As the French writer Jean-Claude Izzo once said: "By the sea, happiness comes by itself." This saying is all the more true if the sea washes a beautiful beach with soft white sand and crystal clear water.
Contrary to popular belief, in order to enjoy the wonderful beaches and the cleanest sea, it is not necessary to fly to the Caribbean or to the edge of the world. In Italy, there are also many such places, and every year they are awarded by the environmental organization Legambiente with the Bandiera Blu badge (Italian Blue Flag). This year, in the classification of places worthy of mention at the international level, a record number of beaches with crystal water are registered - 269 names, which is 21 more beaches compared to last year. But we selected ten among them, based on the criteria of beauty and spectacular scenery.
Marche
Two Sisters Beach in Ancona (Due Sorelle - Ancona)
The symbol of the Riviera del Conero (Riviera del Conero) and the main beach on the south side of Mount Conero. The beach got its name because of two twin cliffs protruding from the sea. You can get to the beach by sea on boats, every day departing from the port of Numana, or by walking along a long and steep path along the coast.
This stretch of coast is still a wild and untouched civilization: only pebbles, rocks and cliffs.
Are you going to the sea in Italy with a child? Explore our special guide with local tips.
Tuscany
Gulf of Cala Violina in Grosseto (Cala Violina - Grosseto)
One of the most beautiful beaches in the province of Maremma: clean sand, clear sea and untouched nature of the protected area between the towns of Follonica and Punta Ala (Follonica, Punta Ala), which is part of the Scarlino Nature Reserve (Riserva Naturale delle Bandite di Scarlino). The name of the bay comes from the sounds made by sand when a person walks along it: the beach is covered with tiny grains of quartz.
You can get here in two ways: by bicycle from the side of the village of Puntone, which is very tiring, or by car from Pian d'Alma, take the local highway 158, and then about a kilometer along a country road.
Fetovaia Beach on Elba Island (Fetovaia - Isola D'Elba)
A wild and impressive beach, filled with the scent of gorse bushes, is located on the southwestern slope of Elba Island. The name Fetovaya (feto - Italian. "Stench"), assigned to him in the XVI century, is ambiguous in its origin.
According to the most common version, the fetid aroma on the beach exuded an accumulation of algae Posidonia oceanica.
Lazio
Chiaia di Luna Beach on Ponza Island (Chiaia di Luna - Isola di Ponza)
Not far from Rome on the island of Ponza is a natural amphitheater, unattainable in its beauty.
The rocky natural bay with clear water offers tourists a breathtaking view, really reminiscent of a lunar landscape.
Campaign
White Bay in Camerota (Cala Bianca - Camerota)
In the National Park of Cilento and Vallo di Diano (Parco nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano), this bay is considered to be "unique and inimitable."
Here is a real paradise on earth with an indescribable beauty of the landscape, crystal water, white sand and stones. In 2013, the bay won the Legambiente contest "The most beautiful is you" ("La più bella sei tu").
Puglia
Orange Bay in Gargano (Baia delle Zagare - Gargano)
Between the popular resorts of Mattinata and Vieste (Mattinata, Vieste) in the territory of the Gargano National Park (Parco Nazionale del Gargano) there is a wonderful bay, taking its name from the fragrant flowers of an evergreen orange tree.
This place is simply created for a relaxing holiday, relaxation and enjoy the crystal clear sea. The high cliffs of Pomerantseva Bay are so beautiful and recognizable that they have become one of the symbols of the natural beauty of the whole of Puglia.
Calabria
Island coast in Tropea (Marina dell'Isola - Tropea)
Pure white sand and a turquoise sea distinguish this beach located between the other local beaches of Isola Bella and Le roccette.
Due to the special rockiness of the beach, the water here is very clean and clear: it creates a beautiful view that can be admired for a long time from the heights of the ancient city.
Sicily
Red Bay at Favignana (Cala Rossa - Favignana)
On the northwestern slope of the island of Favignana is located its most beautiful and famous beach. A true amphitheater made of cliffs, gently sloping into the unusually clear bright blue sea waters.
The coastline is distinguished by a large number of large flat underwater cliffs. You can reach the beach both by sea by boat and by land, overcoming a long descent.
- Find hotel on the island of Favignana
- Tips for choosing a hotel on the island of Favignana
- How to get to the island of Favignana
Sardinia
Spiked Cove in Santa Teresa Gallura (Cala Spinosa - Santa Teresa di Gallura)
A small but picturesque beach nestled in a deep bay in the north of Cape Capo Testa, is surrounded by high cliffs that protrude far into the sea.
The granite massif, over the millennia of existence, turned by the sea and the wind into an accumulation of rounded natural sculptures, protects a miniature sandy beach. To get there, you need to follow the direction to the lighthouse of Capo Testa and walk away from it along a steep path.
Goloritze Bay in Ogliastra (Cala Goloritze - Ogliastra)
In 1993, the bay was awarded the title "Natural Monument" of the Sardinia region, and in 1995 - the "National Monument of Italy". It is located in the municipality of Baunei in the southern part of the Gulf of Orosei (Golfo di Orosei). This is one of the most beautiful and famous bays of the Mediterranean Sea, attracting tourists with its bright blue water and marble rocks polished by time.
Even more special it is made by the famous arch, stretching over the sea, and the giant peak of the rock Punta Goloritzè, which is the cherished goal of many climbers. You can get to the beach by boat from Cala Gonone Bay or from the beach of St. Maria Navarrese or along the road starting from the Vauneya Plateau in the vicinity of Golgo.
Map of Italy's best beaches with hotel options
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