{"id":50604,"date":"2022-07-22T09:17:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T07:17:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/issimoissimo.com\/?p=50604"},"modified":"2022-07-29T11:04:26","modified_gmt":"2022-07-29T09:04:26","slug":"issimos-guide-to-italys-best-islands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/issimoissimo.com\/italianissimo\/issimos-guide-to-italys-best-islands\/","title":{"rendered":"ISSIMO\u2019s Guide to Italy\u2019s Best Islands"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
Think of this as the archipelago that has it all. Scattered across the Gulf of Naples<\/strong>, the islands of the Campanian Archipelago<\/strong> include Capri, Ischia and Procida<\/strong> \u2013 three slices of paradise that couldn\u2019t feel more different from each other, yet perfectly encapsulate the essence of La Dolce Vita. <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t You\u2019ve of course heard of Capri, Italy\u2019s big-hitting destination favoured by the international jet-set. But it\u2019s Ischia<\/span><\/strong>, the archipelago\u2019s largest island and one of Italy\u2019s greenest, that we (and many others around the world, it seems) have a soft spot for. Of volcanic origins, Ischia spans natural thermal waters and wild forests<\/strong>, quaint little sea towns and miles-long beaches<\/strong>, but also striking historical sights <\/strong>(hello, Aragonese Castle) and a lively, joyful atmosphere<\/strong>. There\u2019s something for every kind of traveller, and a sense of unspoiled beauty and carefree living that\u2019s hard to come by these days.<\/p> Procida<\/strong>, its smaller sibling, is another great little place to visit \u2013 and not just because it\u2019s Italy\u2019s Capital of Culture for 2022<\/strong><\/span><\/a>. Come here for its picturesque marina, Il Postino<\/em> beach<\/strong> (set of the beloved Italian film by the same name), and a slower pace of life.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t Just off the north-eastern coast of Sicily, the Aeolian Islands are some of Italy\u2019s most beautiful natural treasures, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t Formed by volcanic eruptions, they include seven islands \u2013 Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi and Alicudi<\/strong> \u2013 each one different from the other in terms of character and attractions. Lipari <\/strong>is the largest and liveliest, with a rich geological heritage; while Vulcano and Stromboli <\/strong>have active volcanoes, and are perfect for adventurous travellers looking to hike, dive, and try therapeutic mud baths. Panarea<\/strong> is chic and exclusive, Salina<\/strong> super green and incredibly pretty (not to mention known for its sweet Malvasia dessert wine); and Filicudi and Alicudi <\/strong>untouched and remote.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t Did you know Tuscany has islands? The Tuscan Archipelago<\/strong> sits just off the side of Tuscan coast that goes from Livorno to the Argentario promontory (we actually visit quite often, thanks to its proximity to Il Pellicano<\/strong><\/a> in Porto Ercole) and spans seven islands: Elba, Giglio, Giannutri, Capraia, Pianosa, Montecristo and Gorgona. <\/strong><\/p> \u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t Among them Elba<\/strong> is the most famous \u2013 Napoleon was exiled here in 1814 \u2013 and a popular spot among Italian beachgoers, who love its mix of pebbled and sandy beaches, trekking routes, picturesque old towns and impossibly blue sea. The island is also the largest protected marine park in Europe, <\/strong>which tells you just how impossibly beautiful its waters are.<\/p> Want more of a wild island experience? Then Giglio <\/strong>is your place, with stunning seaside cliffs, lush nature (vegetation covers some 90 percent of the island!) and caves only reachable on foot or by boat.<\/p> Shaped like a half moon Giannutri,<\/strong> nine miles south of Giglio, is another lush corner of paradise and one of Italy\u2019s best diving and snorkelling spots<\/strong>, thanks to its clear waters and protected seafloor, which boasts corals, canyons of sea sponges, and meadows of seagrass. Roman- and Etruscan-era shipwrecks add to the marine landscape, while back on land, you\u2019ll see the remains of ancient Roman villas.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\tThe Aeolian Islands<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
The Tuscan Archipelago<\/h3>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t