Mediterranean Islands Near Italy: The Best Places to Go in Summer

The Mediterranean is a kind of magical treasure chest: shimmering, multifaceted, scented with salt and spices, and best of all, capable of providing that unique feeling of freedom that only islands can provide. In short, it's clear that you don't need to fly to the tropics to feel like you're somewhere else: just take a ferry, a hydrofoil, or a short flight, and in a few hours you'll find yourself surrounded by transparent waters, whitewashed villages, and mouth-watering cuisine.

We've selected some of the best Mediterranean islands near Italy , perfect for a summer filled with endless swimming, scenic hikes, sea-view dinners, and blissful dips. Ready to set sail?

Lampedusa (Italy), Caribbean beaches and an African heart

Geographically closer to Africa than Sicily , Lampedusa is a cultural melting pot where the scent of couscous mingles with caponata. But it's the colors of the sea that are truly breathtaking: Rabbit Beach is a natural masterpiece, with white sand and turquoise water that looks Photoshopped.

The island is small, wild, and authentic. No giant resorts, just hidden coves to explore by scooter, fishermen repairing their nets at dawn, and family-run restaurants serving the freshest seafood. Don't miss the pasta with Lampedusano pesto (almonds, basil, mint, and dried tomatoes), a specialty that speaks of the sun and the land.

Bonus point: A boat trip takes you to cliffs where the water is so clear it feels like flying, and if you catch a sunset on the west side, prepare for spontaneous applause.

Paxos and Antipaxos (Greece), deep blue and quiet

Tiny, verdant, and virtually unknown to the masses. Paxos , south of Corfu, is the perfect retreat for those dreaming of slow days, diving among olive trees and white rocks, and candlelit dinners in a taverna on the harbor. The island is accessible by scooter, and its beaches, like Marmari or Kipiadi, seem carved from marble. But the real treasure is its little sister, Antipaxos , just a few minutes by boat: a Caribbean pearl in the heart of the Ionian Sea, with pale sand and seas ranging from turquoise to cobalt blue.

In the kitchen, the food here is simple but delicious : warm baked feta with honey and sesame seeds, grilled octopus served with fresh lemon and fragrant olive oil, salads with plump tomatoes and wild capers. The local wine? A dry white, perfect for accompanying sunsets over the pier.

Lastovo Island (Croatia), for true Mediterranean connoisseurs

Of all the Dalmatian islands, Lastovo is the one few people know about and everyone should visit. Wild, isolated, and protected by a marine nature park, it's the ideal destination for those seeking silence, nature, and spectacular diving. There are no large towns, just tiny stone villages , deserted bays, and a starry sky that seems painted with a brush.

Croatian cuisine here has strong Italian influences : excellent grilled fish, stuffed calamari, and local cheeses to try with lavender honey. Plus, every restaurant has its own homemade olive oil, and Lastovo's red wine is a little secret for connoisseurs.

Smart tip: Book dinner at a konoba overlooking Zaklopatica Bay , where the catch of the day is served straight from the boat to your plate.

Porquerolles (France), the chic of the Mediterranean

Off the French Riviera , there's an island that seems to have escaped from a Colette novel. Porquerolles , the largest of the Îles d'Hyères, is a little French dream where you can only get around by bike, pine trees fill the air with scent, and the beaches boast pure white sand and crystal-clear water. Plage Notre-Dame is the most famous, but hidden coves like Plage d'Argent are also perfect for those seeking tranquility.

The cuisine here is a triumph of Provençal and Mediterranean flair : Niçois salads, gratinated shellfish, and sparkling rosé wine to sip under the jasmine shade. Artisanal bakeries abound, offering crispy baguettes and buttery croissants, but for a unique experience, try the oysters grown right in the bay.

Gozo (Malta), legends, sea and cuisine mix & match

Gozo , Malta 's sister island, is a constant surprise. Less urbanized than its main island, it's a concentration of history, postcard-perfect landscapes, and a breathtaking sea. Dwejra Bay with its Inland Sea, the citadel of Victoria, and the cliffs of Ta' Ċenċ are just a few of its highlights. But Gozo also has a mystical side: it's said that the nymph Calypso once lived here, enchanting Ulysses. And indeed, the atmosphere is magical.

At the table, there's plenty of food, well-cooked food, and a curious twist: Gozitan cuisine is a blend of Arabic, Italian, and English flavors . Don't miss pastizzi (pastries filled with ricotta or peas), fenek (rabbit stewed in wine and garlic), and gbejna, a local goat's cheese served with sun-dried tomatoes and olive oil.

And for a breathtaking sunset? Head up to the terrace at Mgarr ix-Xini and order a glass of ice-cold Cisk. Everything will stop for a moment.

Levanzo (Italy), the suspended time of the Egadi Islands

Tiny, quiet, and car-free. Levanzo is the dream island for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle. You arrive by hydrofoil from Trapani , and upon disembarking, you're greeted by a blue and white village, colorful boats, and cats sleeping in the sun. There are no real beaches, but there are coves to explore on foot: Cala Minnola, Cala Tramontana, and Faraglione.

Here, time passes slowly, punctuated by long lunches, endless swims, and strolls among prickly pears. Be sure to try the Trapani-style fish couscous, Sicilian-style stuffed calamari, and the warm pane cunzato (bread) served with olive oil, anchovies, and fresh tomatoes. Simple, rustic, sublime.