14 BEST Things You Can Do In The Italian Islands

July 11, 2024

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Italy is a broad and diverse place, but when it comes to the Italian Islands, it almost feels like a completely different country. Vast countryside abundant with rolling hills and peaceful farmland is replaced with crisp white cliffs and inviting beaches. While mainland Italy is undoubtedly a paradise, these mounds of tropical oases sprouting up from the calm blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea are in a class of their own.

Just a short ferry ride from Naples, you will find yourself in a set of tropical delights, each with its own unique personality. The quaint and quiet island of Procida, where exploring the island’s adventures can make for a fantastic day trip. The expansive island of Ischia, where hiking the towering Mount Epomeo awards you with the best view in the islands. And, of course, the bustling yet beautiful island of Capri, where the finest of Italian foods are coupled with the finest of Italian views. Whether it’s towering mountains, ancient castles, or simply some sunny beaches, the sights of these picturesque paradises are precisely what you have been looking for.

Standing atop Mount Epomeo overlooking the forests, all of Ischia Island, and the warm surrounding oceans

1.) Hike Mount Epomeo (Ischia)

Located at the center of the island, this 2-mile hike is a relatively easy way to experience one of the best views in the entire Italian islands! After trekking through the woods and a few steep rocky sections, you will be treated to a 360⁰ view that spans across the entire set of islands and even the mainland.

Pro Tip- There is parking in town making it a short walk to the trailhead.

Many exotic plants make up an enchanting section of the La Mortella Garden, one of the best things to do in the Italian islands

2.) Explore The Enchanting La Mortella Garden (Ischia)

Feel as though you have been transported to a faraway land full of thousands of exotic plant species gathered from around the globe. Walk through this immense garden displaying several ecosystems, all with their own colorful personality. With ponds teeming with fish, large fountains shooting water, lookout points over the island, and even a cafe, there really is something for everyone.

Pro Tip- Look at the event schedule here to see one of the many concerts in the garden.

Looking down the steps of the Villa Lysis and out over the port and town of Capri

3.) Villa lysis (Capri)

Stunning sunset views, a lovely garden, and a uniquely personal house make this spot, without a doubt, the most underrated activity on the island! Built in 1904 by a Persian count, this secluded dream house is home to some of the best seaside views on the entire island. Known as a former gathering spot for artists, poets, and writers, it’s easy to see why this spot is the best place to capture the true beauty of Capri.

Pro Tip- Head to the front garden for a spectacular sunset spot over the town.

String lights hang overtop people sitting in front of cafes in the Capri Town Square

4.) Take In The Capri Town Square Sunset (Capri)

Serving as a central hub for many of the finest activities found on Capri, you can find top-of-the-line jewelry, designer wear, and upscale restaurants. Sitting at the center of all the shops and resplendent restaurants is the real reason to visit the square. A broad, beautiful lookout to watch the sun set over the main port and nearby mountain makes for an enchanting way to end your evening!

Pro Tip- Try to get there a little before sunset to beat the crowds.

Riding the chairlift down from the peak of Monte Solaro while looking out over Anacapri

5.) Take The Chairlift Up Monte Solaro (Capri)

Enjoy a gentle 15 minute ride up Monte Solaro filled with calm sea breezes, warm sunlight, and an incredible expansive view! High above the crowds of Capri, you can see unobstructed views of the whole island and nearby islands. You can also find a bistro at the peak, making it a fantastic spot for a nice meal as you watch the sunset.

Pro Tip- It can get very crowded, so get there early.

The small offshoot island connected to Ischia Island featuring the expansive Aragonese Castle

6.) Aragonese Castle (Ischia)

Of all the centuries-old structures found on the Italian islands, this may be the most significant. First established in 474 BC, this island away from the island has been passed from ruler to ruler and country to country while always maintaining its status of power in paradise. Now, you can explore the expansive grounds, venturing through the castle walls and pristine gardens while surrounded by unobstructed ocean views.

Pro Tip- Try one of the tours to hear all about the castle’s extensive and intriguing history.

