Budelli, La Maddalena

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 ...

famed for its pale-pink sands

23 things in this story

Maddalena archipelagoSightprotected national park with neon waters
BudelliSightfamed for its pale-pink sands
Santa MariaSightplace to lay a towel with family homes
SpargiSightwild island accessible by private boat
CapreraSighthas pine forests and electric-blue coves
Cala CoticcioSight
Cala BrigantinaSight
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
Cala RossaViewpointFavignana, Italybeach fringed in Maldivian-shaded shallows
Florio complexMuseumFavignana, Italyformer tuna fishery with 1970s machinery
CampariaRestaurantFavignana, Italymodern lifestyle hub with art space
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

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Budelli

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The best Italian islands to visit in 2026