Top day trips for island hopping in Italy

Are you planning your vacation on the Italian islands but don't know which one to choose? No need to pick just one😉. Italy has so many wonderful archipelagos and it's super easy to plan a day trip from one island to another!

On Ferryhopper you can plan your island-hopping adventure and book online ferry tickets with no hidden costs. Discover with us the best day trips on the Italian islands and enjoy your holidays hassle-free!

Ferry docked at the port of Pianosa island

Day trips to the Italian islands

Are you thinking about an island trip, but you’re a bit overwhelmed with the great number of choices and possibilities? Aim for a well-connected destination with other nearby islands and get two for one!

By arranging a day trip from one island to another you can visit different places and be swept away by new atmospheres and vibes.

Ready to discover the best day trips to the Italian Islands for an island-hopping adventure? Let's go!

1. From Elba Island to the mysterious Pianosa

If you have decided to spend your vacation in Elba, you should save at least one day to travel to other gems of the Tuscan archipelago. We highly recommend the nearby island of Pianosa, a pristine and relatively unknown paradise.

This protected nature reserve has a unique charm, can welcome only 250 visitors per day, and it's perfect for those who enjoy beaches, hiking, and diving.

The fastest ferry from Elba Island to Pianosa lasts 45 minutes departing at 10:00 from Marina di Campo. Alternatively, you can take the ferry leaving at 09:20 from Rio Marina lasting around 2 hours. The return trip to Elba is scheduled for early afternoon.

2. From Favignana to Levanzo, the wild island of the Aegadian archipelago

Favignana is definitely one of the most popular destinations in Sicily thanks to its beaches, entertainment options and a wide range of amenities.

After enjoying and exploring the island in its entirety, however, you should hop on the earliest ferry to Levanzo for a day trip! In just 10 minutes you will reach the smallest of the Aegadian Islands which has about 200 inhabitants.

Discover the coves of Levanzo, visit the Genoese Cave, and hike to the Capo Grosso Lighthouse. And if you're missing a little treat, head to "La Chicca" bakery for a cabbucio cunzato, the delicious local bread!

Tip: ferry connections from Favignana to Levanzo are very frequent, the ticket costs about €5-7, and the last ferry to get back to Favignana usually leaves in the late afternoon.

The picturesque marina of Levanzo

3. From Ischia to Procida 365 days a year

Whether in summer or winter, Ischia is always a great idea! As the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, it has so much to offer: from cultural attractions to beaches and its famous spa treatments. However, it would be a shame, once in Ischia, not to also visit Procida, only a 15-30 minutes ferry ride away.

In fact, the Ischia - Procida ferry route runs all year round with more than 20 ferries per day, and tickets start from €12. You can take the earliest ferry in the morning from either Ischia Porto or Casamicciola, and spend the whole day in Procida.

Start your visit with the historic complex of Terra Murata, then stop to admire the seaside village of Corricella and dive into the blue waters of Cala del Pozzo Vecchio (the famous location of the film "Il Postino"). End your day trip to Procida with a walk to the islet of Vivara, a beautiful natural reserve connected to Procida by a bridge.

Tip: take your trip to the next level by visiting Ischia and Procida over Easter! Procida's Procession of the Apostles is among the most scenic in the Mediterranean!

4. From Stromboli to Panarea to feel like a celebrity

The Aeolian Islands are a great choice for island-hopping, not only because they are directly connected to several ports in Italy, but also because of their proximity to each other.

If you are in Stromboli and have already witnessed the spectacles of its volcano, visited its black beaches, and dreamed under a fairy-tale starry sky, it is time to see something different. How about a day trip to Panarea?

In just 25 minutes, you will reach the most fashionable island of the Aeolian Islands and breathe a different atmosphere right away!

Good to Know: ferries from Stromboli to Panarea operate all year round with 6-7 connections per day and even more crossings in the summer.

5. From Lipari to Vulcano to climb the crater

For our last suggestion, we decided to stay in the Aeolian Islands, but this time starting with Lipari, the main island of the archipelago. Well-connected to Sicily, Calabria, and Campania, the island of Lipari is full of cultural attractions and wonderful beaches.

During your stay, however, you could also visit the neighboring Vulcano, just 10 minutes by ferry from Lipari. There are usually up to 18 connections per day depending on the period, and the tickets for the Lipari - Vulcano ferry is around €5-7. You can take the earliest ferry at 06:20 and return to Lipari in the late afternoon.

A full day in Vulcano means experiencing breathtaking views, seeing fumaroles, and relaxing in natural hot springs. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to hike to the Gran Cratere della Fossa (“Great Crater of the Pit”). The icing on the cake to end your trip to Vulcano? Bar Remigio's granita with cream, of course!

The Great Crater of the Pit in Vulcano and its 360-degree view of the archipelago

What are you waiting for? Add some extra fun to your trip and plan an island-hopping adventure on Ferryhopper! Check all available routes in our Map of ferries and pick your next destination in Italy.

After all, why have one when you could have two? 😉