Beyond Capri: 5 Stunning Italian Islands You’ve (Probably) Never Heard Of
So you want to taste the island life in Italy, but are not quite sure where to go next? Sure, Sicily, Sardinia, or even Capri are all great Italian islands. And we can even help you plan the trip!
We have already been to these islands and loved them. However, they are all very popular with tourists, thus very crowded during the peak season.
Moreover, Capri is suffocated by day-trippers, and we felt that even at the beginning of April.
Thus, if you are like us and like lesser-known places, you will love these five islands.
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Skip Capri: Discover These 5 Underrated Italian Islands Instead
Procida
Procida is one of those rare places that feels like it’s been quietly doing its own thing while the rest of Italy rushes around being famous.
Tucked in the Bay of Naples near Capri and Ischia, it’s the smallest of the three islands, and easily the most low-key, which is exactly why people fall in love with it.
The pastel-colored houses of Marina Corricella look like a watercolor painting brought to life. You’ll find fishermen repairing nets, cats lounging in the sun, and zero busloads of tourists. It’s romantic, cinematic, and real.
Unlike Capri, which leans luxury, or Ischia, known for spas, Procida is where Neapolitans go to escape. It still feels like a working island, not a resort. Think mom-and-pop trattorias, laundry drying in the breeze, and scooters zipping through narrow lanes.
Procida was the dreamy backdrop for Il Postino and The Talented Mr. Ripley, and it’s easy to see why. It’s timeless, peaceful, and so photogenic it almost doesn’t feel real.
How to get to Procida
From Naples: The easiest and most common route. Ferries and hydrofoils leave regularly from Molo Beverello or Porta di Massa.
- Hydrofoil (aliscafi): 40 minutes
- Ferry (traghetti): 60–70 minutes (cheaper, good if you have luggage or a scooter)
From Ischia: Short hop – about 15–25 minutes by ferry.
Elba Island
Most people know Elba as the place Napoleon was exiled (yes, that Elba), but what they don’t realize is that it’s a dreamy mix of beaches, hiking trails, medieval villages, and surprisingly great food, all without the over-touristed feel of Capri or Sardinia.
Elba has over 150 beaches, and they’re all wildly different. Think white pebbles, golden sand, pink cliffs, even iron-rich red coves. You can snorkel in crystal-clear coves in the morning and sunbathe on a wide sandy stretch in the afternoon.
It’s technically part of Tuscany, so expect good wine, amazing seafood, and hilltop towns like Capoliveri and Marciana that look straight out of a storybook. It feels Italian in the best way – warm, casual, a little rugged.
Yes, Napoleon lived here in exile, but he also built villas, reformed the local economy, and left behind some surprisingly cool historical sites. You can even visit Villa dei Mulini, his former residence.
How to get there
First, get to Piombino, a port town on the Tuscan coast. It is easily reached from Florence (2.5 hrs)or Pisa (1.5 hrs).
From there, take a ferry to Portoferraio. The crossing takes approximately 1 hour, and ferries run frequently, especially during the summer.
Pianosa Island
Pianosa is one of those rare places that feels almost untouched by time or tourism.
Just off the coast of Elba, this flat little island (hence the name, piano means “flat” in Italian) used to be a high-security prison island, which kept it off the travel radar for decades.
Today, it’s a protected paradise with crystal-clear water, wild landscapes, and a peacefulness you won’t find on more popular islands.
Since it was closed to the public for so long, Pianosa’s beaches and marine life are incredibly well preserved. Snorkeling here feels like swimming in an aquarium.
However, you can only visit on a guided day trip, and visitor numbers are limited. That means no beach clubs, no souvenir shops. Just trails, quiet coves, ancient Roman ruins, and pure nature.
How to get there
Boats leave from Marina di Campo on Elba, mostly as part of an organized day tour.
Ischia
Ischia is like Capri’s chill, down-to-earth cousin. Less flashy, more affordable, and just as gorgeous (some might say even more so).
It’s the largest island in the Bay of Naples and a total gem for anyone who loves thermal spas, dramatic coastlines, lush hiking trails, and real-deal Italian charm.
The island sits on volcanic ground, which means there are steamy hot springs everywhere. You can soak in natural thermal pools tucked into the landscape or visit spa parks like Negombo or Poseidon, where you get views, pools, waterfalls, and wellness all in one place.
Climb up to Monte Epomeo, the island’s highest point, for 360° views of the sea and neighboring islands. The landscape here is super green and full of surprises – vineyards, chestnut forests, and volcanic rock formations.
Additionally, you can explore Castello Aragonese (a castle built on its own tiny island), wander the streets of Ischia Ponte, or visit the lush La Mortella Gardens. It’s packed with culture, without feeling like a museum.
How to get there
From Naples:
- Ferries and hydrofoils run regularly from Molo Beverello and Porta di Massa.
- Hydrofoil: ~50 minutes (faster, no cars)
- Ferry: ~1 hour 30 minutes (you can bring a car or scooter)
Ponza
Ponza is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. A sun-drenched, laid-back island with turquoise water, pastel houses, dramatic cliffs, and just enough of a buzz to feel alive without being overwhelming.
It’s popular with Italians (especially Romans), but still flies under the radar for most international travelers, which is exactly why you should go.
The island is ringed by coves, grottos, and natural swimming pools like Piscine Naturali – perfect for snorkeling, cliff-jumping, or just floating in bliss.
Most of Ponza’s best spots are only accessible by boat, which makes renting one (with or without a skipper) the move. You’ll get to explore hidden coves, sea caves like Grotta della Maga Circe, and remote beaches you’ll likely have to yourself.
How to get there
From Rome, take a train (1–1.5 hours) to Formia-Gaeta or Anzio.
Step 2: Take a ferry or hydrofoil
- From Formia: Ferries and hydrofoils run daily in summer, about 1–2 hours, depending on the type.
- From Anzio or Terracina: Seasonal ferries, usually in summer only.
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