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The Islands

Italy’s islands offer some of the country’s most unforgettable scenery, where turquoise waters, dramatic coastlines, and centuries of history unfold at a slower, dreamier pace. From luxe resort towns to wild, untouched nature, each island has its own personality, but all share a sense of escape, beauty, and effortless romance. Whether you’re craving adventure, relaxation, culture, or simply a stunning seaside break, Italy’s islands are the perfect addition to your travels.

Sardinia

Home to Italy’s finest export, Francesco Sechi. We may be biased, but if there’s one spot to put at the top of your list, it’s beautiful Sardegna. One of the country’s best kept secrets, it’s the place where Italians themselves (and billionaires) like to vacation. 

Sardinia feels almost mythical, with its blend of crystal-clear turquoise seas, rugged cliffs, and untouched interior landscapes that still carry echoes of ancient nuragic culture. The island offers endless contrasts: Glamorous Costa Smeralda beach clubs, wild secluded coves, charming stone villages, and staggering hiking routes that feel far from the mainland. Its food culture is equally rich—spotlighting seafood, farm-driven traditions, and some of Italy’s most unique wines.

  • Glamorous and wildly beautiful, Costa Smeralda (the Emerald Coast) is known for its pristine waters, white-sand coves, and chic beach clubs. It’s Sardinia’s most luxurious stretch of coastline, perfect for travelers who want stunning beaches with a refined, polished atmosphere.

    Must-Dos:

    • Swim at Spiaggia del Principe or Capriccioli

    • Stroll Porto Cervo and window shop for mega yachts

    • Take a short drive to San Pantaleo and explore the beautiful mountain town (one of Hannah’s favorites)

    • Take a private boat to the Maddalena Archipelago

    • Enjoy sunset aperitivo and dinner on the water

    • Have dinner and/or a night out at Ritual Club

  • Perfect for a day trip. This protected archipelago feels like the Caribbean of Italy—shallow electric-blue water, smooth granite rock formations, and secluded coves only reachable by boat. La Maddalena offers charming island life, while Caprera is untouched, wild, and ideal for beach hopping and scenic hikes.

    Must-Dos:

    • Boat tour of Cala Coticcio & Cala Corsara (pro tip: book a captain that will also made you an authentic lunch on board!)

    • Swim and snorkel in translucent coves

    • Roam the rugged hiking trails of Caprera

  • Perfect for a day trip - You can’t miss this one!! Sardinia’s most epic coastline, this region is known for towering limestone cliffs, hidden coves, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. It’s a paradise for adventurous travelers seeking boat trips, cliffside hikes, and pristine, untouched beaches like Cala Luna and Cala Goloritzé (voted two of most beautiful beaches in the world, and the #1 in Europe). Here, you’re sure to run into famous tech billionaires, athletes, and dolphins alike!

    Must-Dos:

    • Affordable day boat trip (with captain) exploring and swimming the coastline until you reach Cala Goloritzé.

    • Boat or hike to Cala Luna

    • Explore the Grotta del Bue Marino.

  • The area where Francesco grew up and spent his summers. Historic and Catalan-influenced, Alghero blends medieval charm with long sandy beaches and some of the island’s most accessible coastal beauty. Its northwest shores offer scenic drives, tranquil coves, and easy-going seaside towns perfect for relaxed exploration.

    Must-Dos:

    • Stop at Oops! gelateria and ask for the Golostacchio flavor (warning: contains pistachio - not for those with nut allergies)

    • Wander Alghero’s Catalan-influenced old town

    • Visit Punta Giglio, the spot where we got engaged! Make a reservation for aperitivo or a gourmet dinner (or even book an overnight stay) at Rifugio di Mare. You can hike (about 1-2 hours) or take the golf cart up to the clifftop (if hiking, you can make a stop at a private beach along the way). Gawk at the amazing cliffside views at sunset.

    • Have a traditional Sardinian dinner experience at Azienda Agrituristica Sa Mandra (an absolute must!)

    • Enjoy the sunset at Capo Caccia

    • Sip local wines in the countryside at Sella e Mosca winery

    • Rent an affordable boat (no captain needed) and drive Alghero’s coastline

    • Explore Neptune’s Grotto

    • Take a day trip up to Stintino, and swim in stunning waters at Spiaggia La Pelosa

  • Calm, sun-soaked, and less crowded than the north, Southern Sardinia features wide golden beaches, turquoise lagoons, and a more laid-back atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers seeking a balance of beautiful coastline, archaeological sites, and charming towns without the high-season buzz.

    Must-Dos:

    • Explore historic Cagliari, Sardinia’s capital city

    • Discover the ancient ruins at Nora

    • Relax on Chia Beach

    • Snorkel the marine-protected waters around Villasimius

Best for: Relaxed luxury travelers, beach clubbers, outdoor adventurers, sailers, culture seekers, anyone seeking dramatic landscapes with minimal crowds and maximum beauty. 

Why We Love It

Sardinia is Frank’s home, and it’s also home to some of the best people we know (his family). It’s where we spend our summers together. Beyond that, Sardinia’s beauty and culture is unmatched. If theres one single place we’ll tell you to go, it’s this one.

Sicily

Best for: History buffs, culture travelers, adventure seekers, cannoli lovers, and anyone wanting a mix of beaches, vibrant cities, and ancient sites.

