The largest islands in Italy, Sicily and Sardinia, are at the same time the largest in the Mediterranean Sea. From an administrative point of view, each of them constitutes a region. In Sicily and Sardinia, as well as on the smaller islands belonging to them, you can find some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy.

With an area of about 25,800 km², Sicily is the largest island in Italy and in the Mediterranean. It is also the highest, with Mount Etna rising to about 3,400 m. Sicily is famous for its gastronomy, beaches, tourist attractions, as well as for the atmosphere in its villages and towns. Off the coast of Sicily there are also other archipelagos and smaller islands, such as the famous Isola Bella near Taormina or the Cyclopean Islands (Ciclopi Archipelago) near Acitrezza.

To the northeast, in the Tyrrhenian Sea, lie the Aeolian Islands (Vulcano, Lipari, Stromboli, Salina, Panarea, Filicudi, and Alicudi), which are part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. They are very popular destinations, renowned for the beauty of their landscapes as well as for their two active volcanoes, Stromboli and Vulcano.

In the waters north of Palermo is the small island of Ustica, a tourist destination better known locally. It is a protected marine reserve, perfect for scuba diving. A curiosity: among Bologna's tourist attractions is also a museum that bears the name of this island. It was created in memory of an air tragedy that took place here in 1980.

In western Sicily, between Marsala and Trapani, lie the Egadi Islands (which geographically also include the Stagnone Islands). The largest island of the archipelago is Favignana, famous for its sea caves, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters. The other two main islands are Levanzo and Marettimo. The Egadi Islands are highly sought after by water sports enthusiasts, as well as by those looking for nature and tranquility.

Further on, in the southwest of Sicily, in the Mediterranean Sea, lies the island of Pantelleria, located 100 km from Agrigento and 70 km from Tunisia. It is another natural paradise, with crystal-clear waters, caves, cliffs, and small wild coves. Over time, Pantelleria has attracted famous people such as Gabriel García Márquez, Truman Capote, and Giorgio Armani, who owned a house on the island.

The southernmost Italian islands are the Pelagie Islands - closer to the African continent than to Italy. The best-known is Lampedusa, with the beautiful Isola dei Conigli beach, which ranks among the top beaches worldwide.

With 24,100 km², Sardinia is second largest island of Italy and, at the same time, in the entire Mediterranean Sea. It is renowned for the abundance and variety of its beaches, which rank among the most beautiful in the world. Scattered along Sardinia's coasts are hundreds of islands, many with an exotic appearance.

The best-known archipelago in Sardinia is the La Maddalena Archipelago, located to the northeast, in the Tyrrhenian Sea. It consists of 7 larger islands, the main one being La Maddalena. Due to its beauty and rich landscapes, the entire archipelago has been declared a national park.

To the northwest, in the Sea of Sardinia, lies the wild island of Asinara, also a nature reserve, accessible by boat excursions.

In the northeast, near Olbia, is the Tavolara Archipelago. Its main islands are Tavolara and Molara.

In the southwest of Sardinia lies the Sulcis Archipelago. The largest islands are Sant'Antioco, San Pietro, and Isola Piana.

The Tuscan Archipelago, located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, belongs to the region of Tuscany. The most visited island is Elba, situated a short distance from the coast. After Sicily and Sardinia, Elba is the third-largest island in Italy. Known as the place of Napoleon Bonaparte's exile, Elba offers diverse beaches, beautiful nature, and many excursion opportunities. Monte Capanne rises to about 1,000 m.

North of Elba lies Capraia, a wilder and more remote island, perfect for lovers of alternative holidays.

South of Elba, near Monte Argentario, is Isola del Giglio, known for its crystal-clear waters and rich marine life, attractive to snorkeling enthusiasts.

The islands of the Gulf of Naples, in the Campania region, are among the most beautiful and among the most visited islands in Italy. Capri, Ischia, and Procida are very different from one another.

Capri is considered a luxury island, but nothing stops you from taking a ferry or going on a day trip from Naples or Sorrento. With its spectacular landscapes, the scent of flowers, and cliffs scattered across the sea, the island is truly stunning and has rightly been visited and praised by all kinds of figures and celebrities, ever since Roman times.

On the other side of the gulf, west of Naples, lie the Phlegraean Islands. Ischia, the largest of them, is known for its thermal waters and numerous beaches. Procida, though smaller (only 4 km²) and less famous, is delightful. The other two islands are Nisida and Vivara, which can only be visited periodically.

Between Naples and Rome lie the Pontine Islands, which administratively belong to the Lazio region. The largest of them is the island of Ponza, appreciated for its landscapes, Roman ruins, sea caves, and beaches with turquoise waters. The other islands in the archipelago are also beautiful - Ventotene, Palmarola, Gavi, Zannone, and Santo Stefano.

On the other coast of Italy, in the Adriatic Sea, are the Tremiti Islands, which belong to the Puglia region, although access is made from the port of Termoli, in Molise. With their clear waters and natural beauty, these islands are another place worth visiting. The islands are part of the Tremiti Islands Marine Nature Reserve. The inhabited islands are San Nicola and San Domino. They are joined by the islands of Pianosa, Capraia, and Cretaccio, which are rich in vegetation and wildlife.

There are around 60 islands in the Venetian Lagoon, but only a few are inhabited. The best-known are Murano (famous for glassmaking), Burano (famous for handmade lace as well as its colorful houses), and Torcello (a smaller and quieter island). Excursions to these three islands are organized every day. Very close to Venice are the islands of Giudecca, San Giorgio Maggiore, and San Michele. On the island of Lido di Venezia, there are famous beaches, and a renowned film festival takes place.

In addition to the sea islands, there are also islands on the lakes. Despite their small size, they are true tourist attractions.

On Lago Maggiore, in the Piedmont region, are the Borromean Islands, which are very popular during the summer. The most important are Isola Bella (with its baroque garden and palace), Isola Madre (with its lush vegetation), and Isola dei Pescatori (with the traditional homes of fishermen).

Also in Piedmont, on Lake Orta, is the small island of San Giulio. A circular route takes you past the Basilica of San Giulio, the Palazzo dei Vescovi, and the Benedictine Abbey Mater Ecclesia.

On Lake Como, in Lombardy, there is a small, lushly vegetated island called Comacina.

Also in Lombardy, on Lake Iseo, is Monte Isola, which is the largest lake island in Italy and the largest inhabited island in Europe's lakes.

On Lake Garda, shared between Lombardy and Veneto, there are five islands: Isola del Sogno, Isola di San Biagio, Isola dell'Olivo, Isola di Trimelone, and Isola del Garda.

On Lake Trasimeno, in Umbria, is Isola Maggiore, which is easily reachable by ferry. In addition, the lake also has Isola Minore (private) and Isola Polvese (larger but uninhabited).

In the Lazio region, on Lake Bolsena, are the islands of Bisentina and Martana.