10 Most Beautiful Islands in Italy

Author

Tavleen Kaur

Updated Date

December 19, 2025

Read

7 minutes

The islands in Italy are where golden fishing villages, cobalt-blue seas, and the slow charm of Mediterranean life come together. Each island has its own mood and magic, from Capri’s dramatic limestone cliffs to Ischia’s volcanic hot springs, Sardinia’s untouched beaches to Sicily’s rich history and culture. With over 80 inhabited islands scattered across the Mediterranean and Tyrrhenian Seas, Italy offers destinations perfect for luxury escapes, nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and sunset seekers alike. These islands in Italy promise experiences that stay with you long after the journey ends.

Top Italian Islands

Sicily

Sicily, Italy’s largest and most iconic island, is a stunning blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. From the legendary Mount Etna, Europe’s tallest active volcano, to the Greek temples of Agrigento and the Arab-Norman mosaics of Palermo, this island is a treasure trove for history lovers exploring the best islands in Italy.

With nearly 650 miles of coastline, Sicily offers everything: the chic hill town of Taormina, medieval Catania, buzzing markets in Palermo, and beaches ranging from white-sand stretches to dramatic volcanic coves. Add in world-famous Sicilian cuisine, arancini, cannoli, street food heaven, and you have one of the most unforgettable Italian islands to visit.

Getting There: Direct flights to Palermo and Catania; fast ferries from mainland Italy.
Where to Stay: Budget stays from ₹3,000, mid-range hotels from ₹7,000–₹13,000, and luxury villas over ₹35,000 in peak season.

Sardinia

Sardinia, one of the most beautiful islands in Italy, feels like a world of its own—blending crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, ancient history, and rugged island charm. Famous for the glamorous Costa Smeralda, with its white-sand beaches and celebrity yachts, Sardinia also hides a wilder, more authentic side filled with Bronze Age Nuragic ruins, traditional mountain villages, and dramatic landscapes.

Beyond its luxury coastline, Sardinia offers incredible natural wonders: Gola di Gorropu, one of Europe’s deepest canyons; the towering Piscinas dunes; and the La Maddalena Archipelago, home to some of the clearest waters in all the Italian islands—a paradise for sailing and diving enthusiasts. Sardinian cuisine is equally unforgettable, from pecorino cheese to suckling pig and rich lobster stews.

Getting There: Major airports in Olbia, Cagliari, and Alghero; ferries from Civitavecchia, Genoa, and Livorno. A rental car is highly recommended.
Where to Stay: Budget stays from ₹3,500; mid-range ₹7,000–₹16,000; luxury Costa Smeralda resorts from ₹40,000+ in summer.

Capri

Capri is one of the most glamorous islands in Italy and easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy. Perched in the Bay of Naples, this chic island blends limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, luxury boutiques, and iconic Mediterranean charm. The famous Piazzetta sets the scene for celebrity sightings and stylish cafés, while yachts sparkle below the dramatic coastline.

Capri’s star attraction is the magical Blue Grotto, which glows with an unreal neon-blue light and is a bucket-list experience. The legendary Faraglioni sea stacks, panoramic chairlift to Monte Solaro, and historic Villa Jovis add to the island’s irresistible appeal. For a quieter side of Capri, the hilltop village of Anacapri offers peaceful streets and stunning views.

Getting There: Fast ferries from Naples and Sorrento take 40–80 minutes.
Where to Stay: Budget stays from ₹7,000; mid-range ₹17,000–₹30,000; luxury resorts ₹85,000+ in peak season.

Ischia

Ischia is one of the most relaxing islands in Italy, known for its volcanic hot springs, green hills, and laid-back charm. It’s the perfect alternative to Capri, more authentic, more affordable, and filled with wellness resorts. Explore the dramatic Castello Aragonese, hike Monte Epomeo, and unwind in famous thermal parks like Poseidon and Negombo.

Getting There: Ferries/hydrofoils from Naples (50–90 mins).
Where to Stay: Budget ₹4,500; mid-range ₹8,500–₹17,000; luxury ₹30,000+.

Elba

Elba, one of the most underrated places to visit in Italy, is a paradise of 150+ beaches, mountain trails, and charming villages. Known as Napoleon’s island of exile, it blends history with stunning natural beauty. Visit Portoferraio, ride the cable car to Monte Capanne, and swim in the turquoise waters of Fetovaia.

Getting There: Ferries from Piombino (1 hour).
Where to Stay: Budget ₹3,500; mid-range ₹7,000–₹13,000; luxury ₹20,000–₹35,000.

Burano

Burano is one of the most colourful Italian islands, famous for its bright houses and centuries-old lace-making tradition. Its canals look straight out of a painting, and its leaning bell tower and waterfront trattorias add to the island’s charm. A top pick for photographers and day-trippers.

