Italy is not just the crowded resorts of the Amalfi Coast or the expensive Capri. The country still has islands where you can experience a genuine Mediterranean atmosphere, tranquil coves, fishing villages and a traditional way of life, free from mass tourism. Find out more about 5 authentic Italian islands worth visiting in 2026

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The Italian islands have long been a symbol of summer holidays in Europe. However, the most popular destinations face overtourism every year: overcrowded beaches, queues at restaurants and high prices have become a familiar part of the season at many resorts.

At the same time, there are still places in Italy where you can experience a completely different atmosphere – quiet harbour towns, local traditions, family-run tavernas and nature free from crowds of tourists. Some of these islands are more difficult to reach, so mass tourism is taking much longer to catch up with them.

The islands off Sardinia, Sicily and Tuscany deserve special attention. They attract visitors not with luxury hotels or lively parties, but with their authenticity, local cuisine, volcanic landscapes and the chance to experience a more genuine Italy.

In a previous article, we discussed new tourist taxes in Europe in 2026 and which countries will require tourists to pay more.

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San Pietro, Sardinia

San Pietro is situated off the south-western coast of Sardinia and remains one of the least touristy islands in the region. Getting here isn’t easy: first you need to fly to Cagliari, then travel to the port, and only then take the ferry. It is precisely these more complicated logistics that have helped the island retain its peaceful atmosphere even in the height of summer.

The island’s main town is Carloforte. It is a small Mediterranean port with pastel-coloured façades, narrow streets and fishing boats along the waterfront. There are no large chain hotels or noisy beach clubs here — life revolves around local cafés, the seafood market and family-run restaurants.

San Pietro is also renowned for its natural beauty. The island boasts white cliffs, hidden coves and crystal-clear turquoise waters that often evoke images of Caribbean resorts. Some of the beaches remain almost deserted even in high season, which has become a rarity in Italy.

The local cuisine deserves a special mention. Carloforte is famous for its bluefin tuna dishes, and the island’s gastronomic traditions blend Sardinian and Ligurian influences. This is precisely why San Pietro is often cited as one of the most interesting gastronomic destinations among Italy’s lesser-known islands.

In our previous article, we wrote about 5 little-known Italian towns worth visiting in 2026.

Salina, Sicily

Salina is part of the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily and stands out from the other volcanic islands in the archipelago. Whilst most of them are associated with rocky landscapes and an almost complete lack of vegetation, Salina is known for its dense forests, vineyards and green hills.

You can reach the island by hydrofoil from Sicily. For many tourists, the journey itself becomes a highlight of the trip, as the routes pass through volcanic islands and picturesque seascapes. Despite the popularity of the Aeolian archipelago, Salina remains considerably quieter than the well-known Stromboli or Lipari.

The island is well suited for combining active and beach holidays. It is home to Monte Fossa delle Felci – the highest point in the archipelago, offering panoramic views of the sea and neighbouring islands. After hiking the mountain trails, tourists can relax in small coastal towns with traditional restaurants and quiet beaches.

Salina is also known for its local cuisine. The island is famous for its capers, Malvasia wine and fresh seafood dishes. Many family-run establishments have been operating here for decades and still preserve traditional recipes that are hard to find in the tourist areas of mainland Italy.

We previously reported that Italy is introducing new rules for tourists in 2026.

Pantelleria

Pantelleria is situated between Sicily and Tunisia and is geographically closer to Africa than to mainland Italy. Due to this location, the island has a completely different atmosphere, which is noticeably distinct from classic Italian resorts. Here, volcanic landscapes, Mediterranean nature and influences of Arab culture come together.

Pantelleria is of volcanic origin, so the island’s coastline consists of black lava rocks, natural pools and thermal springs. There are almost no white sandy beaches here, yet it is precisely these unusual landscapes that attract tourists seeking an unconventional holiday in Italy.

One of the island’s main features is the traditional dammusi houses. They are built from volcanic stone, and their thick walls help keep the interior cool even during the hot summer months. These houses have become a symbol of Pantelleria and an important part of the local architecture.

A holiday on the island mostly boils down to simple pleasures: swimming in natural lagoons, walks along the cliffs, seafood dinners and tasting the local dessert wine, Passito. It is precisely because of the slow pace of life and the absence of mass tourism that Pantelleria is often chosen for a peaceful, hassle-free holiday.

Find out more about the new rules, dates and cost of visiting Venice by following the link.

Giglio, Tuscany

Giglio is part of the Tuscan Archipelago and often remains in the shadow of the much more popular Elba. At the same time, this has helped the island retain its peaceful atmosphere, clean beaches and less touristy character, even during the summer season.

The island is compact, so it’s easy to combine a beach holiday with strolls through small towns.

The main tourist hub is Giglio Porto, a picturesque harbour town with colourful houses, fishing boats and restaurants along the waterfront. This is where the ferries from mainland Italy arrive.

For those wishing to explore the island’s more historic side, Giglio Castello is well worth a visit. This is a medieval hilltop town with narrow cobbled streets, ancient walls and panoramic sea views. The atmosphere here is much more peaceful than in the coastal areas, and some of the buildings date back to the Middle Ages.

Giglio also attracts visitors with its crystal-clear waters and hidden coves, which can be reached on foot or by boat. Even in high season, there are far fewer tourists here than on many of Italy’s popular islands, making it an ideal destination for a leisurely holiday and an opportunity to experience Tuscan culture.

Learn more about the best European cities for a short budget trip by following the link.

Ustica, Sicily

Ustica is a small volcanic island in the Tyrrhenian Sea, about 60 kilometres from Palermo. It is often cited as one of the best diving spots in Italy thanks to its clear waters and rich underwater world. The island is part of a marine reserve, so nature here has remained almost untouched.

Unlike the popular Sicilian resorts, Ustica lacks a major tourist infrastructure. There are few large hotels and bustling beach areas here, but there are quiet coves, volcanic cliffs and natural pools with crystal-clear water. This is precisely why the island is particularly popular with tourists seeking a break from big cities and mass tourism.

One of the island’s main natural attractions is considered to be Grotta Azzurra – a sea cave with bright blue water, where boat trips are often organised. The coast of Ustica is also ideal for snorkelling and walks along the lava cliffs.

As well as nature, the island also boasts archaeological sites. Traces of prehistoric settlements have been preserved here, and local museums tell the story of the region’s ancient history and the lives of the island’s first inhabitants. It is this combination of nature, tranquillity and history that makes Ustica one of Sicily’s most fascinating yet little-known islands.

No matter how well thought-out your itinerary is, there is always room for force majeure when traveling. Unexpected medical expenses, transportation delays, or problems with luggage can ruin your plans and budget. Travel insurance helps you avoid unnecessary worries in such situations. You can apply for a travel insurance policy for a specific trip online at Visit World - quickly and without unnecessary bureaucracy!

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We remind you! Some countries are island states with political neutrality, which means that the likelihood of military conflict is quite low. Read more about the countries that are likely to participate in World War III and the top safest countries in the world.

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