Italy's Less Crowded Islands Offer A Quiet And Beautiful Retreat With Unique Landscapes

Italy offers an astounding 450 islands, each uniquely their own, full of natural bliss and wonder. From the volcanic cliffs and rocky shores, brilliant beaches and whitewashed houses that dot the towns, these islands draw visitors and locals alike who come for the promise of la dolce vita, Italian for the sweetness of life. This is found in enjoying fresh seafood or renowned Italian cuisine, exploring ancient ruins, or soaking up the Mediterranean sun. Yet the sweet life isn't unheard of, and many well=known islands are popular and can feel crowded. The lesser known archipelago hosting the Egadi Islands is a wonderful alternative for those looking for a less crowded Italian island with just as much charm.

The Aegadian Islands are an under the radar archipelago off the western coast of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. These hidden gems provide a serene escape, unspoiled landscapes and nature, and a slower pace of life. Far from the hustle of the mainland, they feel entirely on their own, but still accessible.

This small group of mountainous islets is reachable only by ferry from Trapani or Marsala through frequent services by Liberty Lines. Favignana, the largest island, has a modest road network, but bikes and scooters are known to be the best mode of transportation. Ferries also connect the three main islands with several trips daily. As with most places in the Mediterranean, summer is peak season, best for swimming and enjoying the perfectly blue waters. Spring and fall are great for milder weather and lower prices. Just be sure to know these Italian phrases before your trip.

The Aegadian archipelago comprises three main islands: Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo, alongside two smaller islets of Formica and Maraone. Each island has distinct features and gorgeous landscapes. They are united by their primitive, untouched natural beauty and ensconced in Italy's largest marine reserve, spanning more than 133,000 acres of sea between them.

Favignana is the closest to Sicily, the largest, and busiest of all but remains tranquil and charming. Known as La Farfalla (which translates to butterfly in Italian) due to its shape, this flat island is especially bike friendly. Its coastline is covered with sandy beach coves like Cala Rossa, and framed by tufa cliffs and dreamy turquoise waters. Favignana has a charming main town area with accommodations and a glimpse into local life. Levanzo is the smallest island, and is a hilly and car-free slide of heaven. Its single white-washed fishing village, Cala Dogana, sits near the port. Levanzo is well known for its iconic sea stacks and incredible beach of Faraglioni. The island's highest point gives serene coastal views of the area. 

The island of Marettimo is the furthest from Sicily. It's a rugged paradise for those who love adventure. Its single tiny village is dwarfed by a wild coastline of rocky beaches home to more than 400 sea caves. Trails weave past historical monuments from Byzantine monks, and the island's isolation preserves its pristine seabed ideal for underwater adventures. The two islets Formica, a private islet, and Maraone, a bird-inhabited rock, are uninhabited and not often visited. 

These islands provide unique experiences for those willing to make the journey out, and scuba diving here should not be missed. Italy's largest marine protected area covers more than 133,000 acres and is thriving with endemic species, coral reefs, and unique underwater treasures. The Posidonia Oceanica is a unique seagrass endemic to the Mediterranean, and this area hosts the largest and best preserved underwater 'meadow' of this Neptune grass. Scuba divers can also explore submerged caves, Roman shipwrecks off Levanzo from the first century, and Punic War relics off the coast of Favignana. Other popular dive sites include Punta Levanta, Isola Galeotta, and Secca del Toro reveal a variety of colorful fish, octopi, dolphins, and other micro and macro marine life. 

The islands boast a variety of hikes, with trails leading to high vantage points with spectacular views alongside historic sites. On Favignana make the trek to Santa Caterina Castle for sunrise vistas at this abandoned fortress situated at the islands peak. Marettimo's Punta Troia Castle and Levanzo's Pizzo del Monaco also provide beautiful architecture and amazing views of the archipelago. With minimal car access, biking is an ideal way to explore the islands, try renting a bike to discover a slower pace of life. Don't miss Genovese Cave on Levanzo, an archaeological site with 12,000 year old paintings depicting ancient stories and rituals from years gone bye. 

The island's beaches are quiet and unique. Favignana's Cala Rossa and Lido Burrone boast the softest sands and clear waters. Levanzo's Cala Fredda and Cala Minnola provide rocky coves, and Marettimo offers quaint coves like Praia Nicchi. What Marettimo lacks in soft sandy beaches, it makes up for with sea caves, nearly 400, rent a sea kayak to explore these grottos.