Islands of Italy

 

Italy is one of the most attractive and popular travel destinations in Europe. And yet there are undiscovered corners – especially off the mainland. To explore some of the most beautiful and varied of the more than 200 islands in the country is the aim of the three-part series “Islands of Italy”. Their geological origin, flora and fauna make each island unique.

The beauty of nature and the great variety of species are the focal point of each episode visually and thematically. The animals, plants and landscapes characteristic of the respective island are presented and the geological nature explained. Some of the islands are of volcanic origin and impress with their rough rock formations and bizarre crater landscapes, a striking but attractive contrast to the white, partly shimmering pink sandy beaches and lush vegetation of other islands. The natural elements of fire, earth, water and wind shape the archipelagos and determine the rhythm of life on the islands.

In terms of content, the balancing act between tradition and modernity, which many islanders try to live on, forms another element. Fishing and agriculture – especially the cultivation of olives, capers, herbs and grapes – are still important industries, but tourism is becoming increasingly important even on the more remote islands. The question of what that means for the people, the infrastructure and, above all, the flora and fauna on the Italian islands, we pursue as well as the long, turbulent history of the islands. Old palaces, deserted monasteries and houses whose architecture is partly Mediterranean, partly Arabic, testify to their origin and the life of the first inhabitants of the islands. Many of the populated islands of Italy have a surprising past due to their relatively secluded location. The focus of the series, however, is always the largely deserted nature, which developed over so many millennia as varied and species rich.

 

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