6/22/2023 0 Comments Got summer islands![]() Two diverse off-island adventures are also available: From the north coast, the seven-island Maddalena Archipelago offers beaches, lagoons, and uninhabited islets. and the Dunes of Piscinas, sand dunes that reach 200 feet in height. In addition to white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, the landscape includes Gola di Gorropu, the largest canyon in Europe UNESCO-protected Su Nuraxi di Barumini, a defensive structure from the second millennium B.C.E. Sardinia’s distinctive personality-insular and a bit secretive-makes the destination fun and filled with surprises to explore. Its most popular destination, Costa Smeralda, the northeastern “emerald coast,” is an enclave for the rich and famous, but the island offers more than a berth for mega-yachts. Second in size to Sicily and in the middle of the Mediterranean, Sardinia is also Italy’s second best-known island. Insiders stay at Salina’s sea-facing Principe di Salina. Can’t pick one? No problem: Island-hop via ferries that run between all seven islands. ![]() Lipari is the liveliest and most easily accessible of the Aeolian Islands, while Panarea is the most exclusive: Limited to pedestrian traffic, it’s a perfect place to tune out and recharge. Of the seven, Vulcano and Stromboli have active volcanoes, which can provide epic backdrops for nature lovers whether hiking, kayaking, or diving. The rich green landscapes of the seven-island archipelago- Vulcano, Lipari, Salina, Panarea, Stromboli, Filicudi, and Alicudi-are punctuated by smoking volcanic peaks, making them the perfect setting for lost-at-sea fantasies. Just off the northeastern coast of Sicily are the UNESCO-protected Aeolian Islands. This variety of muscat grapes was introduced by the Phoenicians, and its cultivation has been honored by UNESCO by inclusion on its list of instances of intangible cultural heritage. Italians love Pantelleria not only for its remoteness but also for its world-renowned capers and for passito di Pantelleria, a sweet wine made from zibibbo grapes. Some of Pantelleria’s dammusi (the island’s iconic white-washed lava-rock houses) have been transformed into luxury resorts like Sikelia, the most coveted. Reminders of the island’s millennia-long human history-from the Bronze Age, on through its Roman occupation, into its heyday as Arab outpost Bent el-Rhia, and to its inclusion in the Kingdom of Italy-are revealed in its ruins, historic architecture, and even its language. The glamorous allure of the turquoise water is offset by a rugged coastline of jagged lava-rock formations, steaming fumaroles, and mud baths. Pantelleria, a tiny volcanic island 67 miles southwest of Sicily (and 37 miles east of Tunisia), has long been a favorite getaway for the reclusively chic, like Truman Capote, Giorgio Armani, and Sting. But when you want to find a quiet sdraio (sun bed), look to the small islands off Sicily. Sicily is also home to world-class archaeological sites, such as the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, the Greek Theater in Taormina, and the temples of Selinunte and Segesta. With nearly 650 miles of coastline, Sicily is Italy’s biggest island, with some of the country’s most interesting and diverse culinary delights, exciting cities (like Palermo and Catania), and transporting hilltop hamlets and baroque towns. Use this guide to figure out which Italian islands you should visit on your next trip. Italy has over 400 islands-and while Sicily, Sardinia, and Capri might be the best known, there are many more to explore. From pristine Mediterranean coves to fishing villages near active volcanoes, these idyllic escapes off the coast of Italy can fulfill your vacation dreams, whether you’re in the market for a jet-set fantasy, homey beach vacation, or an off-the-grid digital detox. When Italians want a quiet getaway, they know to get off the busy mainland and head to the country’s best islands.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |