Grotticelle Beach (Capo Vaticano)

With its soft white sands, bold blue waters and rugged mountainous backdrop, Grotticelle Beach is an idyllic, Insta-worthy stretch of shoreline.

Located in Italy’s south west, the beach is set in a secluded bay at the foot of the rock formations which stand behind it.

While some areas of the beach are reserved for the exclusive use of the swish hotels nearby, there’s still plenty of public sands to sprawl out on, plus a decent number of sunbeds and umbrellas to hire for the day. 

You’ll also find toilets, showers and changing facilities, and if you’re planning to drive here, there’s a car park pulled right up to the beach’s edge.

Lifeguards patrol the beach during high season, and if you fancy trying your hand at some watersports, there’s a choice of them to get stuck into, including jet skis and catamarans. 

When it comes to food and drink, you’ll find a couple of beach bars and restaurants to choose from, and if nothing by the seafront takes your fancy, there’s a handful of places around 10 minutes’ stroll away. 

As for crowds, this place does get pretty busy during the summer months but it’s generally a laidback rather than rowdy crowd, with plenty of families making their way to the soft sands. And a word to the wise - if you are making the trip during the cooler months, the beachfront bars and restaurants are usually closed, as they only open during high season. On the plus side, you’ve got a good chance of having the bay to yourself.