Many Italians enjoy spending time by the sea, especially during July and August. During this time, nearly 8,000 kilometers of coastline, much of which is pristine or close to it, becomes the second home for millions of families and friends who have received the best advice on which beach to visit. Before arriving on the sand, it is important to know what to expect. Many beaches in Italy are dominated by 'stabilimento', which are beach clubs that require a daily fee for entrance to their stretch of the sea and provide lounge chairs, bathrooms, and other facilities. The closer it gets to August holidays, the more likely these places are to be fully booked. If you are looking for a deserted paradise, September is the best time to visit. However, even if you are among the crowds, you will have plenty of options to choose from. As is often the case in Italy, opinions are local, and there is no definitive list of the best beaches to visit. There are no specific criteria or order, and the list is entirely subjective. However, discovering your own magical corners in Italy's beaches is part of the fun and we're here to tell you about some of our favourites
For those who love deserted beaches, this one is a must-visit. It's absolutely stunning with a crescent of tiny white pebbles and translucent turquoise water. A tall needle of rock, beloved by climbers, rises above it. The best part is that it's an hour's trek down a rocky path from the car park in the remote Altopiano del Golgo plateau above Baunei. You'll have to pay a small fee that goes towards the upkeep of this natural wonder. This ensures that only the intrepid make it to this gorgeous spot. Wild goats come to slake their thirst from natural springs, and tourist boats occasionally visit, but they must moor at least 300 metres from the shore. To get here, you can fly to Olbia and then drive for three hours. For accommodation, consider Agriturismo Sa Pedra Arrubia, which is about 50 minutes away from the beach. The rooms are in a 1940's house overlooking vineyards, and they start at £55 a night.
This small beach is a paradise that couldn't be designed better. Located within a nature reserve, with its soft, sandy shore gradually sloping into crystal-clear, aquamarine waters, you can wade out quite far before getting your clothes wet. Calamosche is protected from winds blowing from the north and south by two promontories covered in maquis vegetation. It's not overcrowded for most of the year, mainly because it's a kilometer-long walk from the main Vendicari reserve car park. You won't find any amenities here, so make sure to bring everything you need, including a beach umbrella as there's no shade. To get here, fly to Catania and drive for an hour and 15 minutes. For accommodations, you can stay in Noto, which is about 20 minutes away by car. The Dimora delle Balze is a 19th-century Masseria that has been transformed into a modern 12-room hotel.
Located a mere few hundred meters from the French border and situated near an important prehistoric site, Italy's westernmost beach is a must-visit destination. This charming cove, which is perfect for families, features wave-smoothed white pebbles and is protected by striking rocky promontories that flare up red during sunset. The beach is exclusively occupied by a private beach club, which boasts 38 immaculate ombrelloni arranged in three rows. The occasional slow train on the coastline above provides a diverse watery soundtrack. While front-row sun loungers are priced at €40 per person on weekdays during high season and €55 on weekends, and the first courses in the stylish barefoot-chic restaurant range around €30, the experience of this prime slice of seaside contentment is undoubtedly worth it. To reach this idyllic destination, fly to Genoa and then drive for one hour. If you are looking for an exquisite place to stay in Liguria, Villa della Pergola is an exceptional option. This 19th-century complex of buildings has been meticulously restored, featuring pastel-coloured walls, high ceilings, and wooden floors.
If you're looking for a peaceful and uncrowded beach in mainland Italy, you might find it difficult due to the large number of visitors. However, there's a hidden gem in the form of a beautiful five-mile long stretch of grey-gold sand that gradually slopes into the sea. This beach is located in the Parco della Maremma nature reserve, which is well-maintained. As there are no amenities or much shade, it's advisable to bring your own supplies. The further south you go from the car park, the fewer people you'll encounter, and they may be wearing fewer clothes. During high season, the number of cars allowed is limited, so it might be better to rent bicycles from Alberese village, which is six miles away, and cycle to the beach. To reach the beach, you can fly to Pisa and then drive for two hours. For accommodation, you can stay at Casa Iris, which is run by an Italo-American couple who transformed a three-room B&B into an elegant retreat. They restored 17th-century friezes and added eclectic furniture.