Some Italian islands are exempt from the boring pandemic

Few places in the world have escaped the Covid-19 pandemic, even Antarctica has reported some cases. It seemed like the whole world was being targeted by the coronavirus. But there are still places where the virus did not set foot on shore. No masks, no social distancing and no risk of infection: the coronavirus pandemic never raged on these Italian islands.

Although Italy was severely affected by the coronavirus last year, some islands managed to keep the virus out. But how does it feel to live on the most isolated and idyllic islands of Italy, while the rest of the world is upside down? A number of islanders tell their story to CNN Travel.

Alicudi is one of the seven inhabited islands in the Aeolian archipelago off the coast of Sicily. The island is a simple place, with a unique atmosphere and only about 100 inhabitants. Ideal to escape from the modern world: remote, car-free and serene. The population lives mainly from fishing and small-scale agriculture.

Aldo Di Nora, a resident of Alicudi, praises himself. “Social distance is not a problem. The only time when small crowds can arise is when people meet in the port of Alicudi to jump on the Ferries”, says Di Nora. “I follow the news of the tragic events in Italy and the rest of the world and I am grateful to live in such a beautiful place, peaceful and without risk of infection.”

Pristine beaches, translucent water and a beautiful landscape: in short, everything we have missed in the past year. In normal circumstances, the island easily attracts tourists. However, the coronavirus pandemic left the island of Vulcano almost empty.

“It’s been quite dead and extremely quiet lately. Tourism is our life: most of us only work during the summer months, but we can’t complain”, says Marco Spisso, who, along with some others, is in charge of the popular mud bath of Vulcano. “Winters are usually quiet, so the pandemic hasn’t changed our lives in that respect.” We live a peaceful life and feel safe compared to many other people who live elsewhere, ” Spisso adds.

Marco Giorgianni, mayor of the entire Aeolian archipelago with the exception of the island of Salina, forced stricter measures early this winter by limiting island hopping between the seven islands, which proved successful. There are also regular coronavirus checks in the Port of Milazzo, from where the ferries depart.

Linosa is a small island of volcanic origin in the Sicilian channel of the Mediterranean Sea. It has an area of about 5 square kilometers and has a small 500 inhabitants. The island is part of the Italian municipality of Lampedusa e Linosa. Although a number of coronavirus cases have been reported in Lampedusa, there are no confirmed cases in Linosa. This is undoubtedly due to its remote location.

Fabio Tuccio, one of the island’s’ permanent ‘ inhabitants, notes that life has remained virtually the same since the outbreak of the pandemic. ” A lockdown-like scenario is normal here at this time of year, ” Tuccio tells CNN. “There’s not much to do. Everything is closed at a supermarket, two bars, a pharmacy, and a post office after. It is winter, so people either spend their time at home, maintain their plots in the countryside or fish and then eat the daily catch with their family.”

According to Mayor Totò Martello, Islanders are very suspicious of outsiders. ” All visitors or non-residents must take a coronation Test at the ferry port before they can set foot on the island, ” says Martello.

“Fear keeps us alert”” Tuccio adds.