Three islands that begin with “elle” and will give you an absolutely relaxing cruise

Have yet to leave for vacation and dream of setting course for places that are relaxing and lonely, but not on the other side of the globe? We have taken care of that for you. How? Choosing three small islands in the Italian archipelagos that have precisely the characteristic of offering little-known corners. These are the perfect places to rediscover the flavor of an “old-fashioned” cruise, made up mostly of sea, sun, nature and silence.

LAVEZZI

Lavezzi Archipelago, Corsica
The natural spectacle offered by the small islands, both Corsican and Italian, which are spread along the 12 kilometers of the narrow channel of the Straits of Bonifacio, is unique in the world. As inimitable are the granite rocks that plunge into the sea at Lavezzi, the tiny island in Corsica that gives its name to the archipelago that also includes the other atoll of Cavallo. Characterized by a very rugged coastline, Lavezzi is home to a dozen truly fantastic landings. Among them is that of Cala della Chiesa (41°21′ N – 09°15′ E): it is a small bay located on the NO coast of the island and surrounded by large granite blocks. Also splendid is the tiny Cala di Greco (41°20′ 2N – 09°15′ 4E), an inlet on the E side of the island, which is the deepest of three closely spaced rocky bays. But Lavezzi’s most fascinating anchorage is certainly Cala Lazarina (41°20′ 2N – 09°15′ 1E), the bay enclosed by a small and charming sandy beach. It is from this landing then that a special monument is admired: it is the pyramid commemorating the sinking of the French frigate Sémillante erected on the islet west of the cove. The ship sank in the Straits of Bonifacio during a storm in 1855-none of the more than seven hundred people on board were saved. Two small cemeteries also remain on the island as evidence of the catastrophe, one of which was erected around the chapel of Notre Dame du Mont Carmel.

LEVANZO
Egadi Islands, Tuscany
Beyond history. Much of the allure of the smallest, by size with its rugged and rocky 5 square kilometers, of the islands facing the west coast of Sicily and the port of Trapani, comes from prehistoric. Along with the dozens of small colorful figurines that can be admired painted in the innermost part of Genovese Cave, the narrow cave located on the island’s east coast. Arriving in Levanzo out of season, if only to enjoy a visit to these magnificent drawings in peace, is therefore beautiful. Add to this the fact that it is also possible to enjoy almost in solitude what is considered one of the most beautiful stretches of sea in all of Sicila, and it quickly becomes clear how the island is a truly unmissable destination in September and October. In fact, the weather here remains warm until late autumn, and it is possible, for example, to drop anchor in one of its most beautiful bays, such as Cala Tramontana (38°00′ 70N – 12°19′ 60E) or Cala Minnola (37°59′ 41N – 12°12′ 05E). Always beware of limitations due to the fact that several parts of the island are in a Marine Reserve area (info: www.ampisoleegadi.it). And once you disembark on Levanzo you can enjoy a walk up to the 278-meter Pizzo del Monaco to enjoy the view of the entire archipelago.

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LINOSA

Pelagian Islands, Sicily
Ancient is the history of the Pelagian Islands even though their name, derived from the Greek pelagos meaning simply sea, hints at how they were once considered little more than remote moors of land in the middle of the Mediterranean. Of these, along with Lampedusa and Lampione, is Linosa, an island just 5.5 square kilometers wide and therefore virtually forbidden to cars. In any season, however, it is a true paradise for those who love to experience the sea at 360 degrees: dark and volcanic as it is, in fact, it encloses fairy-tale glimpses such as the tiny Cala Mannarazza. Especially not to be missed, however, is another cove, Cala Pozzolana (35°51′ 80N – 12°50′ 95E). It is the bay that encloses Linosa’s only sandy beach but is also scenically surrounded by an amphitheater of sulfur-yellow and iron-red rocks. Gorgeous and quiet bathing is also to be had among the azure waters surrounding the Faraglioni, tall cliffs located halfway along the eastern coast.