Italy is washed by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea from three sides, and the unique location makes the local climate one of the most gentle. Each beach in this amazing country boasts some special charm, some kind of “zest”, but we will talk about the 14 best of them. It is rather difficult to single out the best among the rich variety of sandy shores and bays. But let's try to do it anyway. Our ranking of the best sandy beaches in Italy.
Cala Mariolu or Bay of the Jolly Thief in Sardinia
The Italian islands “live” for tourists. The cleanest beaches, monumental sights, as well as friendly islanders are the main calling card of Italian Sardinia. It is here, in Mariolu Bay, that one of the leaders among the cleanest and most beautiful beaches in the world is located. Among the local population, you can often hear an unusual nickname they gave to the marvelous bay known as “Jolly Thief's Bay”.
The bay is located in the province of Oliastra, and the unique name is associated with a funny incident that local fishermen witnessed. Returning to remove the catch from the established nets, the fishermen came across a rare representative of marine animals – the white-bellied seal, which was trying to drag the snares placed into the sea. From the first glance at the bay, you understand how amazing our planet is! The snow-white beach is washed by measured turquoise waves, and the silence is broken only by the cries of seagulls high in the sky. Pebbles of an unusual pinkish color cause sincere surprise and evoke thoughts of rainbow, serene dreams. This is one of the few places on the planet where you can look at the world through real rose-colored glasses. And all this miracle is located in the middle of the most beautiful rocks.
The bay is hidden from prying eyes and has long gained popularity among visitors. Local beauty can be compared, perhaps with a real paradise. With each step on small pebbles, a pleasant warmth is felt, as if you are immersed in a foamy mass of milk. The water here is always pleasantly warm, and from huge stone boulders, some parts of the beach periodically plunge into thick clouds of shadow. Orosei Bay is a favorite place for tourists with children. Numerous colorful fish, which have long been accustomed to people, are another decoration of the turquoise waters of the bay. And numerous children open up a real “manual hunt” for them.
Mariolu Bay also attracts many diving enthusiasts. Some of the best photographs of the underwater world are obtained just off the coast of this bay. Understanding all the delights of the underwater world, there are numerous centers for renting equipment for underwater photography and diving on the shore of the bay. It is impossible to describe in your own words the beauty of the beach. To form a complete impression of this amazing place, you should personally go to the island of Sardinia.
Fetovaia on the island of Elba
We will make the next stop on the seashore in one of the quietest bays in Italy. Fetovaia is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful beaches that has managed to preserve its natural originality. This place is simply created for those who prefer to spend time away from the hustle and bustle, who like to be alone with their thoughts and the sea.
I remember that it was the local region that became the place where the French emperor Bonaparte was serving his exile. According to the primary sources, the emperor and commander could not endure the torture of snow-white beaches and other beauties and fled. As for me, we are ready to go to such an exile even today!
But let's talk about the beach! Even a cursory glance allows us to conclude that it is very convenient to relax here with kids. The thing is that the bottom here is shallow and absolutely safe for the smallest tourists.
Golden sand sparkling in the sun, huge granite rocks, generously covered with dense thickets, and an excellent range of all kinds of services – all this makes Fetovaia beach one of the most popular in Italy and the world. The transparent water of the beach gives it the opportunity to compete for the title of the cleanest on the peninsula, and a convenient entrance with adjacent parking will be a real treasure for those who prefer to travel by private transport.
Today, the beach is only gaining popularity among tourists, gradually losing its main “zest” – silence and solitude. Pleasant sand and warm water, which resembles fresh milk, have become a real lure for vacationers from all over the world.
Marina dell'Isola in Tropea
Now let's go to the farthest point of Italy – to the very tip of the unique peninsula. Perhaps the best beach of the entire Tyrrhenian coast awaits us. And the name of this beautiful place is Marina del Isola. The main advantage of the beach is that it is very easy to get to. It is enough to make a simple route through the picturesque places of Italy, and voila – a fabulous seascape opens before your eyes. It is hard to imagine that there is at least one more beautiful place in the world.
As soon as your feet touch the hot sand of the beach of Marina del Isola, and your eyes meet the chiseled reliefs of the church of the same name, terrible torment awaits you. After all, how difficult it is to force yourself to break away from the amazing seascape, splashing in the warm Mediterranean waves. But the soul pulls its hands to the camera and drags along to the chic church.
