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Discover hidden Mediterranean escapes with volcanic landscapes, seaside villages, Michelin-starred cuisine, and exceptional wines.
When people think of Italian islands, Capri and Ischia dominate the imagination. However, there are lesser-known islands that are equally beautiful—islands that do not actively seek tourism, but welcome it while preserving their identity, landscapes, and traditions. Ponza, Procida, Pantelleria, and the Aeolian Islands are among them: intimate and deeply rooted in their heritage.
Ponza: Timeless Beauty
With departures from seven mainland ports, Ponza is easy to reach yet never overcrowded. The heart of the island is Ponza Porto, a crescent-shaped harbor characterized by pastel-colored houses, boats, and an authentic way of life. Begin here for easy access to spectacular cliffs, sea caves, and clear waters—you can explore the island’s iconic sites, including Chiaia di Luna, the Pilato Caves, and Cala Feola, with natural pools formed by the erosion of volcanic rock.
Ponza Ponza also serves as a gateway to nature. A boat trip from the harbor to the uninhabited island of Zannone, located within Circeo National Park, offers silence, oak-wooded terrain and hiking trails, and the abandoned ruins of a Cistercian monastery in a uniquely serene setting.
The cuisine is another highlight of the island: crab spaghetti, lentil soup (a traditional local dish), Ponza-style rabbit with tomatoes and chili, and desserts like casatiello and zeppole. To enjoy seafood with spectacular sea views, make reservations at Acqua Pazza, open since 1989. The restaurant has held a Michelin star every year since 2006.
Procida: Just Minutes From Naples
Just a 30- or 40-minute ferry ride from Naples or Pozzuoli, Procida is a microcosm of Mediterranean life. Named the Italian Capital of Culture in 2022, this tiny island preserves the authentic character of its traditions.
Because of its size, Procida can be easily explored in a day, but those who elect to stay a few nights can immerse themselves in the island's quiet charm. Check out La Suite Boutique Hotel, a stylish retreat that blends understated luxury with a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.
From the port of Marina Grande, visitors can walk through the historic center, passing through Piazza dei Martiri to the Belvedere dei Cannoni, which overlooks the picturesque Marina Corricella—the island’s most authentic neighborhood lined with pastel-colored houses, as fishermen work and laundry dries in the sun. Don’t miss Terra Murata, the fortified medieval village crowning Procida's highest point and home to Palazzo d’Avalos and the Abbey of San Michele Arcangelo.
The island's cuisine reflects the its simplicity: humble yet flavorful seafood, anchovies, squid, and local lemons. Be sure to try the pasta with friggitelli peppers and anchovies, and stuffed squid. To dine like a local on exceptional seafood, try Da Mariano, a family-run restaurant in Chiaiolella.
Pantelleria: Black Pearl of the Mediterranean
About 65 miles southwest of Sicily, and 40 miles off the coast of Tunisia, this wind-swept island isn’t for everyone. But for those looking for a rugged and remote escape, Pantelleria is unforgettable. There are no sandy beaches. Instead, the island is defined by lava-rock coastlines, pebbled coves accessible by foot or boat, and some of the most beautiful crystal-blue waters in the Mediterranean.
Don’t miss the Grotta del Benikulà, a cave sauna heated by geothermal activity, or the Lago di Venere's warm waters and therapeutic mud, both remnants of the island's volcanic past. For man-made wonders, check out the dammusi, traditional lava-stone dwellings built by ancient farmers and perfected during the period of Arab colonization.
Some of these ancient dwellings can be rented, or head to Kirani Resort for more modern accommodations. With two large pools, a restaurant, and a cluster of new dammusi, the property offers a breathtaking panorama from its position at the foot of the southwestern slope of the Gelkamar Promontory.
The island’s cuisine, shaped by North African influences, is as simple as it is flavorful: capers, fish couscous, and the famous Passito di Pantelleria, a DOC wine produced exclusively from Zibibbo grapes. For a lunch centered on the Pantelleria’s local bounty, head to La Nicchia trattoria in town.
The Aeolian Islands: Seven Personalities
This archipelago off the northern coast of Sicily offers unique experiences on seven islands. Lipari, the largest, is its cultural hub and historic capital; Salina is synonymous with nature and elegance; Stromboli is famous for its eruptions; Panarea is simple and elegant; Vulcano for wellness enthusiasts with its sulfur mud baths and hot springs; and finally, Filicudi and Alicudi for those seeking nature. To best experience the diversity of these islands , arrange a boat tour.
Aeolian cuisine celebrates the Mediterranean: pane cunzato, swordfish, capers, Malvasia wine, and traditional sweets like sesamini, a seed-coated cookie. For those seeking culinary experiences that reflect the local character, check out Ristorante e Pulera in Lipari, Da Alfredo in Salina, or Punta Lena in Stromboli.
A visit to any of these lesser-known islands means embracing places that require time, attention, and curiosity—destinations for travelers seeking not only history and beauty, which are abundant, but also a deeper sense of connection.
Matteo Della Grazia & Daniela Mencarelli are members of Travel + Leisure's A-List and specialize in trips to Italy and its lesser-known regions. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Della Grazia & Daniela Mencarelli by contacting [email protected].
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