Italian Coastlines and the Best Beaches

Jul 24, 2020 1079

Live Coffee Chat at Casa Belvedere: Italian Beaches/ Le Spiagge Italiane. Saturday, July 25th • 10:00am. Learn how to vacation as the Italians do! Guest speaker: Marco Evangelista, Director of Journeys by Central Holidays. Each Coffee Chat guest is entered to win a specialty gift courtesy of SI-Espresso! REGISTER HERE. Once you register, you will receive the link to join the chat the night before the event.

The Italian peninsula has a unique coastline with many nooks and crannies that create one of a kind swimming coves and picturesque seascapes. We will explore the coasts off the beaten path, from their pristine beaches with crystal-clear water to the laid-back lifestyle of the inhabitants. There are many ways to enjoy all the beach scenery Italy has to offer. Discover them with us!

Beaches in Italy offer something for everyone, whether on the Mediterranean or Adriatic seas. Some are quiet and secluded; others are fashionable, catering to celebrities with big wallets. Other beaches have backdrops of rugged coastline, or soft white sand with water in gorgeous shades of blue.

Italy has more than 4,700 miles of coastline, and many picturesque seaside towns. Here are just a few of the most famous.

AMALFI COAST

Marina Grande Beach, Campania
Tourists flock to Marina Grande Beach, which features pretty pastel houses on top of picturesque cliffs, and a colorful array of umbrellas and beach chairs on the sand. Many restaurants and bars have views of the sea, and visitors can also enjoy boat tours to see the coastline and bays.

Atrani is a tiny village in Campania with pretty churches and piazzas. Its quiet beach is flanked by two large cliffs, making it picture perfect.

THE ISLAND OF SARDINIA

Cala Goloritzé, Sardinia
On Sardinia’s south shore, Chia Beach is often called the best beach in Italy. Its sheltered waters are surrounded by dunes and juniper trees, with sand that locals say is the color of peaches.

Cala Goloritzé is one of the most photographed beaches in Sardinia with soft ivory sand and limestone cliffs, and is on the list of UNESCO sites. But be warned: The hike to the beach from the road takes about 90 minutes.
Vacationers love Spiaggia di Tuerredda for its warm waters, restaurants and water activities, but it gets crowded in the summer months.

La Pelosa has secluded nooks among pine forests, and visitors can wade out up to their knees for quite a distance, almost like a giant saltwater wading pool.

The coast of Isola di Spargi has palm trees and tropical plants, with shallow clear waters. This small island is located between Corsica and Sardinia.

LIGURIA

Camogli Beach, Liguria
San Fruttuoso is halfway between Portofino and Camogli, and is reachable only by a pedestrian path on the hill behind or by sea. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation. Overlooking the beach is the medieval San Fruttuoso Abbey, famous for its triple-mullioned windows. Divers come to see a statue of Christ of the Abyss, placed in the waters in 1954.

The pebbly Camogli Beach offers secluded sections. Some of those private areas are for exclusive beach clubs and resorts, but others are open to anyone. Canoe rentals provide views of the pretty shoreline.

CALABRIA

Tropea Beach, Calabria
Tropea Beach is called the Jewel of Calabria with gorgeous clifftop views - and not as many tourists. One of the best views is from the Santa Maria dell’Isola Church. Marasusa Beach in Tropea is called La Costa degli Dei, or the Coast of the Gods.

TUSCANY

Spiaggia di Sansone, Tuscany
Follonica Beach is surrounded by green hills, nature reserves, and ancient ruins. Beach lovers will find fine sand and calm waters. Beaches near the town have all the creature comforts; those that are further away are much quieter.

Spiaggia di Sansone on Tuscany’s Elba Island has a shallow shoreline that attracts families and snorkelers.

PUGLIA

Otranto Beach, Puglia
Baia delle Zagare is secluded and exclusive. You can reach it only by entering through the namesake hotel or by boat from Mattinata. Only 30 visitors a day are allowed on the pristine beach with amazing views of the Adriatic.

Otranto Beach is a tiny historic seaside town with good food and wine, water activities, and a wide range of accommodations. Visitors come for the soft white sand and clear turquoise water.

THE ISLAND OF SICILY

San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily
San Vito Lo Capo boasts golden sand and is considered one of the finest beaches on the Trapani coast. Mount Monaco looks over the beach, with shallow, warm waters. Nearby, San Vito Lo Capo has boutiques and restaurants, including Cafe Europa, famous for its “Pane e Panelle” stuffed with fried fritters.

Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro has a long expanse of plants and wildlife, away from development. Capreria Beach has tiny pebbles and crystal-clear waters, attracting snorkelers more than sunbathers.
In the middle of a bay near Taormina is Isola Bella, with great views and calm waters that attract swimmers, snorkelers and paddle boarders. The tiny island is connected to the mainland via a path, or a cable car.

At the base of the rocky cliff Scala dei Turchi is a picturesque beach with bronze sand, azure ocean water, and pale gray cliffs as a backdrop. Get ready to take lots of photos!

Beaches at Vendicari Nature Reserve are a haven for flamingos, herons and storks enjoying the clean aqua waters, and visitors looking for more of a nature experience. And for those seeking true seclusion, an hour-long hike to Cala Tonnarella in the Zingaro Nature Reserve leads to a beautiful, isolated paradise.

SOURCE: Casa Belvedere

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