Five emerald-green islets, floating in the blue heart of the Adriatic Sea: the Tremiti Islands are located 12 miles from the Gargano coast (Apulia) and 24 miles from the Molise coast. Despite being one of Italy's lesser-known destinations, these islands are a true gem.
Ideal for those who cherish nature, tranquility, and fine cuisine, the Tremiti Islands—San Nicola, San Domino, Cretaccio, Caprara, and Pianosa—are a natural paradise. Accessible by ferry for a day trip from the Apulian coast, we believe these islands deserve a longer visit of at least 3-4 days.
Characterized by rugged cliffs, sea caves, and coves, the Tremiti Islands are often described as "three mountains emerging from the sea."
Inhabitants often describe the Tremiti Islands with three words: turquoise, relaxation, and mystery. Turquoise refers to the stunning water you can swim in during a boat tour around the archipelago. Relaxation is found in the island’s serene atmosphere and the tranquil woods of San Domino. The mystery is felt when wandering around the Abbey of Santa Maria a Mare on San Nicola Island.
San Domino, the largest and greenest island with the most hotels and restaurants, spans 3 km in length and 1.7 km in width, reaching 116 meters above sea level at Colle dell’Eremita. It’s renowned for its caves, coves, and rock pools, especially the spectacular Bue Marino cave, which is about 70 meters deep and surrounded by towering cliffs frequented by Peregrine Falcons, Eleonora’s Falcons, and Scopoli’s Shearwaters.
San Domino’s sole sandy beach, Cala delle Arene, features a crescent shape, fine white sand, and clear, shallow waters, perfect for swimming.
A must-do activity is circumnavigating the islands! Daily tours depart from the marinas of San Domino and San Nicola, offering a scenic sail around Caprara, San Nicola, San Domino, and Cretaccio, including two stops for diving. The tour lasts about an hour and a half, with tickets priced around €15 per adult.
Alternatively, you can rent a motorized rubber dinghy from the port of San Domino to explore the coastlines of San Domino and Caprara, costing between €60 to €120 per day depending on the boat’s size and engine power.
Many coves are more accessible by sea, and a “gommone” (rubber dinghy) is an excellent way to visit the islands’ grottoes and sea caves, such as the Grotta delle Viole, known for the purple hue of its waters.
For breathtaking views, hike through the pine woods to Colle dell’Eremita for a panoramic view of the archipelago.
The lighthouse of San Domino, located at the southwestern tip of the island on Punta del Diavolo, provides another fantastic viewpoint. It’s reached by a picturesque path through a dense pine forest, offering stunning vistas along the way.
San Domino is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Footpaths weave through impressive pine forests, and bicycles can be rented from Jimmy Bike in the main square of San Domino for about €15 per day.
Historically, the Tremiti Islands were known as the Insulae Diomedae, named after the Greek hero Diomedes. A bird called Diomedee, smaller than a seagull, is believed to be the transformed companions of Diomedes, eternally mourning his death.
Important tips: Cars are unnecessary as motor vehicles aren’t allowed on the islands. You'll explore mainly by boat, and if staying overnight, local taxis are available. Silence is paramount here. Leave your car at the harbor parking lot, buy your ferry tickets, and prepare a backpack for an unforgettable trip to the Tremiti Islands.
To reach the islands: https://www.tremititour.com/ it's the simplest and most personalized way!
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