It is perhaps no surprise that Italy is considered one Europe's best beach destinations given that it is surrounded by water on all sides. With over 5,000 miles of varied coastline there are an abundance of rocky coves, sandy stretches and secluded bays to be discovered.
Many of Italy's beaches are surrounded by stunning backdrops thanks to the natural scenic beauty whether it's a bustling, charming resort or a panoramic cliff location. Italy is also one of the few places where, on occasion, the human world actually enhances this natural beauty. There are a plethora of picturesque villages and ancient towns that spill down to the coast providing a living picture postcard and wonderful places to explore or grab a bite to eat after a hard day on the beach.
Many tourists return every year to the beaches in Italy and although they are popular during the busy summer months, there are so many large golden sandy beaches and secluded coves that they never feel crowded.
Perhaps one of Italy's most iconic beaches, Cala Goloritzè is beautifully positioned at the base of a ravine on the north eastern coast of Sardinia. As with other beaches in the vicinity, the water here is a brilliant azure blue and crystal clear whilst the beach is bleached white by the sun.
But it is the stunning limestone cliffside and rock formations that really sets Cala… read more »
Located in the "toe" of Italy as it dips into the Mediterranean Sea is the pretty old town of Tropea. Here you will find the lovely Marasusa Beach with its gently shelving white sands, calm crystal clear aqua waters and stunning cliffs. It is these cliffs and the ancient dwellings that perch on them that really set this beach off.
Located on the little island of Lampedusa, 176 km (109 miles) south west of Sicily, Rabbit beach is named after its original inhabitants. Lampedusa is actually closer to the coast of North Africa than it is any other part of Italy and the weather certainly reflects this; rain is rare and summer temperatures can reach 40°C, that's well over 100°F. Of course with its remoteness,… read more »
The third and smallest of three beaches in Biodola Bay, Forno beach is also the best. Set in a picturesque little cove surrounded by forested hillsides and overlooked by fine villas this little beach also manages to escape the worst of the summer crowds.
The beach here is fine golden sand and the warm Mediterranean water crystal clear, but what gives the cove its particular… read more »
Lying at the foot of Capo Falcone on the north-western tip of Sardinia is one of the islands most stunning beaches. A stretch of white sand and shallow, turquoise waters make La Pelosa everything you could desire from a Mediterranean beach. In addition to all this the beach has a secure enclosed feeling with the island of Piana just offshore and guarding the channel to… read more »
For some reason these two neigbouring beaches on Italy's Amalfi Coast are always mentioned in the same breath. So, here you get two fantastic Italian beaches for the price of one!
Now, my limited knowledge of all things Latin tells me Maiori means something bigger and Minori something smaller, which sums up these beaches. The beach at Maiori is in fact the longest stretch of… read more »
Not far along the coast from the stunning cove and rock formations of Cala Goloritze is another Sardinian gem, Cala Mariolu. This little beach is set at the foot of plunging limestone cliffs which contrast with the stunningly clear blue water of the Gulf of Orosei. So alluring is the water here that I challenge anyone to not take a dip. Given how clear the… read more »
The beautiful sandy beach of Tuerredda is often described as the gem of Sardinia's far southern coast. With its crystal clear azure water, fine golden sand and backdrop of verdant hills it is easy to see why.
Not only is the water a delight to behold it is ideal for swimming as the Tuerredda is fairly sheltered. The beach is framed by Capo Malfatano and Capo… read more »
Rena Bianca beach sits near the northern tip of Sardinia, only a stone's throw away from the neighbouring island of Corsica (well, just over 10 Km across the Strait of Bonifacio). This is the main beach for the pleasant little resort town of Santa Teresa di Gallura and one of the main reasons for staying here.
The name Spiaggia di Rena Bianca translates as "White sand… read more »
There is something ironic about a beach known as "Sardinia's desert" is set in the Costa Verde (Green Coast) on the island's west coast. Despite this the name is apt as this wide sandy beach is equally deep and backed by dunes reaching up to 60 metres high. Created by the relentless Mistral wind which blows off the Mediterranean, Spiaggia di Piscinas' dunes are dotted… read more »
Situated in the centre of Sardinia's west coast is a the Sinis Peninsula, a wonderfully rural area of unspoilt beauty. The coastline here is home to a number of snowy-white beaches that contrast sharply with the stunning blues of the Mediterranean. Of all these, Spiaggia di Is Arutas is the best known, and for good reason.
A crescent of beach between rocky outcrops, Is Aruttas is… read more »
The spectacular and expansive white sand beach of La Cinta is the closest to the town of San Teodoro in the northeast of Sardinia. Whilst it may not have earned the nickname of "Little Tahiti" that neighbouring Cala Brandinchi has, the two beaches share many of the same features except La Cinta is many times bigger, stretching on for around 5 kilometres.
Spiaggia di Su Giudeu is one of a number of fantastic beaches located near the resort of Chia, on the very southern tip of Sardinia. A wide stretch of curving, pale golden sand backed by high sand dunes and lapped by the crystal clear, blue waters of the Med.
Su Giudeu Beach has a wonderfully natural feel about it with little in the way of development… read more »
Tucked away in the rocky coastline of the Gulf of Orosei are a number of stunning, secluded coves. Along with nearby Cala Goloritzè and Mariolu, the beach of Cala Luna is one of the most spectacular and beautiful in all Sardinia. Translating as "Moon Cove" this doubtless refers to the crescent of near-white sand that forms the beach here.
