The ‘hidden’ Italian islands that are away from the crowds and much cheaper
WHILE holidays to Capri and Sicily remain popular, there are a series of other Italian islands that have flown under the radar.
The beaches in Italy can get very crowded, but there are still some secluded spots where holidaymakers can relax in peace.
The Tremiti Islands are a group of five islands tucked away on Italy’s Adriatic Coast.
San Domino and San Nicola are the largest of the two islands, while Capraia, Cretaccio, and Pianosa are the three smallest.
While the Tremiti Islands may not be as famous as other Italian islands like Capri and Sicily, they’ve become a hit with holidaymakers in recent years.
Earlier this year, one holidaymaker described the islands as “stunning” in a video on TikTok.
TikTok user Sofia, who is known as sofiatdp on the social media platform, posted a video all about her trip to the little-known islands.
A caption over the video read: “A hidden island in Italy that you must visit.”
In the 20-second clip, users saw footage of crystal-clear waters, picturesque bays, and grottos, as well as cobbled streets and stone buildings.
The video caption underneath the video said: “The Tremiti Islands are a stunning collection of small islands, with crystal-clear waters, rocky cliffs, and breathtaking scenery.”
Even though the TikTok user didn’t leave a voiceover explaining more about their trip to the islands, they listed a short itinerary in the video’s caption.
Their activities included things like kayaking around San Dominio, visiting the monastery and fortress on San Nicola, and relaxing on the many beaches.
Another holidaymaker described the Italian islands as “paradise” in the comments of the video.
The Tremiti Islands are located in northern Puglia, and they’re a two-hour drive away from the region’s capital, Bari.
Ferry services run from several ports on the mainland, including Peschici, Vieste, and Rodi Garganico.
Journeys from Rodi Garganico take between 55 to 70 minutes, depending on the size of the ship.
Tickets start from £20 for a one-way journey.
San Domino is the largest of the five islands, which makes it one of the most popular.
There are plenty of things to do on the island, including several picturesque grottos like Grotta del Bue Marino, which is home to monk seals.
Grotta delle Viol and Grotta delle Rondinelle are two other grottos on the island that holidaymakers can visit.
Other activities in San Domino include walking through the island’s pine forest and going for a swim at the beach.
San Nicola is the historical centre of the island chain, and it’s where holidaymakers will find attractions like the abbey of Santa Maria a Mare and medieval walls.
The three other islands are much smaller.
While Capraia is a perfect spot for snorkeling and scuba diving, Cretaccio is a small rocky island that’s ideal for swimming.
The island of Pianosa cannot be reached by holidaymakers because it’s a protected marine nature reserve.
Holidaymakers who want to stay overnight on the islands will need to stay in either San Domino or San Nicola.
Sun Online Travel have found overnight stays starting from £55 per night per person for a four-star hotel on San Domino.
Meanwhile, properties on the popular Italian island of Capri cost more than double this price.
Bari Airport is the closest airport to Rodi Garganico at a two-and-a-half-hour drive.
Ryanair operates direct flights from London to Bari in December for as little as £23 each way.
With a flight time of two hours and 40 minutes, holidaymakers will arrive in the Bari in less time than it takes to get to Athens in Greece.
Meanwhile, another tiny island in the UK could be turned into a holiday resort.
The owner of Drake’s Island, off the coast of Plymouth has confirmed plans to build two hotels, a museum and a well-being centre on the island.
And a small Scottish island which is just 1.5 miles wide has been voted the UK’s top tourist ‘hidden gem’.