The island of Sicily is a popular tourist destination in Italy and attracts millions of visitors annually. For many, however, the Sicily can be a bit over crowded during the peak of the tourist season.

But there are countless other islands that can be found along the coast of Sicily which are just as attractive of a destination. In some instances, the amenities of some of the Sicilian coastal islands are far greater than what can be found on the larger island of Sicily.

Favignana, Egadi Islands by roberto

Aeolian Islands

One of the more popular set of coastal islands is the archipelago known as the Aeolian Islands. Consisting of seven major islands and a plethora of small islets, there is a lot to be seen and done throughout the Aeolian Islands.

The larger islands of Lipari, Salina, Filicudi, Vulcano, and Stromboli are some of the more popular destinations in the archipelago.

The smallest of the seven are the island of Alicudi and Panarea. The islands are of volcanic origin. Island of Vucano is a popular spa centre thanks to its healing mud.

Vulcano island, Aeolian Islands / Photo by admin

Egadi Islands

Then of course there is the archipelago known as the Egadi Islands which consist of three major islands and a number of small islets. This group of islands which can be found just to the west of Sicily includes the islands of Marettimo, Favignana and Levanzo.

The largest of the three islands is that of Favignana while Marettimo is the smallest and most isolated of the trio. There are countless archaeological sites located throughout the Egadi Islands for one to explore as well as amazing beaches.

Favignana, Egadi Islands by roberto

Pelagian Islands

Located only a hundred kilometres from the coastlines of Africa, the small archipelago known as the Pelagian Islands has developed into a popular yet isolated destination in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Consisting of the three islands of Lampedusa, Linosa and Lampione, the archipelago has attracted millions of visitors in recent years.

The island of Lampedusa is the main and largest of the three. Linosa Island is home to twin volcanoes. The three islands are one of only a few nesting grounds for the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle.

Conigli islet, Lampedusa, Pelagie Islands by Luca Siragusa

Pantelleria Island

Pantelleria is alone volcanic island which is commonly referred to as the Black Peal of the Mediterranean. The island can be found to the south of the western most part of Sicily.

Pantelleria is known for its constant sea breeze which can be felt all over the island. Pantelleria is home to three volcanic craters as well as the La Montagna Grande National Park. Many visitors have been attracted to the remote island over the years because of how isolated it is.

Pantelleria island, Sicily, Italy by Gino Roncaglia

Ustica Island

The small island of Ustica can be found only 50 kilometres from the shores of Palermo. It is a very small volcanic island yet has become a very popular destination off the coasts of Sicily.

There are countless ruins and archaeological sites that can be found on the island which dates back to the days of the Phoenicians. There are many caverns that are just waiting to be explored along the coasts of this small island as well.

Ustica Island by Giorgio Minguzzi

Islets

Too small to be considered islands, all along the coasts of Sicily there are countless islets. Thanks to the many myths and legends of the days of the Greek Empire, many of these small islets have become well known over the years. There are the Cyclops Islets which can be found in the Ionian Sea to the north of Catania.

Then there is the Isola delle Femmine that can be found to the west of Palermo which was once believed to be a place where unfaithful wives were sent to live in exile. While some of the many islets have small beaches on them, others are nothing more than a pile of boulders sticking up out of the water.

Most beautiful places in Sicily

Read more about the most beautiful places to visit in Sicily here.

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