Believe me, to resist and not take a single photo during your entire stay in this fabulous place is simply beyond human strength. It seems as if the ancient gods have blessed this place, and the granite ledges have been polished day and night by the best sculptors of all times. It is better to see the beach once with your own eyes than to hear about it hundreds of times. Even the best speaker cannot convey the splendor of this amazing and unique place. Welcome to a world where art, painting and grace intertwine! This is the beach of Marina dell'Isola!
Spinosa bay in Santa Teresa Gallura
So, we have already visited the southern coast of Italy, found out which beach is considered the quietest and even looked at the island of Sardinia. But how could we forget that it is on this island that another beach is located, which boasts not only a picturesque landscape and warm water, but also something else. It is in the bay of Spinosa that the water is crystal clear, to such an extent that it seems that yachts are floating in the air.
It is worth noting that the beach is more attractive to Italians. Either tourists prefer not to climb so far, not to deviate from the usual routes, or they simply do not know about all the advantages of this grandiose place. But the inhabitants of Italy spend their weekends and holidays here with joy and rapture, slowly sipping tropical cocktails and exposing their sides to the gentle sun.
If you are interested in this interesting beach, we recommend going to this part of Sardinia on a weekday. Then you have a chance to take great photos on a half-empty beach, and enjoy the silence, and choose the best place for the world-famous Mediterranean golden tan. Weekends are usually quite crowded. It's all a matter of taste though. A real tourist is not afraid of the crush on the beach.
Moreover, this beach is one of the most popular among lovers of underwater photography and diving. The amazing underwater world and the mesmerizing landscapes of Spinos Bay are waiting for you!
“Two Sisters” in Ancona
On the southern slope of Mount Conero, there is a small beach called “Two Sisters” (Due Sorelle). From the land it is protected by high impregnable rocks. Access to the territory is possible only from the sea. The boat delivers vacationers from the resort of Riviera del Conero, Ancona, Numana (Marka region). A secluded corner, at the edge of the sea, is practically not affected by the influence of civilization.
The opportunity to escape from the bustle of the city attracts not only tourists, but also local residents to the beach. They often go to the coast and have family picnics. You can swim and sunbathe from May to September. In early autumn, the number of tourists increases. Many come to take part in the Sea Festival and the Mediterranean Music Festival.
Cala Violina in Grosseto
On the territory of the Scarlino Reserve there is an amazing corner of untouched nature – Cala Violina Bay. The coast, covered with the finest quartz sand and clear crystal water, has provided the beach with the title of one of the best in the province of Maremma. There are many people on it at any time of the year. Cala Violina belongs to the category of “wild” beaches. There is no charge for the stay, but there are no amenities – sun loungers with umbrellas.
A greater level of comfort awaits tourists in the park area, where there are picnic areas, cafes and toilets. By land, two roads lead to the bay: from the village of Puntone and motorway 158 from Pian d'Alma. You can get there by car or by bike. Nearby towns where tourists like to stay are Follonica and Punta Ala.
Chiaia di Luna on the island of Ponza
The most popular corner of the sea coast on the island of Ponza (Pontic archipelago, Lazio region) has long been Chiaia di Luna (Chiaia Di Luna). Warm clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, colorful pebbles and white sand create an amazing combination. The charm of the surrounding wildlife leaves no one indifferent.
The bottom, dotted with reefs, with many underwater grottoes, has turned the bay into a favorite diving spot for drivers. Tourists were attracted by the unusual way to the bay through the ancient Roman tunnel. It is currently closed to the public due to the danger of rockfall. Attempts to strengthen the rocks were unsuccessful. It is hardly worth expecting the opening of the beach as a place for recreation in the near future.
White bay in Camerot
The sea along the coast of the National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano (province of Salerno) is considered the most beautiful and clean in Italy. Tourists come to this region to enjoy the beauty of pristine nature and relax in comfort. The main resort – Marina di Camerota – provides maximum opportunities for a good holiday. In the immediate vicinity of it is the famous White Bay, which was nicknamed “the only and inimitable” for the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
The breathtaking view of a narrow strip of land at the foot of steep cliffs received the maximum number of votes in the “La più bella sei tu” competition held in 2013. The white sandy beach and clear warm water guarantee a great holiday from May to September. An overnight stay in a hotel costs at least 30-40 euros.
