Where Do Italians Go on Vacation?
Where do Italians go on vacation —hidden islands far from the crowds?
Where Do Italians Go for Summer?
Ponza
Ponza is the quintessential Roman getaway. Though it is the largest of the Pontine Islands, located opposite Rome and Naples, it remains a tiny volcanic gem. Just an hour away from the mainland by boat, it is the perfect escape for city dwellers craving tranquility. Its serene beauty has earned it the nickname “Capri without tourists.” Steeped in Neapolitan heritage and blessed with stunning landscapes and crystal bays, Ponza has long attracted celebrities such as Naomi Campbell, Monica Bellucci, Michael Douglas, and Giorgio Armani. If you go, don’t miss swimming in Chiaia di Luna, a spectacular crescent-shaped bay, or anchoring in one of its hidden coves. In the evening, the harbor—lined with colorful, authentic houses—becomes the heart of island life and the best place for dinner.
Pantelleria
Between Sicily and Tunisia lies Pantelleria, a volcanic island often called the “black pearl of the Mediterranean.” Its rugged black lava landscapes are as captivating as its thermal hot springs and breathtaking beaches. The island’s white-roofed “dammusi” stone houses, along with scooters and buggies zipping along narrow roads, lend it an atmosphere found nowhere else. In fact, it takes just half an hour by scooter to cross from one side to the other.
Pantelleria’s cinematic appeal was immortalized in Luca Guadagnino’s 2015 film A Bigger Splash. One of its natural wonders is the Specchio di Venere (Venus’ Mirror), a thermal lake rich in minerals, known for its therapeutic properties. Thanks to its volcanic soil, Pantelleria also produces exceptional grapes; wine tastings at renowned estates such as Donnafugata and Marco De Bartoli are unforgettable.
Favignana
Part of the Egadi archipelago off Sicily’s northwestern coast, Favignana is often referred to as “Goat Island.” According to experts, Christopher Nolan is filming parts of his adaptation of the Odyssey here—a fitting choice, since the island is believed to be the very spot where Homer’s Odysseus once landed with his crew to roast goats on spits and replenish supplies. Pastoral and largely untouched by mass tourism, Favignana is a place for slowing down.
Days drift by in simple pleasures: napping, sunbathing, swimming in Cala Rossa (hailed as one of the most beautiful bays in the world), indulging in heaping plates of pasta, or sampling the island’s famed tuna. It is a destination Italians hold close, precisely because it feels so undiscovered.
Ischia
Just off the Amalfi Coast lies Ischia, an island that feels like it belongs on the silver screen. With its secluded coves, lush botanical gardens, and medieval castles perched above the sea, it has long inspired filmmakers and artists. Luchino Visconti lived here in a seaside villa, The Talented Mr. Ripley was filmed here in 1999, and it is said that Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor fell in love on Ischia during the filming of Cleopatra.
Known as Italy’s “spa island,” it boasts 103 natural thermal springs believed to have healing powers. Visitors flock to Spiaggia dei Maronti for sandy relaxation, immerse themselves in volcanic thermal baths, or climb the 15th-century Castello Aragonese for sweeping views. For something more serene, La Mortella, a tropical garden created in 1956, offers an enchanting escape into a lush world of exotic plants and artistic design.
Tremiti
For a Robinson Crusoe-style adventure, the Tremiti Islands are Italy’s best-kept secret. Located about 22 kilometers off the coast of Puglia within Gargano National Park, this five-island archipelago feels beautifully remote. With unspoiled beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystalline waters, Tremiti is the perfect blend of natural beauty and rich history. Its biggest treasure, however, lies beneath the surface: more than 30 diving spots teem with marine life.
Near Capraia, divers can even encounter an underwater statue of Padre Pio, resting 12 meters deep in a sandy seabed—a sight unlike any other. History lovers will be drawn to San Nicola, home to the 11th-century Santa Maria a Mare Monastery, famed for its mosaic floors, and the imposing Castello dei Badiali. Meanwhile, San Domino, the largest island, is blanketed with pine forests and serves as the hub of island life and entertainment. To truly experience Tremiti, rent a boat and explore its secret coves and hidden corners at your own pace.
