Top Italian islands with top-notch facilities

Are you looking for relaxing holidays on an Italian island this year? Read the list below and find the top 4 Italian islands with first-class amenities from well-equipped beach clubs and high-end restaurants to free parking and great facilities for guests with disabilities. 

1. Capri, a paradise for great amenities and sophistication
2. Elba, a haven for high-end facilities
3. Sardinia, serving up luxury with a side of seaside
4. Lipari, an Aeolian island with upscale services

A romantic terrace waiting for you to dine with a view

1. Capri, a paradise for great amenities and sophistication

Are you looking for a top Italian island with top-notch facilities? Capri is going to capri-vate you with its impressive Faraglioni rocks and Blue Grotto (sea cave).

The towns of Capri, Anacapri, Marina Grande, and Marina Piccola are the most famous locations offering high-quality amenities. You can choose between luxury resorts with swimming pools and spa services to boutique hotels and apartments.

And what to say about the scenic beach clubs (lidos) in Capri? Comfortable sunbeds, blue-and-white-striped umbrellas and private changing cabins are only some of the great services offered. However, most beach clubs in Capri require a reservation.

So, just grab your sunscreen and towel and enjoy the high-end beach clubs in Punta Tragara or Anacapri. Also, Marina Grande is one of the most famous and spacious beaches offering facilities for people with reduced mobility.

In addition to its great services, the island is easy to explore. The best way to get around Capri is by bus, funicular and on foot. You can hop on an orange minibus or take the funicular from Marina Grande which drops you in the Piazzetta square.

How to get to Capri

You can only get to Capri by ferry. There are several connections all year round from Naples and Sorrento, as well as seasonally from the Amalfi Coast and Ischia.

As there is no airport on the island, you can first travel to the International Airport of Naples by plane and then continue your journey to Capri from Naples by ferry.

Tip: keep in mind that cars are prohibited for non-residents from mid-March to the beginning of November and taxis are typically quite expensive.

Dreamy spot for morning coffee overlooking the Mediterranean Sea

2. Elba, a haven for high-end facilities

For the next Italian island with great amenities, we sail towards the province of Livorno. Elba is the largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago inspiring your soul and senses with its wonderful landscapes, stunning views and developed services. 

If your dream accommodation is a beach resort with incredible sea views and glimmering sun, then head towards the northern part of the island. The picturesque towns of Portoferraio and Marciana Marina offer a wide range of hotels, villas, apartments, and B&Bs by the sea.

There, you can find anything you want for a comfortable stay, including high-quality services like free parking, free WiFi, facilities for guests with disabilities, room service, 24-hour check-in, a fitness room, and a sauna. 

Now, if you’re wondering how to get around in Elba, we’ve got good news. The island’s bus service is efficient with 3 suburban lines connecting the villages of Elba with Portoferraio. Also, thanks to its great road infrastructure, you can move around the island easily by car or motorbike. 

Tip: if you’re into road trips, you can also explore Elba by campervan or caravan. Travel comfortably and hassle-free, stop whenever you want, and go camping or even better glamping in Elba while enjoying the sea views. 

How to get to Elba

You can easily get to Elba by ferry and plane. However, Elba Airport (Marina di Campo Airport) mainly operates during the summer season with several connections from Italian and other European destinations.

Alternatively, you can travel to the airport of Pisa and then take the train to Piombino. From there, all you have to do is hop on the ferry from Piombino to Elba to reach the island in about 15 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the port of arrival in Elba.

The stunning coastal town of Portoferraio in Elba

3. Sardinia, serving up luxury with a side of seaside

We set sail to Sardinia, the second-largest island on the Mediterranean Sea. It is a well-developed island with many beautiful cities and towns like Olbia, Porto Torres and Santa Teresa Gallura offering great facilities. 

From Rena Majori beach near Santa Teresa Gallura to Ira beach in Porto Rotondo and Pittulongu beach close to the city of Olbia, you can enjoy carefree days by the sea while relaxing in the comfort of your sunbed in the shade of your umbrella. 

