The beaches of Italy are no exception to the country’s reputation for elegance. And before you get to the mainland, the islands of Sardinia and Sicily are a summer paradise, with endless white-sand beaches and turquoise seas. After Sicily, Sardinia, the Mediterranean’s second-largest island, offers a delightful mix of sea, sand, and history.
One of the best sites to visit during your summer break is the Mediterranean region. It has a wide range of resorts to choose from and excellent food, plenty of sunshine, and some of the most fantastic beaches in the world. You can get help from Sardinia travel advice, however. So here are ten of Italy’s best beaches (if not some of the best in Europe). You can find everything from grand sculptural rocks and perfect sands to wild, rugged beauty and picturesque historic settings on the beaches in Italy.
1. Cala Mariolu, Sardinia
It’s difficult to choose a favorite Sardinian beach because they all look like the beaches of your wildest dreams. The celestial waters of Cala Mariolu, on the island’s east coast, will have to be at the top of the list.
This beach is only reachable by boat; it is backed by the Supramonte mountains, with cliffs providing shade in the late afternoon. It’s also a popular snorkeling spot.
2. Sansone, Elba
The Italian island of Elba is a popular seaside destination. It’s easy to know why when you visit the fantastic beach of Sansone near Portoferraio.
Sansone’s calm waters are a magical shade of emerald, complemented by shiny white pebbles and majestic cliffs.
3. Cefalu, Sicily
When it comes to stunning beach towns in Sicily, you’ll be spoiled for options. Cefalu is unrivaled if you enjoy both pretty historic villages and significant stretches of sandy beach.
You will enjoy the excellent combination of sunbathing, stunning Sicilian Romanesque architecture, spanking new seafood, and fantastic hikes in the nearby Madonie Mountains just an hour east of Palermo.
4. Spiaggia Rosa, Sardinia
The pink sands of Spiaggia Rosa on the island, one of Italy’s most stunning natural phenomena, are now highly protected.
The beach is no longer open to tourists. If you want to see this particular beach, you’ll have to take a boat ride from the nearby Sardinian Costa Smeralda. La Maddalena National Park
5. Baia Delle Zagare
Puglia is another popular beach destination in Italy. The breathtaking Zagare Bay is a highlight. The beach is home to blackbirds, striking white limestone cliffs, and sea stacks, as well as fragrant citrus blossoms offered to brides on their wedding day.
A pass is required to visit the beach to keep visitor numbers down (which is easily attainable by boat or by staying at the hotels on the shore).
6. Scopello, Sicily
Images of Scopello, in Sicily’s north-western corner, can be found on postcards and tourist literature all over the island. You might remember it from the movie Ocean’s Twelve. Between Scopello and the equally charming San Vito Lo Capo, the Riservo Dello Zingaro protects a series of lovely bays. Still, Scopello, with its craggy rocks and distinctive tonnara (the old tuna canning factory), edges out the rest.
7. Budelli, Sardinia
It is a small island in the Maddalena Archipelago off Sardinia’s northeast coast, home to one of the island’s most popular beaches, Spiaggia Rosa. When you see the beautiful light pink sand accentuated by darker rocks on the beach, the name makes sense.
You won’t walk on the beach these days because it is covered (to prevent people from taking the sand and harming the unique ecosystem). Still, several excursions include Budelli in their itineraries.
