Elba

13 Beautiful Italian Islands — From Popular Hot Spots to Underrated Gems

"The largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago lacks the glamour of Sardinia's Emerald Coast or even that of the mainland's tonier beach resorts, and that's just why its devotees flock here. Low-key Elba trades hard on its Napoleonic history — the megalomaniacal leader was exiled here for 10 months — but it's the coastline that really draws the crowds. There are more than 80 "official" beaches ringing the island, plus countless hidden coves to explore by foot or boat. The snorkeling, kayaking, and swimming are all first-rate here. For those content with modest digs — most hotels here are three-star, and there are plenty of basic vacation rentals and campgrounds — Elba offers a relaxed and understated alternative to the often-hectic summer scene at Italy's bigger beach resorts. Be sure to spend some time in the interior, where a network of hundreds of hiking and mountain biking trails traverse densely wooded, rugged terrain, passing by charming villages and the occasional mouflon — wild sheep that roam the island." - Travel + Leisure Editors