The artist repainting the picture in Sicily; the cheesemaker bringing life back to Capraia; the professional diver uncovering marine wonders off the coast of Puglia. Meet the people who’ve made Italy’s islands their home in the September issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK), which invites readers to sample wine from sun-baked vineyards, dive into crystal-clear waters and tuck into artisanal cheese somewhere that’s home to more goats than people. 

The Italian islands remain one of the country’s biggest draws for travellers, with Sardinia alone welcoming 22 million arrivals last year. But look beyond the big hitters and you’ll find more than 400 smaller, lesser-known isles, many of them visited mainly by Italians. This month’s cover story is packed with inspiration for those looking to experience a sliver of local life here, whether that means soaking up the art on display in Italy’s first Capital of Contemporary Art or exploring the coral-rich waters of the Tremiti Islands. 

Don’t miss: 

• Uzbekistan: Unearth the legacy of the Silk Road on a journey in the footsteps of merchants and nomads 
• Azores: On these remote Atlantic islands, a culture of self-reliance has generated a distinct food culture 
• Rwanda: Thriving art, food and fashion scenes are putting the spotlight on Rwanda’s overlooked capital 
• Lake Titicaca: Experience a homestay with the weaving communities on this high-altitude Peruvian lake 
• Music Trips: We round up eight of the best experiences for crate-diggers, opera aficionados and more 
• Uluru: Hike through the Outback on an Indigenous-led hike ending at Australia’s sacred monolith 
• Tetouan & Tamuda Bay: Jagged peaks and Mediterranean waters meet in this quiet Moroccan corner 
• Somerset: In search of the farmers and cider brewers championing the county’s best-loved tipple 
• Manchester: The Northern powerhouse’s industrial heritage lives on in its booming hotel scene 
• Boston: Get to know Massachusetts’ capital through its revolutionary heroes and sporting legends 

The Edit: Slide into the saddle on a US dude ranch; the openings, new experiences and seasonal events on our radar; European surfing breaks in which to savour the last of the summer’s warmth; a taste of Belgium’s brewing heritage in Flanders; the best bites in Lyon according to a local chef; fossil hunting and craft ales in Lyme Regis; a vine-swaddled palace on Spain’s Biscay coast; a taste of local life in Budapest; and the renaissance of China’s 24-hour spas.  

Special Interest: Oliver Smith relives a misspent youth in Hamburg’s Miniatur Wunderland 

In Focus: All the latest from the world of travel photography 

Expert Traveller: The rise of spiritual travel is our One to Watch this month; The Lowdown discovers whether it’s possible to overcome a fear of flying; Kit List returns with essential equipment for birders; The Story Behind slices into the history of mooncakes; How To tells you how to master phone photography; and Great Little Place sees National Geographic Traveller (UK) readers share their favourite London haunts. Finally, actor and TV presenter Terry Crewes discusses his most memorable journeys in My Travels. 

PLUS: Win a weekend break at The Tawny Hotel in Staffordshire: natgeotv.com/uk/competitions 

For a 26-page digital sample of the September issue, visit: magazine.natgeotraveller.co.uk/sep26 

National Geographic Traveller (UK) has a cover price of £6.25, is available via subscription and on newsstands and is published 10 times a year. Find out more at nationalgeographic.com/travel 

Current subscription offer: Get five issues for £25 
checkout.natgeotraveller.co.uk/offers 

Website: News, features and more: nationalgeographic.com/travel 

Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/NatGeoTravelUK 
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LinkedIn: national-geographic-traveller-uk 
Tiktok:  tiktok.com/@natgeotraveluk

National Geographic Traveller (UK) digital edition is available for Apple, Android and Kindle: ngtr.uk/NGTdigital 

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Notes 

National Geographic Traveller (UK) is published under licence by APL Media Limited, from National Geographic Partners LLC in Washington, DC. The travel and lifestyle magazine launched in December 2010 and is packed full of you-are-there photography, authentic travel experiences and inspiring narratives. nationalgeographic.com/travel 

For more information about National Geographic, visit nationalgeographic.com, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and TikTok. 

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About APL Media 
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, creating high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors since 1997. It has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC since 2010, alongside brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. Its portfolio includes Living360, a digital lifestyle brand spanning wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture.  

APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns and editorial consultancy, internship schemes including Step Up and produces leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. It is also a leading reseller of advertising for national newspapers. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also created for national newspapers. aplmedia.co.uk