history, baroque cities, hilltop villages and 1,000 kilometers of beaches. There is no shortage of beaches where you can sunbathe in Sicily. Oh yes, and there is Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano. If you want to experience nature up close, go on an adventure and climb Mount Etna with a guide.
If you are looking for the best Italian food around, you should definitely visit Palermo, the capital of Sicily. There is no shortage of great restaurants and cafes to choose from, so whether you are a casual eater or an obsessive foodie, Palermo is sure to have something that will tantalize your taste buds!
Travel tip: A ferry can be taken from the main island to cross the Straits of Messina. You can also fly to Catania or Palermo.
LEVANZO
Levanzo is the smallest of the three Aegadian islands west of Sardinia. Despite its small size, it is perhaps the most beautiful Italian island. The Neolithic cave paintings in the Grotto del Genovese are perhaps the most famous on this beautiful island.
There are also beautiful whitewashed houses in the village of Cala Dogana, some of which are decorated with red tile roofs.
Travel tip: If you want to travel to Levanzo, know that there are two excellent transportation options: a ferry or a hydrofoil. The ferry leaves from Trapani and takes about one hour and three-quarters of an hour; the hydrofoil takes only 25 minutes.
SARDINIA
Sardinia, the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea off the west coast of Italy, is an incredibly picturesque place. With miles of white sandy beaches and azure waters set against jagged mountain sides covered in evergreen forests and quaint villages, it is no wonder that Sardinia is a top tourist destination.
It is also worth noting that Sardinia has been called the “foodie island,” with a rich culinary history and perhaps the most hospitable population in Italy.
Travel tip: From major Italian and European cities, you can travel to any of Sardinia’s three main airports. Ferries also depart from Naples, Palermo and Genoa. Water transportation in Sardinia is easy.
PANAREA
Panarea is the smallest of Italy’s seven Aeolian islands, but it has a high exclusivity factor because many celebrities and rich socialites from Milan vacation here in the summer.
It also lives up to its nickname as a “party island,” with a crowded harbor full of luxury yachts every season.
However, there is more to Panarea than just beautiful beaches – it also has many rocky cliffs overlooking clear turquoise waters, perfect for adventurous travelers who want to take a dip.
Travel tip: Ferries leave daily from Milazzo, a small municipality on the north coast of Sicily. The trip from Milazzo to Panarea takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
STROMBOLI
Stromboli, nicknamed the “lighthouse of the Mediterranean,” is one of seven volcanic islands in the Aeolian Archipelago.
Stromboli volcano towers 926 meters above sea level and is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth, with eruptions for more than two millennia.
Despite its “dangers,” which seem to deter many, it attracts hundreds of tourists in search of its beautiful black sand beaches in the summer.
If you’re up for it, trek to the top of the volcano at sunset and watch the lava fireworks against the night sky. On a boat trip around the Sciara del Fuoco, you can see these beautiful natural fireworks.
Travel tip: You can take a ferry or hydrofoil from Naples to Messina in Sicily.
LIPARI
Lipari is the largest of the Aeolian Islands, located just north of the coastline of Sicily. The island shines like a jewel in the Mediterranean Sea with an abundance of discoveries.
The general atmosphere on the island of Lipari is cheerful, and the old town in particular offers a charming experience with narrow streets lined with stores and cafes open late into the evening. visitors can enjoy delicious eats such as hot donuts with ricotta cheese or mulberry granita with cream and brioche while strolling through the old town.
The Old Church of Quattropani on Lipari offers visitors fantastic sunset views of the island and some neighboring Aeolian Islands.
Travel tip: There are several ways to reach the island of Lipari: by plane from Catania, Naples, Palermo and Reggio Calabria; or by ferry or hydrofoil from Naples, Milazzo and Palermo.
PONZA
Located 50 km from Rome and Naples in the Tyrrhenian Sea, Ponza is a retro island that attracts many Romans in summer who want to get away from it all. The largest of the six Pontine islands, Ponza has a relaxing charm for visitors who want to avoid the crowded tourist traps.
The people of Ponza show la dolce vita in its true form. Most people spend their days lazing by the sea, walking around the island and enjoying the picturesque sunsets. And, of course, they enjoy fresh seafood as a meal.
If you want to try something new, visit the Grotte di Pilato, an intricate system of tunnels and pools built by the Romans, where you can swim and cool off.
Travel tip: You can take a ferry directly from Naples.
ELBA
Elba, an island in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park north of Tuscany, is famous for its beautiful beaches. It is also the third largest island in Italy and the largest in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. Elba was Napoleon Bonaparte’s place of exile from 1814 to 1815, and is known for its beautiful beaches. The National Museum of Napoleonic Residences in Portoferraio tells of Napoleon’s time on Elba.
The island’s restaurants offer a range of both Italian seafood and traditional local dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.
Travel tip: 100 miles (160 km) south of Florence is the port city of Piombino, which can be reached by ferry in about 45 minutes.
