When thinking of Italy, the mind effortlessly conjures images of breath-taking Renaissance architecture, vine-laced Tuscan hills, heavenly cuisine, and an enchantingly rich history. But beyond the serenity of its countryside and the gritty bustle of its iconic cities, Italy conceals a wealth of coastal treasures that could rival any other beach destinations worldwide. This guide aims to unveil some of Italy’s swathe of spectacular, often under the radar, beaches – places where the Mediterranean and the Adriatic kiss the land with their pristine azure waves.
It would be remiss to begin this journey anywhere other than Sardinia. This magical island hosts an array of picture-perfect lagoons that are a strong contender for Europe’s most beautiful beaches. Cala Goloritzè, often touted as the island’s most beautiful spot, boasts a stunning synthesis of jagged white cliffs, turquoise waters and a sandy beach. As you stretch out under the sun’s iridescent beams, you can take in the soaring limestone pinnacle that is Punta Caroddi on one side and the leafy emerald hills on the other. The beach is only accessible through a 90-minute hike or a boat ride from Cala Gonone, thus ensuring its untouched beauty is preserved.
Traveling to mainland Italy, we stumble upon Scala Dei Turchi in Sicily. Clad in a natural staircase of gleaming white marlstone, the Scala Dei Turchi (‘Stair of the Turks’) is a unique destination that promises an indelible beach experience. As well as a spot for peaceful sunbathing, the beach offers opportunities for adventurous clambering up the rock face. The panoramic view of the Sicilian coastline from the top is worth every step. Head over in the golden light of the Italian sunset and witness the spectacle as the white rocks absorb and radiate the soft evening glow.
Southward, Punta Prosciutto beach in Puglia is a hidden gem that’s as delicious as the region’s signature ham after which it is named. It is a mesmerizing sea of crystal-clear water and long stretches of soft, golden sand. Sheltered within a nature reserve, the beach remains clean and unfrequented. Rent a boat and sail away in the serene Adriatic sea, or simply sit back, relax, and let the symphony of the waves work its soothing magic.
Along the western coastline in Tuscany, the Cala di Forno beach can be discovered, sitting snugly hidden in the Maremma Natural Park. Flaunting a untamed beauty, the beach is kissed by translucent emerald waters that lap onto intense, sun-warmed sands, while maquis shrubland forms an enchanting green backdrop. Visiting the beach requires a permit and either a trek along a forested trail or a boat ride, but this rigorous access just adds to the exclusivity and maintains the pristine nature of this spot.
Heading up to Liguria, the aptly named Baia del Silenzio (‘Bay of Silence’) in Sestri Levante offers a tranquil getaway. Fringed by charmingly antiquated fishermen’s houses, this crescent moon of smooth, pale pebbles and sand folds itself into the embrace of calm, blue waters. The beach is an idyllic spot to relish in silence as the modest waves whisper against the pebbled shore.
As we journey towards northern Italy, there’s a seductive allure in the tranquil shores of Lake Garda. Although not strictly a beach, the lake’s Sirmione Peninsula boasts Jamaica Beach, an unexpected delight. Peppered with smooth, flat stones and lapped by crystalline waters of varying shades of blue, it offers a unique beach experience in the midst of the Italian lakes. Add to this the dramatic backdrop of the mighty Alps, and you find a charming blend of alpine lake and coastal beach.
The sparkling jewel in Italy’s crown of beaches, however, is Tropea beach in Calabria. With a dramatic foreground of towering cliffs and historical houses and a backdrop of turquoise waters and white sands, it is postcard-perfect. A striking violet-hued onion unique to Tropea dots the surrounding cliffs contributing to the multi-sensory centrifuge of sights, tastes, and natural beauty that will leave you captivated.
Italian beaches, like its food, architecture, and culture, are an artful blend of variety, singularity, and palpable charm. The country’s coastline offers secret bays, silent alcoves, and resplendent panoramas that often escape the customary tourist path. Beyond the towns echoing with narratives of antiquity, away from the vineyards and cobbled Roman streets, Italy awaits you with its hidden coastal gems – warm, abounding in color, and drenched in Mediterranean beauty.
End your day on any of these stupendous beaches with a cone of delectable gelato as you watch the sun dipping under the horizon, painting the sky with strokes of gold, purple, and red. Relish in that moment, and you’ll feel a bond with this Mediterranean paradise – a bond as enduring as Italy’s endless sprawl of blue seas, golden sands, and centuries-old tales whispered in the wind.