Getting There: Ferry from Venice (45 mins).
Where to Stay: Limited stays from ₹8,500 per night.

Procida

Procida is the Bay of Naples’ hidden gem, quiet, authentic, and bursting with pastel beauty. Marina Corricella is one of the most photogenic places to visit in Italy, while Terra Murata and its hilltop abbey offer panoramic views. Ideal for travellers who want real island life without crowds.

Getting There: Ferries from Naples (35–60 mins).
Where to Stay: Excellent value; rooms from ₹5,000.

Lipari

Lipari is the vibrant heart of the Aeolian Islands, perfect for adventure lovers. Explore volcanic landscapes, the impressive Aeolian Archaeological Museum, white pumice beaches, and hidden coves accessible by boat. It’s also a great base for visiting Vulcano, Stromboli, and Panarea.

Getting There: Ferries/hydrofoils from Milazzo (60–90 mins).
Where to Stay: Budget ₹4,000; mid-range ₹8,500–₹13,000; boutique ₹20,000.

Ponza

Ponza is one of the most beautiful yet lesser-known islands in Italy, loved by Romans for its dramatic cliffs, sea grottos, and crystal bays. Explore Grotte di Pilato, lounge at Chiaia di Luna, or rent a boat to discover hidden coves; this island feels like Capri but far more relaxed.

Getting There: Ferries from Anzio, Formia, Terracina (60–150 mins).
Where to Stay: Budget ₹6,000; mid-range ₹10,000–₹17,000; luxury ₹25,000+.

Giglio

Giglio is a wild, peaceful island ideal for nature lovers. With untouched landscapes, medieval Giglio Castello, and crystal-clear bays like Campese and Cannelle, it’s one of the most serene places to visit in Italy for hiking, snorkelling, and slow travel.

Getting There: Ferry from Porto Santo Stefano (1 hour).
Where to Stay: Budget ₹5,500; mid-range ₹9,000–₹15,000.

Summary

Island	Best For	Budget per Night	Famous For
Sicily	Culture, history, food lovers, long stays	₹3,000–₹35,000+	Mount Etna, Greek temples, Palermo markets, Taormina
Sardinia	Luxury beaches, adventure, sailing	₹3,500–₹40,000+	Costa Smeralda, La Maddalena islands, white-sand beaches
Capri	Luxury travel, couples, stunning views	₹7,000–₹85,000+	Blue Grotto, Faraglioni, chic boutiques, celebrity vibes
Ischia	Wellness trips, relaxation, budget luxury	₹4,500–₹30,000	Thermal springs, Castello Aragonese, spa resorts
Elba	Nature lovers, hiking, families	₹3,500–₹35,000	Napoleon’s exile island, 150+ beaches, Monte Capanne
Burano	Photography, culture, short day trips	₹8,500+	Colorful houses, lace-making, canals
Procida	Authentic Italy, quiet escapes, couples	₹5,000+	Marina Corricella, pastel villages, film locations
Lipari (Aeolian)	Adventure, volcano trekking, island hopping	₹4,000–₹20,000+	Pumice beaches, Vulcano & Stromboli access
Ponza	Hidden gem seekers, boat trips, snorkeling	₹6,000–₹25,000+	Sea grottoes, Chiaia di Luna, dramatic cliffs
Giglio	Nature lovers, slow travel, crystal bays	₹5,500–₹15,000	Giglio Castello, Campese beaches, snorkeling

Conclusion

Italy’s islands offer everything from ancient ruins, luxury beaches, thermal springs, colourful villages, to some of the Mediterranean’s most breathtaking landscapes. From Sicily to Sardinia, Ischia to Burano, each island reveals a unique and authentic side of Italy. For the perfect experience, plan your trip between May–June or September–October, when the weather is beautiful, crowds are fewer, and prices are more inviting.

Ready to explore the best of Italy beyond the mainland? Book your Italy tour package today and let us craft an island getaway you’ll never forget.

FAQS

1. Which is the most beautiful island in Italy?

Capri is often considered the most beautiful Italian island thanks to its dramatic cliffs, Blue Grotto, and luxury atmosphere. For natural beauty, Sardinia and Elba are equally stunning with white-sand beaches and turquoise waters.

2. What is the best Italian island to visit for the first time?

Sicily is the best first-timer island because it offers everything: beaches, volcanoes, ancient temples, world-class food, vibrant cities, and affordable prices.

3. Which Italian island has the best beaches?

Sardinia has the best beaches in Italy—Costa Smeralda, La Pelosa, Cala Goloritzé, and the Maddalena Archipelago are world-famous for crystal-clear waters and white sand.

4. Which Italian island is the best for couples or honeymoons?

Capri and Procida are ideal for romantic escapes. Capri offers luxury and cliffside views, while Procida provides colourful villages, quiet beaches, and a slower pace.