Farewell to Sardinia: this virtually deserted Italian island has just been named the best destination for summer 2026.
While Santorini, the Amalfi Coast and the beaches of Sardinia sell out as early as June, one Italian island remains almost empty. The island of Capraia, set in the Tyrrhenian Sea, has just been put forward as the best destination for the summer of 2026 for those who want to escape the crowds. Volcanic, wild and bordered by turquoise waters, it promises a real break from oversized resorts.
Capraia, an unspoilt island in the Tuscan archipelago
Capraia lies in the Tuscan archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea, between the Livorno coast and Corsica. This volcanic island covers some 19 km² and has just over 300 inhabitants. It is the third largest island in the archipelago, yet remains one of the least visited in Italy.
Since 1996, Capraia has been part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park, which protects a large part of its land and water. This status goes a long way to explaining why the coastline has remained unspoilt, far removed from the massive development found elsewhere in the Mediterranean.
Here, the coastline alternates between arid cliffs, secret coves and a few beaches accessible only on foot or by boat. No giant resorts, no overcrowded ports. Capraia is a different face of seaside vacations.
A marine sanctuary between dolphins and silent waters
Capraia is part of the Pelagos marine mammal sanctuary, a protected area where dolphins and rorquals can be spotted. Here, the sea takes on a rare dimension, both wild and soothing.
The protected Miglio Blu bathing corridor also offers a vast, silent bathing area. By contrast, part of the west coast was closed to shipping in 2020 to protect the monk seal. Rules at sea had already been tightened in 2017.
“Volcanic and wild, the island of Capraia remains one of the few corners of Italy safe from mass tourism in summer 2026.”
What it’s like on Capraia island
The entry point is the island’s small port, lively without being overrun. From the port, it’s a short walk to the hilltop village of Capraia Isola, with its narrow streets and colorful houses. Fort San Giorgio offers unobstructed sea views.
Marked trails then lead to Monte Castello or Stagnone, amidst Mediterranean maquis and seabirds. Nature lovers will find a rare playground here, far from the usual crowds.
It’s precisely this unspoilt setting that makes Capraia the best destination for the summer of 2026 for those looking for a real break. No noise, no queues, no tightly packed umbrellas. In short, a dolce vita that makes sense.
- Access only by ferry from Livorno, or more rarely from Elba.
- No airport on the island
- A deliberately limited range of accommodations
- Signposted trails to Monte Castello and Stagnone
- West coast closed to shipping since 2020 to protect the monk seal
Limited access for an authentic experience
Access to Capraia is deliberately restricted. There is no airport on the island, and accommodation is limited. As a result, visitor numbers remain naturally low, preserving the island’s ambience.
In 2026, to come to Capraia, you have to book early and follow the current routes and instructions. Yet it’s precisely this constraint that makes the holiday so worthwhile. In return, those who prepare well will find a virtually deserted island, unspoilt nature and a sea of rare clarity.
Why Capraia is the best destination for summer 2026
At a time when Mediterranean hotspots are under increasing tourist pressure, Capraia is holding firm. Its inclusion in the Tuscan Archipelago National Park since 1996 has ensured that the island remains untouched by mass tourism. As a result, the island maintains a rare balance between welcoming visitors and protecting its natural spaces.
What’s more, membership of the Pelagos sanctuary and stricter marine regulations as of 2017 show that Capraia’s preservation is based on concrete choices, not mere geographical chance. This framework makes it a solid travel choice for those who value the quality of the experience as much as the respect of the place.
For travelers looking for the best off-the-beaten-track destination for the summer of 2026, Capraia meets a deep-seated expectation: that of a vacation that really does feel good. The island imposes its own rules, yet in return it offers a freedom that few other Mediterranean destinations can yet promise.
Now touted as the best destination for summer 2026, Capraia attracts those who know that the best vacations have to be earned a little. Book early, accept access constraints, respect nature: in exchange, the island delivers an experience that the big resorts haven’t been able to offer for a long time.
