7 Of Italy’s Most Beautiful Beaches

Italy might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re planning that well-deserved beach getaway, but it actually has some pretty beautiful spots. Next time you’re thinking of a trip to Italy, here are some beaches you should probably check out.

Cefalù, Sicily
A lot of fuss is made about Sicily’s beach resorts of Taormina and Cefalù, but the latter has a charm that makes it wildly more inviting. It’s not nearly as developed as the former, though you’ll still find it packed during the summer. Cefalù makes up for it’s lack of comparable restaurants with great attractions like the Norman cathedral Duomo and streets lined with medieval buildings.

Sant’Andrea, Elba, Tuscany
The island of Elba boasts a spectacular amount of beautiful beaches, but ony Sant’Andrea offers the splendor of white sandy shores, solitude and water adventures in the perfect combination. You’ll find fewer crowds in this less popular area, and a natural rocky barrier keeps the waters shallow enough off the shore that the kids will be safe. The beach also offers the perfect environment for diving and windsurfing.

Torre Guaceto, Brindisi
Italy has no shortage of beaches, but it’s difficult to find one that isn’t swarming with both people and ridiculous tourist attractions that tend to cramp the average beachgoers style. That’s why Torre Guaceto, a nature reserve, is a welcome reprieve. The area is virtually free of kitschy restaurants and shops peddling cheap trinkets. Instead, you’re free to relax and enjoy the pristine waters and sands in their truest form.

Anzio, Lazio
Residents of Rome flock to this beach town each summer. It’s no wonder, considering how sparkling blue the waters are here. On top of that, the area is home to some pretty big moments of history, which you can learn all about at the popular Anzio War Cemetary. The only downside? It can get packed and expensive during the summer. Come prepared.

San Fruttuoso, Liguria
Isolated and unique, the hidden cove of San Fruttuoso is a sight to behold—if you can get there. It’s surrounded entirely by steep mountains and water, and can only be reached by foot or by boat. If solitude is what you seek, you’ll certainly find it here. You’ll also find a wondrous stone Benedictine monastery and a bronze statue that starts 15 feet under the sea known as Christ of the Abyss.

Vasto, Abruzzo
The tiny town of Vasto is located in one of Italy’s least-touched destinations, and even though the population seems to rise during July and August, it still holds a sense of peacefulness that’s hard to find along the country’s beaches. Up the road a little is another popular spot you can visit, the lighthouse at Punta Penna beach.

Rena di Levante, Capo Testa, Sardinia
A line of rocky coves make for a unique sight that frames the perfectly white beaches and azure waters of Rena di Levante beach. Some think they look like Roman columns built by nature, and we’re inclined to agree. The area was once home to the Roman colony of Tibula and you can still see remnants of the roads they used alongside the more modern variety while you’re busy soaking up some rays.

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