Summer 2026 could be the perfect opportunity to choose Italian islands where mass tourism doesn't dictate the agenda. These are destinations that still thrive on authenticity, offering essential services but memorable experiences. Here, then, are five "off-the-beaten-path" destinations for those seeking a truly carefree vacation, with helpful tips for arriving prepared and enjoying every day without the crowds.

On Lake Como, there is a place where the sound of motorboats fades away, and only the water remains. The steep slopes shape the scene: houses clinging to the rock, narrow lanes, old mule tracks and a gorge where two streams meet before plunging towards the lake. The result is a striking orrido – a steep, narrow ravine – with a waterfall dropping for more than 200 metres and a stone bridge reached via a long staircase. It is a break along the road between Como and Bellagio, with a lesser-known extra just above the village: Onzanigo and the Val de Tuf.

The prospect of a second home, a property investment, a move away from the city or a fresh start can feel a little closer with €1 homes near the sea in 2026. The scheme to sell homes at a symbolic price began in the early 2000s. It was a bold challenge taken up by local authorities to give historic centres a new lease of life, encourage the renovation of abandoned homes, attract new residents and support local businesses.