These 5 beautiful islands in Italy have less crowds and authentic culture

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Capri who?

If your heart goes out to an Italian summer this year, pistachio ice cream on stone jetties, pastel harbors, the whole dreamy atmosphere, you may want to skip the Amalfi Darling this time.

Look, it’s stupid, beautiful, no argument there, but it’s the last place you want to be if you want some peace, quiet and some good old fashioned the dolce vita is what you longed for.

I mean, technically, you can still find your own slice of heaven in Capri… if you’re ready to spend some money on it. Just don’t expect it to feel typically Italian, or as relaxed and local.

Maybe cruise ships will roll in, and instead Hollywood stars will be wandering around for the weekend.

If you are looking for quiet, authentic Italy, we have five lesser known islands listed for you, which might hit the right spot… in the classic Travel off the path style – and when have we ever missed the mark?

San Pietro, Sardinia

San Pietro, a small island located about six kilometers off the southwest coast of Sardinia, is a small part of that Sardo the sky lined with white sand calas, and those impossibly turquoise seas that you could have sworn were an Instagram filter… until you saw them yourself.

Because it is a little more remote and a little more complicated to get there (land in Cagliari, drive 2 hours to Portovesme port, take a 40 minute ferry to San Pietro) and there is much less crowd than, for example, the touristy Costa Smeralda in northern Sardinia.

Carloforte is the most important settlement here: that beautiful port cityIt is characterized by those typical Italian pastel-colored houses, narrow winding streets that are hidden away piazzoand traditional family business trattoria.

Speaking of which, Al Tonno di Corsa has a seafood-packed menu that revolves entirely around San Pietro’s signature bluefin tuna. Whether in carpaccio form, with hand-pulled pasta or grilled, it’s a must-try if you’re ever in town.

Before we go any further, know that Europe is planning a major overhaul of border rules, from mandatory fingerprinting of new arrivals to a new electronic travel authorization that will replace visa-free travel for U.S. passport holders.

If you’re planning to travel to Italy or Europe this season, be sure to check entry requirements for US travelers before you travel.

Salina, Sicily

As you’ll soon learn, Italy’s top-secret island destinations are usually just a short ferry ride away from major islands overrun by tourism… though they themselves are largely untouched.

Such is the case with Salina, part of the Aeolian archipelago, a 1h30 hydrofoil tour from Milazzo (a city in northeastern Sicily).

The Aeolians are best known for their rugged volcanic nature, but Salina stands out for its green character. The dormant volcanoes are literally clothed in green and you can walk through a canopy of Mediterranean chestnut trees and pines.

In many ways it is Italy’s response to Madeira, Portugal.

Unusual, slightly remote, with great walks and beaches all in one, and great food. Speaking of hiking, you’ve never been to Salina unless you’ve conquered Monte Fossa delle Felci, the highest peak in the archipelago.

The real gems, however, are the quaint coastal towns: whether it’s Santa Marina Salina, the main settlement, with its pretty harbor and abundance of granitas spots, or Lingua, a small rural village near a salt lake, this is Italy – or Sicily, more like – before it was destroyed by the White Lotus masses.

Ustica, Sicily

We’re not done with the small landmasses circling Sicily yet.

If you’re ever in Palermo and fancy a little seaside retreat that isn’t the dead-beaten Cefalù, Ustica is the place to go. It is only 1h30 by ferry from Palermo port it boasts some of the clearest waters in Italy.

No large-scale resorts, limited tourism and no closed beaches reserved for the visiting elites. The entire island is a marine protected area, Italy’s first, and apart from its wild, unspoilt feel, it’s probably the best snorkeling destination within easy reach of Sicily.

How to spend the perfect day in Ustica, you ask? Once you reach land, head straight to Grotta Azzurra, a glowing sea cave accessible by boat.

Relax at Cala Sidoti, a natural pool filled with aqua blue water, and explore the prehistoric ruins Villagio Preistorico dei Faraglioni.

Before traveling back to Palermo, wander through the charming streets of Ustica townand stop by Gelateria e Ristorante Sabrina for a spoonful of their delicious hazelnut gelato.

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Pantelleria

As far as the Italian islands go, Pantelleria simply redefines remote. It’s closer to the Tunisian coast than to Italy (or more specifically Sicily) and is one of those sleepy, volcanic outposts that you wouldn’t know was there unless you zoomed hard into a certain corner of the open sea.

The key words here are… Dolce. Vita.

Getting here will require at least a stopover in Palermo or Catania for most, or a long ferry ride from Trapani, and there’s not much to do in Pantelleria other than relax in a black lava cala of your choice, sink into a natural thermal hot spring, or soak up the Mediterranean sun as you follow the winding scenic path along the rocky coastline.

Pantelleria town is cute.

It’s got a castle and all, and a surprising number of osterias to choose from, but the real show stealers here are the dammusispread over the entire island. They are traditional basalt stone houses built by the locals to withstand the strong winds and harsh climate.

Looking for that premium experience? Pantelleria Dream Resort has dammusi-inspired rooms and a beautiful outdoor pool with ocean views. Oh, and make sure Passito di Pantelleria is on your to-do list: it’s the most famous winery on the island where you can try the UNESCO-recognized sweet red wines made from dried grapes.

Giglio

Normally everyone raves about Elba, the largest island in the Tuscan archipelago, but if you want to avoid the crowds and chaos, you might want to skip Napoleon’s favorite exile and sail to Giglio instead.

It is much smaller, quieter and more pristine undeveloped beaches such as Spiaggia delle Cannelle within walking distance of the harbour.

Super clear water, hidden coves everywhere, and it never seems to get busy, even during high season.

Giglio Porto is the main arrival point, with its pastel-colored buildings and restaurants right on the water, postcard-ready.

For those who fancy a little medieval stroll, Giglio Castello is a timeless hilltop town with those old-fashioned European cobbled streets and imposing ramparts.

In Giglio Campese, a long sandy beach with a historic 17th century watchtower A backdrop awaits you, and if you don’t mind long walks and a bit of a sweat, Cala dell’Alume is that wild cove surrounded by crystal clear turquoise water, which practically feels like your own private swimming spot.

Take this quiz now to find your perfect island match!

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior head writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60 countries to his name (and is currently weaving stories from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.