Tremiti Islands (San Domino) Coves

The Tremiti Islands, and in particular the pine-clad island of San Domino, offer the most spectacular sea-bathing reachable from the Molise coast, even though the archipelago is administratively part of Puglia. Termoli is the classic gateway: it is the only port with year-round service to the islands, so the Tremiti are the signature day trip from the Molise coast, around an hour offshore in the Adriatic. The islands sit within a protected marine reserve, and the water around San Domino and neighbouring San Nicola is some of the clearest in the whole Adriatic, a deep emerald and crystalline blue over rock and pebble. Rather than long sandy strands, the coast is a string of pebble coves, rocky inlets and sea caves, with over twenty mapped snorkelling and diving trails through the reserve, so this is a destination for swimming, snorkelling and exploring by boat far more than for lying on sand. San Domino is the greener, more developed of the two main islands, with bars and restaurants, and the small Cala delle Arene is its one true sandy beach, where sunbed hire is available; most other swimming is from rock platforms and coves reached on foot or, better, by boat. Boat tours and snorkelling excursions circle the islands, threading through sea caves and pulling up at coves that are otherwise hard to reach, and renting or joining a boat is the best way to see the archipelago's clear water and dramatic cliffs. Access is by ferry or faster hydrofoil from Termoli port, a crossing of roughly 55-60 minutes, with the most frequent service in the summer season. Because it is a full day out, taking the first morning ferry maximises time on the islands and beats the midday arrivals. Visitors should bring a mask and snorkel to make the most of the marine reserve, along with water and sun protection, as shade is limited on the rocks. For snorkelling, boat tours, sea caves and the clearest water within reach of the Molise coast, the Tremiti Islands are an unmissable day trip from Termoli.