While Italy’s mainland offers no shortage of art, history, scenery, and mind-blowing cuisine, its multitude of islands provide an idyllic retreat of their own. From Capri to Elba, these various islands offer a stunning range of natural beauty, including white-sanded beaches and rugged volcanoes, along with chic resorts and a buzzing nightlife. Here are a few tips to make the most of a visit to Italy’s islands.
1. Know your Islands
You could easily spend the better part of a month exploring the seascapes and luminous terraces of Italy’s islands, but if you’re short on time, you’ll want to narrow down what you’re looking for in order to make the most of your visit. Looking for a fashionable, glamorous getaway? Then Capri might be your destination of choice. Are you more interested in visiting volcanoes and trekking through ancient cities? Then Sicily might be a better bet. Elba, Sardinia, and Ischia are other popular choices, but don’t forget the smaller, Unesco-protected Aeolian Islands either. In short, do your research to narrow down the choices!
2. Check Ferry Schedules in Advance
You’ll be able to make the most of your time if you look at ferry schedules in advance. For some destinations, there may be only one ferry per day, for example, so you’ll need to know when you’ll be able to travel. That way, you can even book your tickets in advance at sites like www.ok-ferry.com and build up your holiday around these travel times.
3. Don’t Overbook your Itinerary
An island-hopping holiday is supposed to be relaxing, isn’t it? The last thing you want to do is over plan your trip to the point where you don’t have any time to sit and savour the amazing views or soak in the sun. Think about how much time you have, what your top priorities are, and plan accordingly.
4. Explore the Water Too
It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the culture and scenery of Italy’s islands that you forget about what lies just beneath the waves. Visitors flock to islands like Cretaccio not just for the deserted beaches and seafood, but also for the healing powers of its clay and the snorkelling and diving opportunities. Don’t miss the chance to explore the bright turquoise waters just outside of many of these islands, which offer a window into an exotic, colourful world teeming with aquatic life.
Whether you prefer exploring cities or getting out into nature, there’s something for everyone on an island-hopping adventure in Italy!