Sicily is Italy at its most vibrant and dramatic. Volcanic peaks, sparkling coastlines, and ancient ruins meet in a landscape shaped by millennia of Greek, Roman, and Arab influence. It’s an island of extremes: Lively port cities, tranquil fishing villages, bustling markets, and serene vineyards overlooking the sea. The flavors are unforgettable, from citrus groves to pistachio desserts to bold volcanic wines. Sicily offers travelers a deep, soulful experience that feels both culturally rich and wildly beautiful.

  • Perched high above the sea with views of Mt. Etna, Taormina is glamorous, dramatic, and one of Sicily’s most iconic destinations. Mt Etna’s surrounding volcanic landscape and wine region is equal parts thrilling and serene and is a must for adventurers and wine lovers alike.

    Must-Dos:

    • Tour the Greek Theatre

    • Ride the cable car to Mazzarò

    • Take a guided Etna hike of wine tasting

    • Wander Corso Umberto at golden hour

  • Vibrant, gritty, and culturally rich, Palermo blends Arab-Norman architecture, buzzing street markets, and a lively food scene. It’s Sicily at its most energetic and historic.

    Must-Dos:

    • Visit Palermo’s street markets

    • Book a stay or visit the public beach at the famous Tonnara di Scopello

    • Explore Monreale Cathedral

    • Day trip to Cefalù

    • Relax at the Riserva dello Zingaro

  • Known for its dreamy Sicilian Baroque architecture, Noto feels warm, elegant, and cinematic. Just outside town you'll find some of southern Sicily’s best beaches.

    Must-Dos:

    • Wander Noto’s honey-colored streets

    • Explore Ragusa Ibla

    • Taste the region’s famous granita

  • Romantic and atmospheric, Ortigia is a maze of historic alleyways, seafront promenades, and golden stone architecture. It’s one of Sicily’s most enchanting coastal towns.

    Must-Dos:

    • Explore Ortigia’s old town and piazzas

    • Tour the archaeological park

    • swim off Ortigia’s rocky platforms

    • Dine by the sea at sunset

  • One of the world’s great archaeological sites, Agrigento offers remarkably preserved Greek temples surrounded by olive groves and sea views. It’s a must for history lovers.

    Must-Dos:

    • Visit the UNESCO temples at golden hour

    • See the Scala dei Turchi white cliffs

  • A volcanic archipelago rising from the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Aeolian Islands blend dramatic landscapes, black-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters with quiet villages and a slow, timeless rhythm. Each island offers its own unique character, but together they create one of Italy’s most breathtaking and atmospheric coastal escapes.

    Must-Dos:

    • Boat around Lipari

    • Hike Stromboli

    • Enjoy the thermal waters of Vulcano

  • Reaching Capri is relatively easy, but it does require at least one boat transfer. Here are the smoothest options:

    1. From Naples (the most common route)

    • Molo Beverello – hydrofoils (fast boats)

    • Calata di Massa – ferries (slower but cheaper)

    2. From Sorrento (A fantastic option if you're staying along the Amalfi Coast or doing a coastal road trip)

    • Hydrofoils run year-round (with reduced winter schedules)

    • Travel time is 20–30 minutes

    • Boats leave from the Marina Piccola port

    3. From the Amalfi Coast

    • Direct seasonal ferries run April–October from:

      • Positano

      • Amalfi

      • Maiori / Minori (less frequent)

      • Salerno

    • Travel times range from 50 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on the port.

    • Note: These routes are weather-dependent; they’re the first to be canceled in rough seas.

    Arriving in Capri

    Your boat will arrive at the island’s main port, Marina Grande, where you can:

    • Take the funicular up to Capri Town

    • Grab a taxi (convertible taxis are classic Capri fun!)

    • Take a bus to Anacapri

    • Have your hotel send a porter service for luggage (worth it)

    • Boat tour around the island & the Blue Grotto

    • Take the chairlift to Monte Solaro for the best views

    • Explore Anacapri’s quieter streets & Villa San Michele

    • Walk Via Tragara & the Faraglioni viewpoint

    • Enjoy aperitivo in the Piazzetta (classic Capri moment)

Capri

Best for: Romantics, couples, luxury travelers, design enthusiasts, and anyone wanting electrifying landscapes with elevated hotels, dining, and shopping.

Capri is a jewel-box island where soaring cliffs, botanical gardens, and iconic sea grottos surround a chic, cosmopolitan village perched high above the water. Its mix of natural wonder and luxurious charm makes it one of Italy’s most romantic destinations, perfect for wandering narrow lanes, sipping aperitivo on panoramic terraces, and exploring hidden coves by boat. Days on Capri feel both glamorous and effortless—where everything from the scent of lemon trees to the glow of the sunset feels heightened. It’s a small island with an outsized sense of magic.

Ischia

Best for: Wellness travelers, nature lovers, couples seeking calm, and those wanting a beautiful islands with fewer crowds and better value than Capri.

Ischia is the quietly enchanting sister to Capri. It’s lush, volcanic, and known for its healing thermal waters and tranquil gardens. The island moves at a gentler pace, offering secluded beaches, charming villages, and coastal hikes without the buzz of heavy tourism. Spas and natural hot springs blend seamlessly into the landscape, creating a restorative, slow-living atmosphere.

    • Spend a half-day at Poseidon or Negombo thermal gardens

    • Visit Castello Aragonese

    • Explore the lush gardens of La Mortella

    • Enjoy the beaches of Sant’Angelo

    • Take a boat tour to hidden coves and warm natural springs