Italy’s second-largest island after Sicily is renowned for its exquisite beaches and few are more spectacular than Cala Luna on its eastern edge. With glittering aquamarine water, a strip of white sand and cool, shady caves to shelter from the sun, this otherworldly spot is a must-visit. The distinctive local cuisine blends Catatalonian, North African and Levantine influences – offering something for every type of traveller.

On a map, Sicily looks like the ball that boot-shaped mainland Italy is kicking. On the ground, it’s a vast island that’s been touched by the Greeks, Normans, Romans and more throughout its rich history. Sicily’s charm lies in its diversity, spanning  hilltop towns like Taormina – home to the ancient Teatro Antico di Taormina – and tranquil islets alike. For a first visit, fly into Palermo, the capital city, where food is hands down the most enticing attraction. Make like a local and indulge in everything the street carts are selling, from giant arancini to the thick-crusted sfincione – Sicilian-style pizza.

This glamorous gem in the Bay of Naples is an easy day trip by ferry from Positano on the Amalfi Coast. Be sure to visit the Blue Grotto on a rowboat tour, sample an authentic Caprese salad and enjoy sundowners with sea views at one of the island’s five-star hotels, such as J.K. Place Capri. If sun-seeking is on the agenda, head to the La Fontelina Beach Club where you’ll slip into a quintessentially Italian scene of blue-and-white umbrellas backed by views of the dramatic Faraglioni rock formations. Order yourself an Aperol — or its pineapple-y cousin, the Amalfi — spritz and lounge your day away until the sun sets. 

Procida is accessible via a 40-minute ferry from Naples and has one of the prettiest (and most photographed) fishing harbours in the region: pastel-painted Marina Corricella. Sprawled over just five square kilometres, it’s easy to explore the enchanting isle on foot and enjoy fresh seafood literally metres from where it was caught. Base yourself at San Michele, a boutique hotel in the heart of Marina Corricella, and kick back in your bohemian-chic room while admiring the shimmering bay.  

Referenced in author Elena Ferrante’s blockbuster Neapolitan trilogy – and a favourite holiday spot for W.H. Auden, Truman Capote and Pablo Neruda – Ischia boasts charming villages, pretty beaches and a clifftop castle so spectacular it could inspire anyone to write. Here, you’ll also find Mezzatore, one of the Mediterranean’s dreamiest resorts, which features a stunning private cove, thermal spa and terrace bar with panoramic views that take in San Montano Bay. Ischia is just over an hour by ferry from Naples. 

The smallest of the inhabited Aeolian Islands north of Sicily, Panarea is a popular summer getaway for Europeans. Expect emerald water, dramatic cliffs and plenty of cool Italians sunning themselves on the sand. Hotel Raya looks across the water at active volcano Stromboli and has a terrace restaurant with views so captivating you won’t want to leave. Arrive by ferry from Milazzo, Messina or Palermo, with trips taking between 90 minutes and five hours, depending on the operator.

Being the largest of the Aeolian Islands makes Lipari the easiest to explore, with its buses, taxis and ferry connections. Lipari Town is the main hub, with two harbours straight out of a storybook, pretty houses with flower-bedecked balconies, hotels and restaurants. It’s also a great jumping-off point to discover the archipelago’s other isles such as Panarea. History buffs should put Museo Archeologico Regionale Eoliano at the top of their itinerary – it hosts one of Europe’s greatest collections of ancient relics.

This peaceful spot delivers the sun-bleached churches, brightly coloured fishing boats and verdant mountainous landscapes the Aeolian Islands are best known for. There are three main places to stay on Salina – Malfa, Leni and Santa Marina – and each offers hotels, restaurants and easy access to the beach. You can reach Salina in a few hours by ferry from Palermo, Milazzo and Messina in Sicily, or head over from the mainland via Naples or Reggio Calabria.

Off the coast of Livorno Province, south-west of Siena, Isola D’Elba is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Fringed with exquisite turquoise beaches, there are beautiful hikes, historic towns and fresh seafood to be eaten. Settle  into a hotel at Portoferraio, the quiet island’s largest town. While there, indulge in local specialities, starting with schiaccia briaca – a soft, wine-sweetened almond cake brought over by Barbary pirates in the 13th and 16th centuries.

If you’re looking for more active pursuits than lying on a beach, Filicudi is for you. A few hours’ ferry ride from Sicily, the island’s hilly interior is ideal for hiking, with plenty of trails to explore away from the holiday crowds typical of the Aeolian Islands. Stay in Pecorini a Mare, an impossibly charming coastal hamlet, and sip Sicilian wine by the sea at the village’s only beach club, La Sirena, as a post-hike treat. 

