Everyone's heard of Sicily, Sardinia, and fashionable Capri, but when it comes to enchanting islands, Italy has much more to offer than the usual headline acts. And few people realize that the country's coastline is actually peppered with over 350 idyllic islands, from picture-perfect Favignana to car-free Panarea to rugged Marettimo. 

Some islands are remote and hard to reach, while others require less effort. Some are chic, while others are laid-back and rustic. One word of warning, though: Italians adore their islands and make a beeline for them during their summer holidays. So, if you don't want to share your slice of paradise with lots of others, avoid traveling there in July and August. If true solitude is what you're seeking, visit during the winter months—you may be the only visitor.