While Sardinia has many spectacular beaches, Cala Mariolu stands out for its striking beauty everywhere you turn and the sense of privacy and adventure it offers. The beach's calm waters are perfect for snorkeling and swimming, complemented by rugged cliffs and lush greenery. The aquamarine ocean creates a lovely contrast to the white pebble beach and limestone rocks, creating a scene right out of a Mediterranean postcard.
During my recent 17-day trip there, I realized Ischia has everything its more popular neighbor offers - great shopping, a castle, beaches, a botanical garden - but with fewer tourists. Here's why it belongs on your Italy itinerary.
Among the Pontine Islands, Palmarola emerges as an unspoiled, scenically unique land. You'll find no big luxury resorts, loud clubs, or lines of restaurants. There aren't even any paved roads, or an established electrical grid-and there's certainly limited telephone coverage, so forget working from home. However, the lack of modern amenities means less traffic and crowds.