Reachable from the Italian capital in just over three hours (drive from Rome to the port of Anzio then take a two-hour ferry ride), Ponza is the hip holiday destination for Romans escaping their often-crowded city. All glittering seas, deserted beaches and a quiet, idyllic centre, Porto, that’s hardly bigger than its lovely main drag, you’ll be living the sweet life from the moment you arrive at the island. Seafood restaurants, boat trips and clifftop hotels are essential to any visit here and a day at the Piscine Naturali — a rocky cove reminiscent of a mid-century Slim Aarons photo – is a must. And if you still need persuading: Beyoncé and Jay-Z have stayed here. 

Nestled between Sardinia and Corsica (France’s own island paradise), the largest of the La Maddalena Archipelago islands is often overshadowed by its more glamorous neighbours. The eponymous port of La Maddalena is the best place to stay, with restaurants, history and aquatic adventures at your doorstep, such as boat tours and diving. Take a day trip out to the nearby Caprera to visit the archipelago’s famous Cala Coticcio, nicknamed 'Tahiti' for its shimmering tourmaline waters.

This tiny speck in the Mediterranean between Sicily and Tunisia is a two-hour ferry ride from the former that operates only six times a week. Giorgio Armani has a villa here, and you’ll never want to leave the extreme luxury of Sikelia Hotel, with its mix of Italian and African influences echoing through the chic interiors and indulgent food. If you can tear yourself away from your room, make your way to Lago Specchio di Venere, a lake at the base of an extinct volcano fed by underground hot springs. Enjoy a mineral-rich swim – the mud from here is extracted for spa treatments – that will leave you feeling relaxed and pampered.

The third-largest of the islands in the Tuscan Archipelago, much of this pristine isle is national park. Check out Capraia’s history at the remarkable circa 1540 Forte San Giorgio, trek through the untouched interior and cool off at an exquisite beach or cove along the coast. Reachable only by sea, there are weekly ferry crossings to the island from the port of Livorno all year round, with the ride taking just under three hours. During the summer months, you can also reach Capraia from Elba and the small port of San Vincenzo.

Five minutes from Venice via water bus, Giudecca is a reprieve from the buzz of the 'Floating City' thanks to its vibrant contemporary art scene. In the island’s quiet industrial quarter, Spazio Punch – a non-profit creative hub built out of a former brewery – showcases a colourful rotation of art, fashion and publishing exhibitions. Round off a day of culture with an aperitivo at the Hilton Molino Stucky’s Skyline Rooftop Bar. The former archaeological site serves panoramic views of Venice and award-winning signature cocktail, which include 'The Tower', a rich mix of tequila, whisky, tomato juice and lemon.

A gem on the Etruscan Coast, Giglio is a volcanic islet beloved for its unspoiled scuba diving sites and scenic scrubland hikes. Accessible by a 60-minute ferry from the Tuscan town of Porto Santo Stefano, spend your days wandering its ancient mule tracks – which now connect the island’s three villages – and the narrow streets of Giglio Castello, a mediaeval town considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. After working up an appetite, savour the seafood-centric local cuisine – the classic Gigliese pizza, which features dough stuffed with anchovies and onions, is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Nicknamed farfalla (butterfly) thanks to its shape, Favignana brims with unpretentious charm and aquamarine swimming spots. Just a 30-minute hydrofoil ride away from Trapani on Sicily’s west coast, the island’s mélange of historical influences – Arab, Roman and Norman – can be seen throughout its cuisine and architecture. Among Favignana’s  jagged coastline of coves, Cala Rossa and Cala Azzurra are some of the most beautiful. When the post-swim hunger strikes, order the hearty seafood carbonara with octopus and potatoes from Quello Che C’è C’è Ristorante Mediterraneo.

Dubbed Italy’s ‘Rainbow Island’ for its sorbet-coloured streets, Burano is a 45-minute express ferry ride from Venice. Spanning just 21 hectares, it’s ideal as a day trip from the bigger canal city. The island’s rich history of lace-making is honoured at Scuola dei Merletti di Burano, a museum housing a treasure trove of 16th- and 17th-century lace pieces. For lunch, pop into the family-run Trattoria al Gatto Nero. If you’re lucky and gô fish are among the catch of the day, sample the region’s signature dish, risotto di gò (also known as risotto alla Buranella), where small gò fish are added whole to the stock and simmered for a day before disintegrating and leaving a heady, butter-kissed flavour in their wake. 

