Sea, beach and smaller islands

In Liguria, the wonder of the Gallinara Island Nature Reserve Ladies and Gentlemen, the Gallinara Island Nature Reserve. A protected marine area that on maps is just a dot: yet, on what is Liguria's only true island, wonder is in every corner. One only has to look around to see a still unspoilt environment of incredible historical, environmental and cultural value. For diving enthusiasts, then, this is a true paradise where they can look for the wrecks of ancient shipwrecks and caves guarding an incredible biodiversity. A boat trip to see it up close Located opposite Albenga, this jewel of the Riviera di Ponente is private and, therefore, tourist visits are not possible. However, it can be admired from close range by taking a boat trip, during which you can perhaps explore the seabed by snorkelling: you will come face to face with the rich and varied marine fauna. The reserve is one and a half kilometres away from the coast, from which it is separated by a channel of about 12 metres. A legend that may be history Legend has it that St Martin, Bishop of Tours, found refuge on the island of Gallinara. He settled in a cave facing the open sea, which for this reason still bears his name. This was a thesis that the Authority for Archaeological Heritage of Liguria advocated in the 1990s, conducting excavations along the south-eastern slopes of the island and in the San Martino cave that yielded important answers. This area was certainly used both as a burial ground and as a place of worship from the 4th century AD onwards, and hermits stayed on the island for a long time. History suggests that a Benedictine monastery existed here in 500 AD and during the 8th century, the monks made it the seat of a powerful abbey. After a period of prosperity between the 10th and 12th centuries, decline began in 1473 and from the mid-1800s it became a private area. It has been part of the Protected Areas system of the Liguria Region since 1989. Herring gulls and land tortoises On the Island of Gallinara, herring gulls nest, especially on the high southern cliffs, and there are colonies of land tortoises. Among the seabed, however, it is possible to see yellow sponges, sea daisies and, among the rocky cliffs, formations of the Coralligeno. The northern part of the island is rich in Posidonia oceanica. Where to experience the most spectacular dives There are two diving spots on the island. The first is Punta Falconara or Christ the Redeemer: a second name that has existed since 1998, when a statue depicting a Christ was placed on these seabeds. Amidst sea daisies and benthic fauna, it is an easy dive to a maximum depth of 18 metres. The second dive site is Punta Sciusciau: more exposed to currents, this dive will allow you to admire groupers, moray eels, octopus and scorpion fish. If you go deeper, around 30 metres, you will instead find numerous sea sponges.

The ancient "Portus Veneris" was originally a Benedictine colony, with settlements on the three islands opposite (Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto). Later, it became a strategic location during the war between Genoa and Pisa before it was conquered by the Aragonese in the 15th century. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a place of retreat loved by Byron and Shelley. In 1998, Porto Venere, the Cinque Terre and the islands of Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto were recognised as UNESCO World Heritage sites. At first sight, the compact rows of tall, colourful houses are certainly enchanting. A mass of tower-houses, all crowded together. Beyond this wall of colour, from the marina with its boat moorings or from the parallel streets with their tiny shops and homes, you can enter the village itself, with its incredibly narrow and often very steep streets, known as "capitoli". You then proceed along the alleyway (Via Cappellini), that leads to the esplanade in front of St Peter's Church, on the peak of the promontory, built in a striped Gothic style, with a large bell tower for defensive use. You can take boat to reach Palmaria island, with its characteristic vegetation, and Tino island, with its lighthouse and the remains of an abbey.

A natural paradise in the south-west of Sardinia One of the main attractions of the Sulcis Archipelago, the Island of San Pietro has great natural landscapes and small hidden beauties. Rich in beaches, coves and creeks, the only town to arise on this land that emerged from the Mediterranean Sea is Carloforte, a charming and hospitable town surrounded by ancient walls. Here, you can visit the Church of San Carlo Borromeo. Not too far from the town are the remains of the salt mines, now home to several rare bird species such as flamingos and falcons. With both land and marine habitats almost completely untouched, the island offers the possibility of activities such as snorkelling, windsurfing and kitesurfing, also thanks to the almost always optimal weather conditions. Crystal-clear waters with calm currents will keep you company in this natural paradise, where you can find refuge from urban chaos and grant yourself moments of serenity, alone or in company.

