The Italian archipelago of the Tremiti Islands (Isole Tremiti) consists of five islands in the Adriatic Sea, situated along the eastern coastline of Mainland Italy. Covered under Gargano National Park, only two islands, San Domino and San Nicola, have permanent residents. Cretaccio and Capraia, while uninhabited, make for scenic day trips boasting intimate rocky coves and caverns ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Pianosa, situated at a slight distance, is a tiny piece of deserted land that requires special permission to visit.

The Tremiti Islands are a bona fide hidden gem wherein one has to zoom in to see the group of islands on a map. However, settlements on Tremiti date back to the 4th century BC. Moreover, the islands are notorious for once being used as penal colonies. Emperor Augustus banished his granddaughter Vipsania Julia Agrippina to San Nicola. Centuries later, in the late 1930s Italy, Mussolini used San Domino as an imprisonment camp.

Steeped in myth and mystery, the archipelago is also known as Isole Diomedee after the eponymous Greek hero who is also an integral part of the Iliad. Where there are several legends, and one states that Diomedes came to San Nicola and died on the island. Afterward, Goddess Venus transformed his disciples into birds to watch over his grave. A walk trying to find the unmarked Hellenic-era Tomb of Diomede is one of the most exciting things to do in San Nicola.

These days, the capital of San Nicola and the neighboring isle of San Domino witness a rush of tourist activity, particularly every summer. San Domino, the more developed island, houses most accommodations, bars, and restaurants. At the same time, San Nicola has an appealing old-world aura with its historical fort, abbey, and select homestays.

Famous for its stunning waters and offbeat personality, the Tremiti IslandsArchipelago has excellent ferry connections from Termoli all year round. You can book ferry tickets to San Domino or San Nicola via Ferryscanner for a spectacular island vacation packed with surprising natural discoveries and unmatched pastoral charm.