For a lakeside escape without the crowds, Monte Isola is sure to please. Translated as 'Mount Island', it's situated in Lake Iseo in the Brescia region of Northern Italy, best reached by a 30-minute direct ferry from Sulzano or Marasino. Spend your days meandering the olive grove-lined footpaths of its 12 traditional villages and take in the 360-degree view of Lake Iseo at Santuario Madonna della Ceriola, a hilltop shrine built in the 15th century. There are no cars allowed on the 4.5 square-metre island, so it’s ideal for those who enjoy making their way around on foot.

When you visit the rugged, cinematic coastline of Palmarola, unplugging from the world is part of the journey. Considered the wildest of the Pontine Islands, the island is a protected natural reserve about two-to-four hours from Rome, depending on mode of transport. There aren’t any hotels on the island, so stay the night in nearby Ponza, which is 30 minutes away by boat. From there, you’ll be well-placed to visit Palmarola’s striking wind-carved coves – a swim in the shimmering cavern of Grotta del Gatto is essential – and hike its myriad trails for panoramic vistas of the surrounding islands. 

Ideal for adventure-seekers, Stromboli is the dark horse of Sicily’s Aeolian Islands – and not just because of its black sand beaches. After arriving via an hour-long ferry from Milazzo, you’ll be greeted by a spectacular landscape of craggy coastline and its crowning glory: a 200,000-year-old still-active volcano – allegedly the inspiration for Lord of the Rings’  Mount Doom. If you’re feeling bold, climb the volcano to see the Sciara del Fuoco ('Stream of Fire'), a steep slope where lava descends from the crater. Before you leave, head down to Forgia Vecchia beach for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to sunbathe at the foot of a geological marvel. 

With just 300 people allowed on the car-free island per day during high season, you’ll have secluded Giannutri Island almost entirely to yourself. Situated in the Tuscan Archipelago, it’s only accessible via a one-hour boat ride from Porto Santo Stefano or Monte Argentario. There are no hotels, just a handful of apartments and bed-and-breakfasts from which to base yourself as you spend your days  snorkelling – be sure to bring your own equipment – sunbathing and sleeping. Head out on a guided visit to the remains of the Villa Romana, an archaeological masterpiece from the 2nd-century AD, and swim in the iridescent waters of Cala Spalmatoio and Maestra. While part of the island’s appeal is its isolation, be mindful that there’s only one restaurant, bar and grocery store on Giannutri, so carry extra supplies from the mainland if a longer stay is on the cards.

Closer to Tunisia than Italy, the islands of Lampedusa and Linosa make up the southernmost comune of the country, with flights and overnight ferries running from the mainland and Sicily. Lampedusa, the larger of the two, is home to Tabaccara Bay: a natural saltwater pool so clear that certain camera angles make boats appear as if they’re floating on air. Go between May and August and you might be lucky enough to glimpse endangered sea turtles visiting their breeding grounds at Isola dei Conigli and Gaia Pozzolana on Lampedusa and Linosa respectively. 

Both an island and a national park, Asinara is a nature-lover’s paradise a 30-75 minute ferry-ride from Sardinia’s north coast. While it’s named after its local asini bianchi ('albino donkeys'), prepare to see silky-haired wild sheep and peregrine falcons among the fauna that roam freely around you. Formerly a prison island nicknamed the 'Italian Alcatraz', hiking is the best way to get to know car-free Asinara, with the circular Sentiero della Memoria trail tracing along the island’s most historically significant locations. Wi-Fi and cellular data can be unreliable here, so treat the time as a reprieve from your devices.

With seven kilometres of steep cliffs and rocky shores waiting to be explored, San Domino, of the rugged Tremiti Islands, is a hiker’s paradise. It’s around one-and-a-half hours by ferry from various Puglia ports, or a short 20-minute helicopter ride from Foggia airport (advanced booking for the summer months is highly recommended). Postcard-worthy treks aside, scuba divers will want to hit the 'Devil’s Eyes' – a set of underwater caves swarming with tuna in one of the island’s many turquoise coves. The family-friendly Cala delle Arene hotel delivers a classic European sun lounger experience.

From whitewashed villages to fluorescent blue waters and grand limestone rocks, Levanzo is something out of a storybook.You’ll arrive at the smallest of the Aegadian Islands from Sicily’s Trapani or Marsala on a 25-90-minute ferry, depending on your operator. Visit between May and October for ideal swimming temperatures without the crowds and don’t miss taking in the sunset from Cala Faraglione and seeing the Grotta del Genovese — a cave featuring prehistoric drawings. Feeling hungry? Levanzo’s appreciation for seafood and seasonal vegetables shines brightest in the frascatole (a vegetable soup with artichokes, cauliflower or broad beans) and tuna bottarga (salted, cured tuna roe).