Overview

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.