The smallest kingdom in the world Rising out of the blue sea, in the form of a limestone and granite mountain, 560 metres high and 4 kilometres in length, is Tavolara Island, in the north-eastern coast of Sardinia. Inhabited since Neolithic times and populated mainly in the late 18th century, with the arrival of Genoese settlers, the island is part of the Tavolara and Capo Cavallo Protected Marine Area. Wild and unspoilt, it has strikingly enchanting beaches, crystal-clear waters and spectacular seabeds, perfect for snorkelling and diving. Tavolara is also full of fascinating trails that lurehikers, first and foremost theVia Ferrata degli Angeli, for the more experienced, halfway between sky and sea. Visible to the naked eye from the beaches of Gallura, Tavolara Island is the smallest 'kingdom' in the world. Legend has it that, at the end of the 18th century, a certain Giuseppe Bertoleoni came to the archipelago of La Maddalena in search of land to inhabit, and established himself on the island of Tavolara. Then, in 1836, he introduced himself to Charles Albert of Savoy as king of the island, a noble title handed down from father to son. Even today, the island is inhabited by the descendants of the 'sovereign'.

Exploring archaeological finds and idyllic beaches Overlooking the Ionian Sea on the east coast of Sicily, Giardini Naxos owes its name to the ancient Greek colony that was founded in the 8th century BC. Its archaeological site extends near to Cape Schisò. The iconic symbol of the area, which is twinned with the Cyclades island group, is the Naxos Gate, built in 2000, and the beautiful sphinx. Equally famous is the Nike, a sculpture inspired by ancient models that was created by Carmelo Mendola in 1965 in partnership with the Greek city of Chalkida Euboea. Unmissable highlights include the Schisò Castle, a military fortification built in the Middle Ages, as well as the Mother Church of Santa Maria Raccomandata, the Church of Santa Maria Immacolata and the Church of San Pancrazio. Its crystal-clear waters and expanses of sand make it a popular seaside destination among tourists. Recanati beach attracts families and young people thanks to its nightclubs. Equally beautiful are the beach of Schisò, with its golden sandy shore and flourishing vegetation, and the beach of Porticciolo Saia, which is characterised by small bays bordered by lava rocks. If you head further south, you will come across the Riviera dei Ciclopi coastal stretch. Nearby, we recommend stopping at the beautiful Taormina, taking an excursion to Etna or swimming in the cool waters of the Alcantara Gorge, an impressive natural canyon 20 kilometres away.

This is the largest and only inhabited island of the trio in the Porto Venere archipelago and is a traditional destination for the inhabitants of La Spezia. The main attraction is the Blue Grotto, only accessible by sea, but there is also the Grotta dei Colombi, accessible only by land. Human and animal remains dating back to the Paleolithic period have been found in these caves. The Umberto I fortress, built by the Italian navy at the end of the 19th century. The island, like the smaller Tino, and Tinetto, little more than a rock, was a place where Benedictine monks colonised.

The island of Capraia, also called Caprara or Capperaia, due to the prominence of caper plants on the island, as well as artemisia, thistles and mastic, is also small and uninhabited, populated by granite rocks. Visitors are not permitted to disembark. However, when venturing out, perhaps by kayak, you can stop a few metres from the banks and take a dip in the clear waters. The seabed hosts a submerged statue of Padre Pio, now Saint Pio.

An islet with a long history The island of Nisida is part of the Phlegraean archipelago and since 1936 it has been connected to the mainland by a long pier. It is volcanic in origin and forms part of a maar, an ancient crater partially filled with water. Its seabed preserves remains from Roman times, including an ancient pier, now submerged due to the phenomenon of bradyseism. Its name is Greek, meaning small island, but in the Middle Ages it was also known as Gipeum or Zippium. In the classical era, Lucio Licinio Lucullo built a villa here that became famous for the sumptuous parties the host held for his guests. In the Middle Ages it also housed the monastery of Sant'Arcangelo de Zippioera, while in the fifteenth century, Joanna II of Anjou, the queen of Naples, converted a villa into a defensive castle and built the coast guard tower. Under the Bourbons, the island became a game reserve. Since 1934, it has been the site of a juvenile detention centre and is therefore not accessible to tourists, but you can get a splendid view of it from Parco Virgiliano in Posillipo or sail alongside it in a boat.

