Italy's low‑tourism islands

In late July, reports highlighted several small islands off Sicily—Marettimo in the Egadi archipelago and the Aeolian chain—as largely untouched by mass tourism. The islands’ car‑free policies, marine reserves, volcanic landscapes and traditional villages were presented as tranquil alternatives to Italy’s crowded beach resorts.

By early August, attention turned to Filicudi, one of the Aeolian islands, emphasizing its continued isolation with only about 300 residents, limited accommodation and daily supply deliveries that preserve its unspoiled character. The piece contrasted Filicudi’s quiet appeal with the growing over‑tourism challenges faced by popular Italian destinations such as Rome, Capri and Sardinia, where overcrowding, rising prices and regulatory penalties are becoming common.

Together, the snapshots trace a consistent narrative: while Italy’s major tourist hotspots grapple with congestion, a handful of lesser‑known islands remain low‑key refuges, underscoring the tension between the country’s appeal as a top holiday spot and the need to protect its cultural and natural heritage.