Italy has a several groups of beautiful islands around its peninsula. It has two major islands, Sicily and Sardinia, and many minor islands: Ischia, Capri, Procida, Elba, Tremiti and Aeolian islands, each one with its own natural characteristcs. Sicily is one of the most fascinating Italian regions, showing one of the most exciting combinations of nature and culture.
The priceless architectonic remains of Greek, Punic, and Roman art are matched by beautiful seas and clean depths, rich in fish as well as a gastronomy which ties the western world to Arab and middle-eastern cooking traditions. 'To have seen Italy without having seen Sicily is not having seen Italy at all, for Sicily is the key to everything.' So said Goethe. Tuscany might want a look in, and Rome might beg to differ, but Sicily, with a history of foreign occupation across the centuries, is certainly fascinating, with a real pot-pourri of culture, cuisine and architecture. Plus the odd volcano (e.g. Mount Etna ). Sicily was chosen by the Gods of Olympus as the scene of their stories of love and hatred, of passion and revenge, of sudden wrath and deep compassion, and today it's still a land of fire and passion..

The other big Italian island, Sardinia, is very different though equally suggestive. Some of the most popular tourist places are: the archipelago of Maddalena, with the famous pink sand of Budelli and the ancient Caprera; the breathtaking Grotto of Neptune, a rock jewel hidden along the Alghero coast; the wild Tavolara, a paradise for divers from all over Italy and known for its gigantic groupers. Sardinia, too, was deeply marked by historic events, which left deep traces especially on architecture. Significant signs of the Paleolithic age are the famous dolmens, funeral monuments in the area of Nuoro and Sassari.
The Nuoro province is also known for the typical Nuraghe, unique cone-shaped stone towers, actual examples of prehistoric military high-level engineering. There is also a medieval, a Byzantine, and Aragonese Sardinia, only known by few experts, which is particularly attractive for its imposing cathedrals and monuments. In this melting pot of cultures and civilizations, particular mention must be made of the town of Alghero where, for over four centuries, a very lively Catalan community has lived. Streets, windows, bell towers, here everything reminds you of Spain.

The Aeolian islands are one of the best jewels of sicilian archipelagos. The seven fragments of rock and fire on the Tyrrenian Sea, are called Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Stromboli, Filicudi, Panarca, and Elicudi.
The main island is Lipari, whose Castle, built by the Spaniards as a fortress against Barbarossa's raids, is an actual stone archive showing remains of different civilizations that succeeded each other over thousands of years. Vulcano, the most southerly island, boasts thermal springs along an impressive stretch of coast, where cliffs take on a yellowish colour and a penetrating smell of sulphur can be perceived. Stromboli, the only ever-active volcano, offers an even more breathtaking show.

Ischia, Capri, Procida and Vivara are instead the partenopean islands in the bay of Naples. To the north of the gulf are situated Ischia, Procida and Vivara, looking toward the "Flegrea" coast (and "Flegree" is their name), while on the south of the gulf, opposite to Sorrento peninsula, lies Capri. The "Flegree" islands are different from Capri both for their position and for their different geological origins. The most beautiful and biggest island in the Gulf of Naples, Ischia, is one of the most famous seaside and touristic spa centres of Italy and the world. Today, the island of Ischia is a well-known tourist centre for four main reasons.

Firstly, for its unequalled natural beauty, secondly, for its all-year-round mild climate, thirdly for its thermal water, and lastly for its modern tourist facilities and hotels. Enjoy the trip, enjoy the islands!