Fine dining tables sitting under numerous ripe lemons growing from dozens of lemon trees

7.) Try Excellent Italian Food With An Even Better View (Every Island)

No matter which restaurant you stop at, you are sure to be treated to a divine one-of-a-kind meal featuring its own uniquely magnificent view. Full of Michelin star spots serving Italian delicacies while offering relaxing vistas of lemon trees, open oceans, and sky-high sights… island life has never felt so good!

Pro Tip- Be sure to try Ristorante da Tonio for the best meal on the islands! Click here to see a full review and the other top restaurants on the islands!

Anacapri shops lined up alongside vibrant flowers of Capri Island

8.) Weave Through The Shops Of Anacapri (Capri)

As lovely as the fine designer wear displayed in Capri town is, sometimes all you are looking for is a more practical piece of clothing, gorgeous more reasonable artwork, or a fun keepsake to remember your amazing time on the island. Also, with far fewer people than in Capri town square, you are free to pop in and out of shops with ease.

Pro Tip- Try the famous Capri lemon candies for a little sweet and sour treat.

The worn ancient ruins of roman castles found on Procida Island are now becoming overgrown with lush vegitation

9.) Explore Ancient Roman Castles (Procida)

Not only are the Italian islands stunning to look at, but they are also steeped in rich history, and the Procida ruins are no exception. Nearly 500 years old, the ancient Roman castles of Procida were once the home to the island’s many governors, a royalty retreat, a military academy, and finally, a prison that lasted over 150 years before being abandoned. Now, you can tour through the stone walls and gaze out over the ocean as you soak in the history firsthand.

Pro Tip- Tickets to enter can only be bought online in advance.

Boating next to the white rocky cliffs shooting straight up from the dark blue waters around Capri

10.) Boat Around Capri

Usually, when people visit Capri, they flock to the main attractions for the best sights, BUT if you really want to see the beauty of Capri, then this is by far the best way! An up close perspective of the vibrant blue waters brushing up against towering white cliffs will give you a new appreciation of the island.

Pro Tip- Look for an island tour plus Blue Cave combo to get a skip-the-line pass.

Lovely flowers and ivy covered trees make up the open and inviting Giardini di Augusto on Capri Island

11.) Giardini di Augusto (Capri)

Just a short walk from the main square, you can find a floral escape perfect for relaxing in the light ocean breeze. The surrounding beautiful flowers are wonderful, but the real reason to visit the garden is for the views. Breathtaking cliffside lookout points hundreds of feet above the ocean are among the top scenes on an island full of grand vistas!

Pro Tip- Get there early, as it can get quite busy.

A long sandy italian island beach in front of a curving cliff making creating a cool relaxing bay

12.) Spend A Day At One Of The Many Beaches (Every Island)

No trip to the Italian islands is complete without a bright and sunny day at the beach, and with all of the options found here, you’re sure to find one right for you! Rocky or Sandy, crowded or secluded, large seafront or a small and personal spot. No matter what you’re looking for, you can be sure to find calm royal blue waters that the Italian islands are famous for.

Pro Tip- The beaches of Ischia are great for sandy spots with few crowds!

Brick walls follow a path while tropical plants cover the top as one of the many fun and paths you can find on Procida Island

13.) See Just About All Of Procida In A Day

Just because this island is small doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. With much fewer visitors than the other Italian islands, you can experience island life without having to fight the crowds. Thanks to its small size, you can walk the cobblestone streets from beach to beach, hike up to the ancient Roman castles, gaze at the colorful houses above the water, or even do a little shopping by the port.

Pro Tip- Taking an early morning ferry to the island and leaving on a late evening ferry should give you plenty of time to see all Procida has to offer.

Steep stone stairs of the Phoenician Steps overlook the beautiful, picturesque Capri and the other Italian Islands

14.) Phoenician Steps (Capri)

921 steep stone steps leading straight from the main port up to Anacapri is quite the workout, but when you’re treated to picture-perfect views every step of the way, it’s more than worth the hike. These steps used to be the only way to reach Anacapri. Thankfully, there’s a less steep road now, but taking the old stair path gives you views you can’t find anywhere else on the island.

Pro Tip- You can get a ride to the top if you don’t feel like walking all the way back up the steep steps.