Top 10 Beaches in Italy

It's no surprise that Italy is considered one Europe's best beach destinations given that it's surrounded by water on all sides. With over 5,000 miles of unique 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.

• Cala Goloritze

  

  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… read more »

• Tonnara di Scopello

  

  This little cove is hidden away near the village of Scopello in the Zingaro nature reserve. It is the prefect meeting of a beautiful natural location with some fine old crumbling buildings. Just off the coast, rising dramatically out of the crystal clear waters are the faraglioni, a series of… read more »

• Rabbit Beach

  

  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… read more »

• Cefalu Beach

  

  Cefalù beach is a long golden stretch of sand which follows the gentle curve of the bay and culminates in the medieval old town with its towering 12th-century cathedral. Whilst the beach here is no secret and it does get busy in the summer months, compared to resort towns such… read more »

• Tropea Beach

  

  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… read more »

• Cala Mariolu

  

  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… read more »

• Forno Beach

  

  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… read more »

• Isola Bella

  

  Also known as the "Pearl of the Ionian Sea", Isola Bella is a tiny island in a protected bay on Sicily's west coast. With crystal clear azul waters and a backdrop of mountains and pine forests this is a truly beautiful spot.

  The beach here is a pair of coarse,… read more »

• La Pelosa

  

  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… read more »

• Minori and Maiori beach

  

  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… read more »