A naturalistic jewel a stone's throw from Capo Carbonara Small and full of charm: theisland of Cavoli is a flora and fauna jewel surrounded by the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea less than a kilometre from Capo Carbonara in southern Sardinia. 43 hectares in total, but plenty to see and appreciate. In just a few steps, jagged coastlines and small inlets alternate, but the importance of the islet on a naturalistic level is linked to the abundant endemic presence of wild cabbage plants and peregrine falcons, tufted cormorants, shearwaters and seagulls that choose it for nesting every year. In the centre of the island stands the Faro dei Cavoli, built on the remains of an old Spanish tower from the late 17th century. Today, Island of Cavoli, part of theCapo Carbonara Protected Marine Area, houses the research centre of Cagliari's Faculty of Biology. A visit, recommended for excursion lovers, is possible from the small port of Villasimius, taking advantage of the many tours that allow you to explore the entire protected area.

The Gateway to Europe Located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Lampedusa is Italy’s southernmost point. Since 2008, the Gateway to Europe, a monument almost five metres in height, stands as a reminder of the island’s role as a gateway for migrants arriving from Africa. Together with Linosa and the islet Lampione, it belongs to the Pelagie Islands group. Almost completely deserted, except for a single small town, it covers only 20 square kilometres and can easily be toured in a day on a bicycle. The wild, natural landscapes are the island’s main attraction. Lampedusa offers a rich variety of coves and small bays, where you can find relaxation and shade, especially during summer. Cala Galera, Cala Croce and Cala Pulcino are among the most renowned of such beaches, but walking along the coast you will come across many, all worth exploring. Another unmissable highlight is Rabbit Island: with its crystal-clear waters, it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Porto Vecchio is the beating heart of the island. Admire its flurry of fishing boats and taste the island’s typical specialities, including, of course, fish. Pasta with mullet alla Lampedusana is a dish you absolutely must try.

An uninhabited nature reserve Part of the Pontine or Ponziane Archipelago, it is the northernmost of all and one of the smallest. The island of Zannone is a nature reserve of the Circeo National Park and, apart from the forest rangers who live there all year round, it is completely deserted. It was once frequented by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who called it Sinonia, and even earlier by Homo Sapiens. Zannone boasts rich Mediterranean vegetation that provides a safe stop for thousands of migratory birds, is home to a small colony of mouflon and a species of lizard that only exists here, the Podarcis siculus patrizii. Enjoy an atmospheric walk to admire the ruins of the abandoned Cistercian monastery and the remains of the Roman fishpond carved into the rock. Passing through the forest, you will then reach a belvedere with a breathtaking view of Ponza and Palmarola. The Island of Zannone can be visited by booking an excursion at the Circeo National Park Management in Sabaudia.

The Queen of the Tremiti Islands San Domino is the largest and most renowned island of the Tremiti archipelago, and the most beautiful from a naturalistic point of view. Covered in Mediterranean scrub, which has earned it the nickname “Garden of Paradise” since ancient times, it is also home to a lush forest of Aleppo Pines. As on all the Tremiti Islands, cars are not allowed on San Domino and nor are motorbikes. The only vehicles are service vehicles and taxis. You can travel on foot or by bike along the many marked paths throughout the island. Sea excursions are an unmissable treat: it is easy to hire a boat or join one of the many organised tours. A must-see site in the Toppa area, opposite the island of San Nicola, is the Achaean Warrior, a bronze statue depicting a guardian armed with a spear and shield, a symbol of protection. Created by Michele Circiello, this artwork was donated by a distinguished visitor: Lucio Dalla, who was inspired to write several songs here. Then there is Belvedere square, bustling with restaurants, hotels and clubs, and Sandro Pertini square, where a contemporary sundial, with its circles, indicates solar noon. San Domino has only one sandy beach, Cala delle Arene, located behind the harbour, easily accessible and well equipped, as well as numerous rocky coves: don’t miss the Zio Cesare point at the southern end. But the best way to experience the island is undoubtedly from the sea: unmissable sites include the Bue Marino, Viole, Rondinelle and Coccodrillo caves, fascinating rock formations such as the Scoglio dell’Elefante cliff, and the beautiful Pagliai sea stacks. There’s something for everyone.