With nearly 5,000 miles of coastline, Italy has countless beaches up and down the boot as well as its magnificent islands. Here are seven worth exploring for the Mediterranean seascapes as well as the surrounding areas:

Cala Corsara, Spargi island (Sardinia)

The Maddalena archipelago, a cluster of islands off the coast of northern Sardinia, has long been prime sailing territory for Europe’s elite. Throughout the archipelago there are numerous idyllic beaches, particularly those of the Cala Corsara on the island of Spargi (above). Enjoy one of four pristine havens offering powdery sand and gentle dunes where wildflowers grow, then take a swim in those brilliantly colored waters.