Beach bars in Olbia serve as a great refreshment point after some time in the sun and taking dives in the crystal-clear waters. You can also find various restaurants, ice cream parlors and mini-markets at a close distance.

Imagine spending your holidays in Sardinia in a beach resort or a small yet luxurious boutique hotel while enjoying spa facilities such as massages, saunas, steam rooms, and fitness centers.

As for Sardinia’s dining scene, the island has some of the best restaurants with top-quality food, excellent service and aromatic undertones of lemon that perfectly encapsulate the local lifestyle. 

Therefore, it’s no exaggeration to say that Sardinia has it all! Not only does it have paradisiacal beaches, amazing accommodation options and high-end restaurants, but also a well-developed transportation system allowing you to explore it in comfort. 

Get around Sardinia by using its extensive bus network or train services connecting various cities and towns. Alternatively, you can rent a car and take a road trip around Sardinia or take the ferry to hop on and off to various destinations and ports of the island.

Tip: if you want to spend a few days in Sardinia and need some inspiration, check out our 3-day itinerary to Sardinia and read all the travel tips.

How to get to Sardinia

If you’ve always wanted to spend the summer holidays in Sardinia, now is the time to do it! The island is connected to France, Spain, the island of Corsica, and Italian destinations. 

Therefore you can get to Sardinia (Olbia) by ferry from Rome (Civitavecchia), Liguria (Genoa), Tuscany (Livorno and Piombino), Naples, Sicily (Palermo), France (Nice and Toulon), Corsica (Ajaccio and Bonifacio) and Spain (Barcelona).

Relaxing in a comfy sunbed on Ira beach in Porto Rotondo

4. Lipari, an Aeolian island with upscale amenities

Leaving Sardinia behind, we make our way to the largest of the Aeolian Islands, Lipari. On the beautiful beaches of Papesca, Punta Castagna and Canneto, you will find well-equipped beach bars, sunbeds, umbrellas, water sports, and great restaurants at a close distance.

Dine with a glass of wine admiring the sun plunging into the sea between Alicudi, Filicudi and Salina while enjoying excellent services and high-quality food in a restaurant near the imposing Castle of Lipari.

After tasting the most delicious linguine alla liparese, you can return to the hotel, apartment, villa or B&B of your choice. You can choose from a wide range of lodgings from a pet-friendly, a family-friendly or an adults-only hotel to great accommodations friendly to people with disabilities.  

Wheelchair accessibility, lower bathroom sinks, ramps, and accessible parking spots are some of the amenities Lipari offers to travelers with disabilities. Also, most hotels offer high-end facilities such as a fitness center, spa, wellness services, jacuzzi, swimming pool, and private beach area.

So, are you ready to explore Lipari? The local bus service is very efficient taking you to the areas of Canneto, Acquacalda, Quattrocchi, Pianoconte, and Quattropani easily and comfortably. Alternatively, you can rent a bike or a scooter to get around Lipari and explore the island’s coastline.

How to get to Lipari

The only way to reach Lipari and the Aeolian Islands is by ferry. There are frequent connections from the Sicilian towns of Milazzo, Messina and Palermo to Lipari.

Taking the Milazzo - Lipari ferry connection or the Messina - Lipari ferry route is a great choice as you reach the island in less time. You can also travel from Reggio Calabria to Lipari by ferry all year round and from Naples to Lipari during summer.

Tip: while there, you can also go island hopping in the Aeolian Islands and explore the beauties of Alicudi, Filcudi and Salina, among others!

The famous Canneto beach of Lipari minutes before sunset

Can you hear that? It’s the sound of the ship’s horn! Choose among the top Italian islands with top-notch facilities and enjoy stunning beaches, high-end restaurants, and luxury hotels in Italy! Book your ferry tickets on Ferryhopper and download our App on your mobile for free to track your ferry at any time and in real time!