Italy’s 5 most beautiful beaches

From half-moon shaped, white sandy coves in Sardinia, to the black, volcanic sands of Calabria, here are Italy’s five most beautiful beaches.

San Foca, Puglia

The old fishing village of San Foca is surrounded by picture-perfect, sun-drenched beaches. Located right on the heel of Italy’s boot, the coastline here is dotted with islets that can easily be reached by swimming. Plus caves that can be visited by boat. Check out the Grotta della Poesia (cave of the poem), a 100 foot-wide sinkhole filled with iridescent, aquamarine water, accessible via a staircase carved into the rock for swimmers. Stay in an old, stone country house, Villa Rosa Candida, just a few hundred metres from the beach.

Praia a Mare, Calabria

On Italy’s Tyrrhenian Coast, beach-lovers will be awed by the black volcanic sands and pebbled shores of Praia a Mare. Just south of the town lies Arco Magno, a sheltered cove with a spectacular natural arch, which you can jump off into the clear blue waters below. Then there’s Dino Island, celebrated for its six sea caves and also accessible by paddle boat or canoe. Here, the water is illuminated by reflecting light, glowing a bright turquoise and filled with shoals of fish that make it a great spot for snorkelling. Stay in a rustic B&B 300 metres from the sea at Praja vecchia.

Bari Sardo, Sardinia

On the eastern coast of Sardinia, the little town of Bari Sardo boasts half-moon shaped beaches with white sand and crystalline waters. The hills that frame the coastline are covered with vineyards, orchards, red juniper and scented pine groves, and are overlooked by the torre di Barì, a medieval watchtower built on a rocky promontory jutting out into the sea. Head to the beach of Sa Marina Tramalitza for silky-soft sands or to Baia Cea Beach, a 1 km stretch of coastline lapped by emerald waves. A 20 minute-drive from here, you’ll be able to spot the Scogli Rossi – magnificent, free-standing stacks of red rock that rise out of the Mediterranean. Treat yourself to a stay in the contemporary Teku Sardinia Boutique Hotel.

Diamante, Calabria

With waters as dazzling as its name suggests, the coastal town of Diamante lies on the Riviera dei Cedri, a scenic seaside stretch of southern Italy. Once described by Italian poet, Gabriele D’Annunzio as the ‘Tyrrhenian pearl’, it’s a place where pale, glimmering sands, cliffs and rocky outcrops characterise the coastline. Relax in the sun at one of the town’s many seaside cafés. Or snorkel, scuba dive, water ski and sail on its deep blue waters. If you’re in town in early September, you’ll also be able to enjoy the Festival del Peperoncino, an annual event that sees the town filled with stalls selling chili peppers in every imaginable form. Stay right by Diamante’s seafront promenade, just a 3-minute walk from the beach, at A Casa Di Luca.

With waters as dazzling as its name suggests, the coastal town of Diamante lies on the Riviera dei Cedri, a scenic seaside stretch of southern Italy. Once described by Italian poet, Gabriele D’Annunzio as the ‘Tyrrhenian pearl’, it’s a place where pale, glimmering sands, cliffs and rocky outcrops characterise the coastline. Relax in the sun at one of the town’s many seaside cafés. Or snorkel, scuba dive, water ski and sail on its deep blue waters. If you’re in town in early September, you’ll also be able to enjoy the Festival del Peperoncino, an annual event that sees the town filled with stalls selling chili peppers in every imaginable form. Stay right by Diamante’s seafront promenade, just a 3-minute walk from the beach, at A Casa Di Luca.

Punta Ala, Tuscany

Relatively undiscovered by anyone other than in-the-know Italians, the Tuscan town of Punta Ala is a visual delight where thick pine forest-covered hills slope down towards deep blue-green sea. Sunbathe on long swathes of sand and spot the island of Elba (where Napoleon was exiled), or the misty outline of Corsica on the horizon. Visit the marina at sunset to see yacht masts gently bobbing in the waves while pizzerias, cafés and bars open their doors to tourists strolling along the waterfront. Stay at the highly rated Gallia Palace Hotel – Relais & Châteaux, where guests have access to a private beach, outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts.