The smallest of the three main islands in the Bay of Naples, Procida has long played second fiddle to its A-list neighbors, Capri and Ischia. Named Italy’s Capital of Culture for 2022 brought this southern island a bit of fame, although its sleepy pace and timeless atmosphere remain unchanged. Hop on a boat tour from Naples, get lost among the colorful houses, indulge in a leisurely lunch with sea views, or unwind on the beautiful beaches.

The pocket-sized island of Ponza, the namesake of the Pontine Islands, is close enough to Rome to make for an easy day trip. Known for its towering coastal cliffs, a chromatic main port town, and mild temperatures, this island sits off the coast somewhere between Rome and Naples. Admire Chiaia di Luna and other beaches only accessible by sea on a boat tour around Ponza and the neighboring island of Palmarola, learn to fish with a local, or check out the shops and restaurants in the main village.

When people think of Tuscany, the Renaissance capital of Florence and the rolling hills of Chianti come to mind. But the region is also home to a delightful archipelago of seven small islands, the largest of which is Elba. This island is known for its stunning seascapes, scalloped coastline of tiny coves, panoramic hiking and biking trails, and unbeatable food and wine. Explore the historic town of Portoferraio, skirt the coastline on a boat tour, or head to the coastal cliffs by Jeep.

Elba may be the largest and most famous island in the Tuscan Archipelago, but those in the know head straight to Giglio. This modest outpost is beloved for its end-of-the-line appeal, miniature fishing villages, and transparent waters perfect for diving and snorkeling. Join a boat excursion to explore the underwater worlds along the Giglio Campese coastline, visit the walled hilltop village of Giglio Castello, and tuck into a slice of panficato (a traditional fig and walnut cake).

San Domino is the largest of the gem-like Tremiti Islands in the Adriatic Sea to the east. This miniature archipelago (including San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia, Cretaccio, and Pianosa) was once a penal colony but today, it's the crown jewel of the Gargano National Park, one of the dreamiest spots in the southern region of Puglia. Translucent waters and limestone grottoes rich in marine flora and fauna make San Domino a mecca for divers and snorkelers.

The largest island in Sardinia’s spectacular Maddalena Archipelago, La Maddalena is home to the main port for setting off to explore the seven islands (and dozens of islets) by sea. Join a boat tour from here to venture into the kaleidoscope waters and deserted beaches of the archipelago—today a national park—but don’t skip exploring this island and its lively main town, crowded with shops, cafés, and restaurants overlooking the sea.

One of the seven Aeolian Islands off the northern coast of Sicily, Stromboli wows with its volcanic peak. Even on its calm days, the volcano spews clouds of dark ash that can be seen from miles away. Hiking enthusiasts climb its dramatic lunar-like slopes while others take in the volcano from afar at the Punta Labronzo observatory; the Sciara del Fuoco lava flow that runs down the crater to the sea is a popular destination for boat tours around the island.

Wild and remote, the Aegadian Islands (Isole Egadi in Italian) are about as far as you get from mainland Italy without leaving the country. Set off the western coast of Sicily, this archipelago is made up of three main islands: Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo. Each is one of the most off-the-beaten-path islands in Italy. Favignana is a slow-paced holiday destination with sun-bleached coastal villages, colorful fishing boats, dramatic abandoned quarries, and stunning cobalt waters.