Well, I don’t know about you, but I could sure use a holiday in the sun right about now, and I’ve a sneaking suspicion that many of you are feeling exactly the same way.
When the sun goes in, the cloud gathers, and the weather turns decidedly chilly and grey, there’s no better way to beat the blues than by jumping online and looking for potential holiday destinations for your next break in the sun.
The Mediterranean is, without a doubt, one of the most popular parts of the world for holidaymakers, with Italy proving to be especially popular. As you can probably gather from the title of today’s post, it is Italy that I’m going to be talking to you about today.
Italy is not just synonymous with pizza, pasta, hot sunshine, lemons, and a certain plumber from a popular computer game series. No, Italy is about so much more than that, as it is home to some true hidden gems that holidaymakers will love.
Here are se7en of the most awesome islands in Italy.
Sardinia
If you’re craving sun, sea, sand, and, erm, sardines? then Sardinia is the perfect Italian island destination for you to explore.
Sardinia is the second-largest island in Italy, and many believe it to be the most popular beach holiday destination in the entire country, and they could very well be right.
With stretches of gorgeous sandy beaches, and amazing coastal views and panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see, it’s easy to understand why Sardinia is such a popular location for people looking to relax in the sun and frolic on the beach.
Sardinia is fantastic for people looking for rural, unspoilt countryside, amazing cuisine, and rustic villages unchanged by the hands of time.
If you head out to the countryside, you’ll encounter ‘Nuraghi’ which are thousands of circular prehistoric ruins scattered throughout the countryside.
Capri
Capri is one of the most picturesque islands, not only in Italy but in the entire world.
Capri is located around an hour away from Naples and is very much an island with a vibrant and cosmopolitan vibe.
Capri is surrounded by rugged landscapes, gorgeous sea views, immaculate gardens and houses, and some of the most fashionable shops you could wish for.
If you want to live like a celebrity for a week or two, Capri is the island for you.
Elba
If you want something a little quieter and more subdued, Elba is the ideal destination.
Elba is very much off the beaten track and is very popular amongst history buffs such as myself, due to the fact that Napoleon himself spent a year in exile on this very island.
Elba is a part of the Tuscan archipelago that actually forms the biggest marine park in all of Europe.
Here you’ll find a distinct lack of tourists, as instead it is more commonly frequented by locals from the mainland looking for a weekend getaway.
Here you’ll find a colourful and vibrant harbour town that provides a vast selection of delicious fish and seafood.
Ischia
Ischia looks absolutely beautiful, there’s no two ways about it.
Famous for its stunning landscapes, its natural thermal springs, and the crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Ischia also happens to be the name of the main city, which is divided into two sections, one older and rustic in appearance, and another newer and a great deal more modern.
Ischia is, therefore, the perfect example of what happens when old meets new.
Nearby you will also find the charming town of Forio, which, thanks to its beautiful surroundings and its close proximity to the main city and indeed, the coastline, makes for the perfect base for your getaway in the sun.
Stromboli
Stromboli is a name that is instantly recognisable as Italian.
Stromboli is home to one of three active volcanoes in Italy, but don’t worry, the likelihood of an eruption during your holiday is incredibly slim.
Located in the north of Sicily, Stromboli is much smaller than many of the other islands I’ve looked at today, and it is decidedly quieter.
Here you will find two small beaches, as well as a couple of charming old-fashioned villages, one being Stromboli, and the other being Ginostra.
If you visit here, be sure to get plenty of pictures as Stromboli’s black lava beach is an attraction you need to see to believe.
Those of you who like a good port village will also appreciate Ginostra port, which is the smallest in all of Europe.
Procida
If you were to request a picture of an Italian island for a postcard, Procida would be the perfect example.
Procida is situated in the Bay of Naples and despite possessing fewer attractions to islands such as Ischia and Capri, there is still plenty to keep you entertained and help give you an unforgettable holiday experience.
Here you’ll find golden sandy beaches, family-run businesses, cafés, and restaurants offering the finest food you could ever wish for.
Popular dishes in the area here include rabbit cooked in white wine, and authentic homemade seafood pizza, which goes incredibly well with a drizzle of olive oil and extra fresh chillies for a slight kick.
Both dishes are washed down incredibly well with a glass of white wine, which you could enjoy as you watch the sun go down and set over the sea.
Levanzo
Last, but by no means least, you’ll find the island of Levanzo.
The Aegean Islands just off of Sicily’s West Coast are irresistible and picturesque, with Levanzo being arguably the most photogenic of all.
This is the smallest on my list today, but good things come in small packages so don’t be too quick to rule out this Italian treat.
Levanzo is home to whitewashed buildings and features just one village, which is known as Cala Dogana.
If you want a peaceful and subdued Italian holiday where you can sunbathe, paddle in the sea, enjoy fine food, and relax at a pace that would make a snail seem like Usain Bolt, Levanzo is ideal as it is as laidback and relaxed as it is beautiful.
