Scilla Beach

Crystal clear waters and a rugged backdrop are the hallmarks of this particular seaside stretch, but there’s so much more to Scilla Beach than that.

This picture-perfect spot’s the main beach in the pretty fishing village that it shares its name with, in Italy’s lesser-trodden tourist trail in the south west of the country.

Keeping watch over the beach is the town’s Ruffo Castle, which has been standing for centuries. If you fancy a break from catching the rays, then it’s well worth the hilly climb to reach the top, with birds-eye views over the beach and across the waters.

As for the beach itself, it’s a sand-and-shingle swathe that’s particularly popular with families and rarely gets too packed. Many of the beachgoers here are locals taking it easy, so if you’re looking for quiet and secluded then this place hits the spot. There are parasols and umbrellas to hire, and lifebuoys dotted along the beach too. 

And when it comes to food and drink, there are plenty of places dotted along the front, from coffee shops to pizzerias, and of course, fresh seafood restaurants. And if nothing next to the beach takes your fancy, it’s barely a 10-minute stroll into town, where you’ll find a whole load more bars, restaurants and ice-cream parlours.