The Tyrrhenian Islands, among pristine jewels and panoramic views

Famous for lapping the island of Capri, it is shaped like a right triangle and is the largest sea in the Mediterranean: its name derives from the Tyrrhenians , hence the ancient Etruscans, and in the Pontine Islands or Ponziane to the south it reaches up to 3,800 meters deep. We are talking about the Tyrrhenian Sea, where you can visit some of the most beautiful islands in our country, true unspoiled jewels . In fact, it touches the coasts of the main Italian islands, including the Aeolian Islands , the Egadi Islands , and even part of the island of Giglio: here are the best islands lapping the Tyrrhenian Sea to go on holiday and what to see.

Aeolian Islands

Just take a ferry to visit unique views of northern Sicily . And it's no easy task to plan an itinerary to discover the Aeolian Islands: there are seven islands to explore, each famous for its own unique features. An archipelago where you'll fall in love with Lipari , the largest, a true hub and hub for tourism, followed by Vulcano , which takes its name from its active volcano.

Then there's Salina , famous for its Malvasia wine, and Stromboli , home to one of the world's most active volcanoes . Planning an itinerary to visit the Aeolian Islands obviously includes a visit to Filicudi and Alicudi —the latter is especially recommended for those seeking a more authentic area, far from mass tourism—and Panarea , which has a glamorous appeal thanks to its nightlife. Our advice? Stay in Lipari and visit the nearby islands on day trips, so you don't miss a thing.

Island of Ustica

The island of Ustica also lies in the Tyrrhenian Sea: from the Aeolian Islands, we move to the other side of Sicily. A true paradise waiting to be discovered , where nature offers its best. Here, among beaches, caves, and trails, you can find inner balance, letting yourself be carried away by its beauty. It is just 67 km from the Palermo coast and can be reached by ferry.

Once you arrive here, the itinerary is enriched with breathtaking beaches and countless places of interest. For example, the famous Ustica Lighthouse beach , a postcard-perfect sight, located directly opposite the Punta Cavazzi Lighthouse, on the western side of the island. Among the places to visit near the lighthouse, we recommend the Natural Pool , where, however, you'll need water shoes to fully enjoy the experience. The heart of Ustica, its historic center, is also extremely unique, enriched by history, art, and murals, perfect for a sunset stroll, enjoying aperitifs and delicious Sicilian food.

Egadi Islands

We're still in Sicily, near Ustica, because we're about to explore the Egadi Islands , bathed in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The entire world knows this place for its breathtaking views and emerald bays, a land dotted with caves waiting to be explored, as well as rocky coastlines and classic white houses. We're practically just a few kilometers from Trapani : here too, we take the ferry to Favignana , the capital of the Egadi Islands, as well as the best-equipped island. Favignana reflects the soul of the Egadi Islands: even today, you can still glimpse the Florio factory : this is where the so-called "mattanza" (tuna fishing) once took place.

Besides Favignana, it's impossible not to mention Marettimo , an ancient fishing village, and Levanzo , which is known as a miniature pearl : there are just over 200 residents along 12 km of coastline. Here too, a visit can be enriched by numerous points of interest , such as the underground gardens , famous for their tuff, and the classic beaches of Favignana , which are less rugged than Levanzo and Marettimo, such as Cala Azzurra . Cala Rossa is also not to be missed.

Pontine Islands or Ponziane

After a dive into the Sicilian islands, we now head to Lazio , specifically to the Pontine Islands , located just 100 km from Rome. They are bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea: Ponza , Ventotene , Palmarola , Zannone , and Gavi . They all share an ancient beauty , a place of profound peace where you can recharge, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

The main island, the most important if we may say so, is Ponza: 8 km² of rocky and sandy beaches, as well as sea stacks , natural arches , and coves where you can moor your boat, if you wish. Ventotene has a unique and almost mysterious charm, since its seabed still holds ancient treasures : together with the island of Santo Stefano , it is part of the Marine Protected Area . And let's not forget the splendid island of Palmarola , a true nature reserve, famous for its houses carved into the rock . It's hard to forget these views once you've returned home.

Island of Ischia

Let's head to Campania to immerse ourselves in a fairytale natural setting: bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea, the island of Ischia is a must-see for Italian and international tourists. It's truly unique , boasting beaches , sea , and spas aplenty, as well as the opportunity to enrich your itinerary by discovering an important part of the island's history. So, we can't help but start at the Aragonese Castle , connected to the island by a bridge and open year-round. The great thing is that in summer, you can visit it until 8:00 PM, allowing you to appreciate this moment at one of the most beautiful times of day: sunset.

Ischia is home to some of the most beautiful thermal gardens in Italy . It was here, in fact, that the Ancient Romans found their refuge, a place to release all their tension: Ischia's alkaline waters have been renowned for their therapeutic properties for millennia. And if we truly want to discover one of the most picture-perfect views of the island , then the place to go is Sorgeto Bay . It's true that you have to climb 234 steps to reach it, but it's well worth it, as the water is boiling, cold, and warm. As we mentioned, a unique place to discover, bathed by the Tyrrhenian Sea. The plus? Naturally, we're in a special place, especially in the summer: we might also consider a trip to Procida .

Island of Capri

Speaking of Ischia and the islands bathed in the Tyrrhenian Sea, we naturally can't fail to mention Capri on this list, a sort of siren in the Gulf of Naples , probably synonymous with a certain type of vacation where the common thread is feeling like a VIP for a day . Let's not make the mistake of stopping at glamour, however, because Capri welcomes everyone and can be visited even in a day without spending too much. Close to Naples and Sorrento, going to Capri is certainly a privilege, and above all, having the opportunity to observe its faraglioni , the undisputed symbol of the island . In addition to by boat, by hiring a tour or a skipper, it is possible to observe them from the small square of Punta Tragara .

But Capri has much to offer, if not everything , such as the Blue Grotto , whose fame has ancient roots precisely because of the azure blue of its waters. Like Ischia, Capri is also unique . And for those who want to immerse themselves in nature, as well as in its marvelous waters, there is the possibility of considering a trekking trail to Monte Solaro , Capri's 589m-high mountain, the "most beautiful panorama". Capri, after all, is the reference point for all tourists who dream of meeting their favorite VIPs and Hollywood stars: in this case, the reference point is the Piazzetta , or Piazza Umberto I, where so-called VIP watching takes place, one of the unmissable activities.

Giglio Island

And speaking of breathtaking places bathed in the Tyrrhenian Sea , we can't help but end with another pearl, a true gem: the island of Giglio . Here you can spend fairytale days, enjoying natural views and extremely characteristic features. The island is not only wild, but also picturesque, considering the Porto del Giglio , which then leads us to discover the medieval village of Giglio Castello . To reach it, you can take the ferry from Porto Santo Stefano , and upon our arrival, we will see the typical colorful fishermen's houses awaiting us.

The island is bustling with restaurants, workshops, and souvenir shops, and of course, there's no shortage of unique attractions , such as Giglio Castello, located at the island's most panoramic point . Its fame is well-known, considering it's listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy , a prestigious recognition it more than deserves. And for those who prefer to challenge themselves with trails and itineraries, then trekking to the Capel Rosso Lighthouse is a must. There are 31 trails on the island to explore the area. And what about the beaches? Campese is certainly the largest, as well as having facilities, but we also recommend Arenella and Caldane beaches.