This summer, beat the heat, stay cool, and avoid the busiest crowds by thinking like a local & visiting these under-the-radar Italian beaches.
An Italian escape to the seaside is the perfect summer getaway; after all, the European hotspot (and its surrounding islands) are known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire world—and with good reason. Breathtakingly azure waters and velvety sand beaches are just some of the stunning sights that can be found on Italy’s top beaches—but, unfortunately, with the amazing views and soft, sandy shores often come hordes of tourists (and locals) looking to beat feet and cool off in the turquoise sea.
But now for the good news: not all of Italy’s beaches are as well-known or as visited as its most popular summer spots; there are some that fly under the radar, many of which are the locals’ best-kept secrets. And for a vacationer looking for a little R&R this summer, the best way is to think like a local—and the following beaches will help to do just that. A parade of scenic spots, each with their own bits of free beach access, these under-the-radar faves will have any beach bum living like an Italian local all summer long.
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This beautiful Sicilian beach of San Vito lo Capo is quintessentially the epitome of busy, bustling sand and surf experiences—bathing-suited crowds, strolling vendors, and beach bars galore. And don’t forget about the scenery that’s all blue surf, velvety soft sand, and stunning scenic views that exude the perfect summertime beachy vibes.
Sardinia is known for its stunning beaches surrounded by some of the most breathtakingly blue waters around—and the Gulf of Orosei beauty of Cala Liberotto is just one of many fantastic spots to choose from on the island’s east side. However, the appeal of Cala Liberotto lies in its large spaces of soft sand that have plenty of free access, giving sunbathers room to spread out and relax without the jostling crowds.
The Puglia coastline boasts a number of beautiful beaches, many of which belong to the lovely and untamed Guaceto Nature Reserve. An off-the-beaten-track location means that travelers will most likely need to rent a car to get there, then walk a bit to the more secluded beach areas. However, the area’s distinctive beaches, lagoons, and vast sand dunes make it a worthwhile endeavor for those looking for an idyllic beach retreat.
Despite its white, sandy beaches and dramatic scenery, Capo Vaticano in lovely Calabria remains a local’s delight that has somehow managed to avoid becoming a touristy trap. Perhaps it’s the beach’s secluded location nestled among the rocky, towering cliffs or the absence of concessions and umbrellas coveted by sunbathers—whatever the reason, Capo Vaticano remains one of Cambria’s best-kept beach secrets.
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Not all beaches are built for sunbathing—some are simply a series of rocks bordering a small sandy shore; a secluded inlet surrounded by deep blue waters—such as the beach of San Fruttoso, not far from Portofino. However, what makes this decidedly unbeach-like beach so special is its unique surroundings and secluded island feel. Only accessible via boat or on foot via a scenic path suspended over the sea, San Fruttoso’s appeal comes from its picturesque setting, which includes one of Italy’s most beautiful abbeys.
The largest island in the Tuscan archipelago, Isola d’Elba, has its fair share of both named and unnamed beaches—all of which are stunning. However, many of the beaches throughout the island are often jam-packed with tourists and their wall-to-wall umbrellas, so it takes a local to really find a spot that’s beautiful, beachy, and also relatively uncrowded. Enter Sant’Andrea Beach, a rock-ringed, cozy hamlet with a postage-stamp-sized beach that’s just big enough for an idyllic day on the water.
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During the summer, it’s practically impossible to find an Italian beach where sunbathers and parasols are not packed like sardines under the sweltering sun—after all, seaside vacations are some of the most popular getaways for both Europeans and tourists alike. However, there is a way to make the most of Italy’s most beautiful beaches; and that’s thinking like a local. This doesn’t mean entirely avoiding the crowds, but it does mean knowing the coolest spots for maxing and relaxing; water sports, scenic views, or a combo of all three—the best (and smartest) way to Viva Italia this summer.
Lisa fell in love with travel from the first minute she ever stepped foot on a plane (though it took awhile!) Ever since, she has had a passion for learning, exploring, and discovering new places, and loves the opportunity to write about so many amazing spots all over the world. Though she doesn't have any recent stamps on her passport, she hopes to be able to get back on a plane sometime (very) soon. In lieu of international travel, Lisa enjoys finding little adventures everyday in her own backyard that often involve the outdoors; and one of her favorite places to go is the Catskills and upstate New York. She also enjoys photography and nature is one of her favorite subjects (especially trees!) Lisa has been lucky enough to visit Costa Rica, Denmark, Germany, and Sweden and hopes that there is much more travel in her future--until then, she is happy to act as a guide to travelers everywhere who love to learn about the world as much as she does.