Secret Islands Of Italy: San Domino And Panarea

Italy ranks high on the list of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, but there are a few places that have been left almost untouched by the tourism industry. I’m not talking about the big cities or vineyard regions, it is the many islands scattered along Italy’s coastline that you can find some of the country’s secret hidden gems.

A few of these islands find themselves unaffected by international tourism, with mostly domestic tourists venturing to their pristine beaches and picturesque villages. The facilities on some of these islands can be very good, while others are less geared up for an influx of visitors. That is what makes these secret islands so special though, because it almost seems like you have stepped back in time, and it is a great way to really soak up some true Italian culture.

San Domino

Photo by User:Raboe001

The island of San Domino is part of the Tremiti islands, an archipelago located off Italy’s east coast in the Adriatic Sea. It is the biggest island of the group, but this does not mean there are lots of people here. It has been pretty much overlooked by the Italian tourist industry, and few people outside of Italy have ever heard of it. At the turn of the first Millennium, in 1000, it was decided by Benedictine monks as a place of hermitage because of its isolation.

The scenery on San Domino is spectacular and unspoilt, with turquoise water surrounding the lush green island covered in pine trees. There is also an abundance of fragrant natural underbrush like rosemary, myrtle, and juniper scattered across the island. You can choose from plenty of quiet beaches and coves, and the diving here is fantastic. You will see an abundance of sea life just below the surface, and a variety of underwater caves for the brave to explore. There is also an ancient Roman shipwreck that attracts a wide variety of colourful fish.

See also  Video(s) of the week: Maribor, Slovenia, 2012 European Capital of Culture

There isn’t a great deal of choice when it comes to accommodation here, but there are a range pleasant hotels to choose from, especially around the port. Just don’t expect everybody to speak English here, and try to learn a few useful phrases before you arrive. The only way to get here, unless you sail yourself, is by ferry from the Italian mainland. There is a daily service to San Domino from Termoli operated by Tirrenia ferries, and the nearest airport to Termoli is at Pescara.

Panarea

photo Copyright (c) 2005 Licia Missori

This tiny island covers an area of just 1.3 square miles, and has a permanent population of little over 200. Don’t let the size put you off though, because Panarea offers one of the most exclusive holiday breaks in Italy. The number of people on the island does swell in the summer months, but there is only room for so many people here. Over the last few years it has become a favourite place for international celebrities to take a vacation.

Panarea is part of the Aeolian chain of islands, located to the north of Sicily. The Aeolian Islands have been a Unesco World Heritage site since 2000, and therefore development has been strictly regulated. This means the islands have kept their traditional charm and remain a unique slice of Italian culture. The island is actually an inactive volcano, and natural thermal springs can be found near to the village of Punta di Peppe e Maria.

You won’t find any cars on the island, because they are not allowed, so the only modes of transport are electric golf carts and the odd scooter. Large numbers of tourists simply cannot be handled here, and there are only a few hotels to cater for visitors. Private homes can be rented, but they are also few and far between. The vibe is laid-back and stress-free, so it certainly is not the type of place to lose your temper! With no electric street lighting, after dark lanterns are lit to light terraces and stairways, and the stars can be gazed upon in their full glory.

See also  5 Amazing Things about Madagascar

To get here there are a number of different ferry lines you can take. From Milazzo and Messina there are hydrofoil services every day, and from Naples Palermo, and Cefalu, connections to the island run several times a week.

Tina West
is a freelance travel writer from London England. She has travelled to Greece many times in the past but this was her first time visiting the unspoilt islands of Italy where there often isn’t any street lighting let alone cash machines on every corner so leave the bank card in your wallet and make sure you have plenty of cash with you.

admin

I’m offering public relations, communications and image counseling in everyday life and I have a PR agency – PRwave INTERNATIONAL. I am passionate about reading, blogging (I also have a blog in Romanian) and traveling. Follow me on Twitter - @violetaloredana (Romanian) and @TravelMoments.

15 thoughts on “Secret Islands Of Italy: San Domino And Panarea

  • 28 April, 2014 at 00:04
    Permalink

    904648 269023Extremely fascinating topic , appreciate it for posting . 644371

    Reply
  • 28 April, 2014 at 01:43
    Permalink

    Thank You For Creating The Really Enlightening Post Keep Up The Amazing Work! I Posted A Back Link To My Activate Windows 7 Ultimate Guide To Share With You How To Activate Windows 7 Ultimate 64 Bit! Enjoy!

    Reply
  • 2 May, 2014 at 07:53
    Permalink

    The truth is a bad credit score scores should never be
    enough to ruin the odds of getting approval buy morrissey tickets this is indeed because hasty decisions often forget the budget factor.

    Reply
  • Pingback: Trackback

  • 31 July, 2014 at 12:39
    Permalink

    But don’t take my personal word of mouth regarding it. pay attention in this last most typically associated with MSNBC’s opportunities to acquire support in enjoying citizens that see as yearning for a bit more inclined, Opinionated interpretations using modern-day special occasions. Larry’s a seamless in form with regard to MSNBC’s provide lineup and will certainly just try adding fervor thus to their testing vitriolic ‘news’, most definitely at all favoring the remained side throughout the Democratic special occasion,burgandy earth has to waste that each so that some more desirable prepared as an expense (these revealing is per GAAP, in terms of i can tell). Since the exact level could be described as collection, D is simply not far off the change there was make absolutely to help CAPEX, very EBIT also can proxy revised EBITDA. as because of red nile maintains almost nothing obligations, fees investment may be no, pre overtax earnings are any abrasive proxy with regards to EBIT.

    Reply
  • 19 August, 2014 at 20:32
    Permalink

    I just want to say I’m newbie to blogging and site-building and definitely liked this web-site. Very likely I’m want to bookmark your website . You certainly have really good articles and reviews. Thank you for sharing your web-site.

    Reply
  • 29 August, 2014 at 10:58
    Permalink

    Thanks so much for the blog.Thanks Again. Much obliged.

    Reply
  • 13 February, 2017 at 04:19
    Permalink

    I just want to say I’m newbie to blogging and site-building and definitely liked this web-site. Very likely I’m want to bookmark your website . You certainly have really good articles and reviews. Thank you for sharing your web-site.

    Reply
  • 27 August, 2017 at 06:19
    Permalink

    I was suggested this website by my cousin. I’m not sure whether this post is written by him as
    no one else know such detailed about my problem.

    You’re wonderful! Thanks!

    Reply
  • 5 September, 2017 at 07:43
    Permalink

    Ha, here from bing, this is what i was searching for.

    Reply
  • 6 September, 2017 at 08:21
    Permalink

    google got me here. Thanks!

    Reply
  • 8 September, 2017 at 20:52
    Permalink

    Hello, glad that i found on this in bing. Thanks!

    Reply
  • 13 September, 2017 at 02:04
    Permalink

    This helps. Cheers!

    Reply
  • 13 September, 2017 at 08:44
    Permalink

    I like, will read more. Cheers!

    Reply
  • 13 September, 2017 at 15:29
    Permalink

    Ha, here from bing, this is what i was browsing for.

    Reply

Leave a Reply to bbtan hack Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Wordpress Social Share Plugin powered by Ultimatelysocial