Orange bay in Gargano
One of the most picturesque and remote places in Puglia is Cape Gargano. Almost all of its territory is occupied by a national park and is a protected area. Quiet cozy towns of Mattinata and Vieste seem to be specially created for family holidays. Halfway between us, Orange Bay awaits tourists. The cliffs that close it from the land side have long been covered with thickets of orange trees, which gave their name to the beach.
In spring, the whole corner is saturated with the smell of flowering citruses. In the summer, sunbathing and swimming on the coastal territory. Transparent purity of the water of the Adriatic Sea, fresh air, oak and beech forest evoke a feeling of relaxation, peace of mind and tranquility.
Island coast in Tropea
Costa Bella (Beautiful Coast) is a paradise for lovers of beach pastime and water sports. The clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, combined with the blowing winds, create optimal conditions for windsurfing, kitesurfing, and diving. Tourists dreaming of plenty of sunbathing and swimming are waiting for snow-white sandy beaches. Tropea is especially popular. It is called the best European beach. The Tyrrhenian Sea in this area has been awarded for cleanliness. Tourists combine their holidays with visiting local attractions and participating in various festivals: in July – a fish and onion festival, in August – a film festival, in September – a blues fest. You can make a reservation for housing in Tropea for 30 euros.
Red bay on Favignana
Tourists with children who came to the Egadi Islands should pay attention to the coast of about. Favignan. Since antiquity, this tiny piece of land (19 sq. km) has been famous for its tuff. It was mined in numerous quarries located along the coastline. As a result, beaches suitable for recreation were formed. The most beautiful of them is Cala Rossa or Red Bay.
The name was given in memory of the battle between the Carthaginians and the Romans. The dead warriors stained the waters with their blood. In fact, the sea in this place has a rich palette of shades: blue, turquoise, green. Two ways lead to the beach: by sea on a boat or along a steep descent from the side of the rocks. Tourists have the opportunity to book rooms in a hotel located a 10-minute walk or stay in Favignana.
Spiked Bay in Santa Teresa Gallura
The Strait of Bonifaccio, which separates Sardinia from French Corsica, is known for the beauty of its coasts and ideal conditions for a seaside holiday. Water sports enthusiasts can successfully windsurf, scuba dive or sail. Those wishing to soak up the purest sand are waiting for the small cozy beach of Santa Teresa di Gallura.
A narrow strip of sandy shore is fenced with massive granite rocks. Under the influence of weathering, many of them took on the appearance of bizarre figures. To get to the beach, tourists should focus on the lighthouse of Capo Testa, and from it go down the path.
Bay of Goloritze in Ogliastra
In the eastern part of the island of Sardinia, the town of Ogliastra is located, attracting tourists with legends about ancient treasures and the most beautiful sea coast. In the immediate vicinity of the town, visitors will find one of the best corners of the Mediterranean – Cala Goloritze Bay. Its unique natural landscapes are deservedly awarded the status of the National Monument of Italy. White marble cliffs, reflected in the clear waters of the Gulf of Orosei, seem to be painted.
The Goloritze bay is known not only for its picturesque view, but also for its ecology. Coastal cliffs are covered with juniper thickets. The plant releases phytoncides that kill pathogens. The 30-meter depth of the bay attracts divers and diving enthusiasts. As a memento of a wonderful vacation, tourists take a photo of a stone arch hanging over the sea and rising up the top of the Punta Goloritze cliff.
Gulf of Zagare in Mattinata
Well, the last one on our list, but far from the last in terms of beauty and popularity, the beach is located in Zagare Bay. It is here that those categories of tourists go who prefer not just a beach holiday, but its mixture with active walks. The bay is part of the Gargano Natural Park, so no one will be bored. After relaxing enough on the golden sand, you can go towards vivid impressions deep into the reserve.
No less popular is the route around the Adriatic, which runs through this picturesque place. Tourists who decide to overcome it go from the bay directly to Montenegro. But this is more from the exotic world. But everyone can run along the little-known paths in the park and take pictures in the shade of perennial oaks and beeches, capturing an impressive view of the mountain peaks. Everyone who visits this colorful beach will be able to replenish their photo album with unique pictures, expand their understanding of sunny Italy and boast of a golden tan that will cause many approving smiles from the opposite sex at work or from relatives at home.
So our fascinating journey along the beaches of mysterious and unique Italy is coming to an end. It is impossible to say that others, which were not discussed in our article, are less impressive or less popular. Italy is famous for some of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches on the planet. That is why millions of tourists from all over the world annually come to the Mediterranean Sea, and the country welcomes each of them with joy.