ISLANDS OF ITALY
We explore some of Italy’s most beautiful islands: from the Tremiti Islands in the Adriatic and Sicily to the volcanic archipelago of the Aeolian Islands in the Mediterranean.
Italy is one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations. And yet some regions are still largely undiscovered − especially away from the mainland. Flora and fauna make each of the country’s 200+ islands quite unique. We explore some of the most beautiful. Our journey begins with the discovery of an unknown archipelago in the middle of the Adriatic: the Tremiti Islands. It’s a mini paradise that remains completely isolated. Only two of the islands are inhabited and life there is simple, nature-conscious and steeped in tradition. Benedictine monks built the fortified abbey of Santa Maria a Mare on the archipelago 1000 years ago; its colourful underwater world is a paradise for divers. We continue to Sicily which was inhabited in turn by the Greeks, Romans, Normans, Arabs and Spaniards who all left their cultural mark on the island. We travel across the island and get to know inhabitants, the topography and culinary specialities. North of Sicily are the Aeolian Islands. The history of the seven volcanic islands can be traced back to 5500 BC. Alongside ruins and old excavations sites, the archipelago boasts some breathtaking scenery including the two still active volcanoes of Stromboli and Gran Cratere.
Episodes: The Tremiti Islands, The Aeolian Islands, Sicily