Cala Rossa, Favignana

National GeographicAug 4

The best Italian islands to visit in 2026

Think of Italian islands and most likely Sardinia andSicily springto mind. Beyond the coasts of these megastars, you’ll find quiet countryside villages, as well as over 400 smal ...

beach fringed in Maldivian-shaded shallows

23 things in this story

Cala RossaViewpointbeach fringed in Maldivian-shaded shallows
Florio complexMuseumformer tuna fishery with 1970s machinery
CampariaRestaurantmodern lifestyle hub with art space
Elsewhere
SolideaRestaurantPantelleria, Italytasting rooms for sweet wine
SignumRestaurantSalina, Italyhotel and Michelin-starred restaurant
Marina CorricellaTrailProcida, Italyfishing village with candy-coloured houses
Palazzo d’AvalosMuseumProcida, Italyconverted palace and former prison with gallery
Danilo PistonePlaceProcida, Italyartist who painted electrical power substations
Chiaia di LunaSightPonza, Italyperfect crescent beach backdropped by white rock
SailogyPlacePonza, Italycharter a skippered boat
Palmarola islandSightPonza, Italynature reserve
Grotte di PilatoSightPonza, Italytunnels carved into the coastline
Porto VecchioSightVentotene, ItalyRoman-era port on nearby Ventotene
Poseidon GardensSightIschia, Italychic mid-century thermal bathing
Sorgeto BaySightIschia, Italynatural cove with thermal springs
Mount EpomeoTrailIschia, Italydormant volcanic peak
Maddalena archipelagoSightLa Maddalena, Italyprotected national park with neon waters
BudelliSightLa Maddalena, Italyfamed for its pale-pink sands
Santa MariaSightLa Maddalena, Italyplace to lay a towel with family homes
SpargiSightLa Maddalena, Italywild island accessible by private boat
CapreraSightLa Maddalena, Italyhas pine forests and electric-blue coves
Cala CoticcioSightLa Maddalena, Italy
Cala BrigantinaSightLa Maddalena, Italy

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Cala Rossa

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The best Italian islands to visit in 2026