In Italy, there are still many places that are free from the crowds of tourists.
Many travel enthusiasts associate a holiday in Italy with crowds of tourists on the streets – it’s not for nothing that four cities in this country are among the top ten busiest in Europe.
However, Italy is a fairly large country, and therefore, if you step back a little from the beaten path, you can find a lot of hidden pearls that are ready to give you an unforgettable holiday.
Experts of the travel publication Travel Off Path named the five secret islands of Italy that impress tourists with pleasant prices and authenticity.
1. Procida. This small island in the Bay of Naples, not far from the tourist-packed Capri, is known for its picturesque harbor with colorful houses and the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional fishing village. From the castle – like medieval prison of Palazzo D’Avalos, perched on top of a coastal cliff, to the secret coves of Chiaiolella, you can wander for hours on foot and explore many attractions. Meanwhile, dinner at a local restaurant, consisting of pasta with seafood and local red wine, will cost about $ 15, and prices for decent accommodation start from $ 50 per night.
2. Lipari. The often overlooked island, located off the northeastern coast of Sicily, is characterized by a volcanic topography with rugged peaks crisscrossing a compact land mass washed by turquoise waters. However, while Sicily is one of the busiest summer destinations in Europe, Lipari continues to exist in its own microcosm of tranquility, receiving only tens of thousands of visitors a year. At the same time, prices for rooms here start from $ 47, and food is also inexpensive.
3.Elbe. This rather large island part of the Tuscan archipelago is historically known for being the place of exile of Napoleon Bonaparte between 1814 and 1815. But the island also has a fairly rich history, including periods of Etruscan and Roman rule, and its lively capital, Portoferraio, is still protected by medieval fortifications and dotted with beautifully decorated Baroque churches. At the same time, it is quite realistic to buy pizza “Margarita” for just $ 10 and a cocktail “Aperol Spritz” for about $ 4, and prices for accommodation in apartments start from $ 43.
4. Ponza. This remote area in the heart of the Tyrrhenian Sea, accessible only by boat from the Italian mainland, including Naples, has captivated many curious visitors with its natural beauty, with its impressive coastline, blue grottoes and unique geological formations. Meanwhile, a seafood meal at a local restaurant will cost you $ 18-21, while staying overnight at a guest house near the center of Ponza is only $ 69.
5. Pantelleria. Located closer to Tunisia than to Italy, this island is very popular with Italians themselves because of its remoteness and identity: it is full of natural attractions of volcanic origin, and some of its wineries date back centuries. As for prices, ordering a main course and a glass of wine at a downtown restaurant will cost an average of $ 21-22, while beach hotels can cost as little as $ 56 when booking out of season.
