National GeographicAug 4, 2026
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 ...
23 things in this story
- Chiaia di LunaSightperfect crescent beach backdropped by white rock
- SailogyPlacecharter a skippered boat
- Palmarola islandSightnature reserve
- Grotte di PilatoSighttunnels carved into the coastline
- 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
- 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
