10 secluded beaches in Italy
Travelers come from around the world to experience the extraordinary beauty of the Italian coastline. Italians have been blessed with some of the Mediterranean’s best beaches, but they aren’t all crowds and colourful sunbeds. There are some secluded beaches where people can leave behind the stress of everyday life and relax in unspoilt natural beauty. Here are our favourite 10 secluded beaches in Italy.
Bidderosa Beach, Sardinia
This secluded beach is located in Orosei, Sardinia, and is part of a nature reserve. In order to go to the beach you need to buy a ticket from the Forest Station of Orosei, as daily admission is restricted. The beach here is made up of five coves where crystal clear water laps at the silver white sand. To reach Bidderosa Beach you walk down a beautiful path lined with junipers and pine trees. The 4km walk ends with possibly the most beautiful beach in Italy.
Bagni della Regina Giovanna, Campania
Located near Sorrento, in the Campania region of southern Italy, is the beautiful hidden cove of Bagni della Regina Giovanna. The rocky slopes that surround Bagni della Regina Giovanna make reaching this beautiful spot a bit tricky, but the rock pools, turquoise water and archway that joins this lagoon to the sea make it well worth the effort. The lagoon can also be reached by boat.
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Laurito, Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is well known for its selection of gorgeous beaches, which are buzzing with activity during the summer months. But there are a few beaches along the Amalfi Coast that the locals like to keep secret. One of these lovely spots is Laurito. Here you can stretch out on deck chairs and watch as the turquoise water laps at the dark sand and pebbles. Although it’s a popular spot with the locals, it isn’t overrun with tourists and is a pleasant change from busier Amalfi Coast beaches. There’s a bus stop above the steep path that climbs down to Laurito, but shuttle boats that leave from Positano’s main jetty are a more popular option when it comes to reaching this secluded beach, just look for the boat with the red fish on the mast.
Cala Luna, Sardinia
Cala Luna is another gorgeous secluded beach that can be found in Sardinia, on the northwestern coast near Dorgali. The crescent shaped beach is surrounded by lush green hills and overlooks the Gulf of Orosei. Cala Luna is ideal if you’re traveling with small children, as the water is shallow and crystal clear. The warm water temperature also makes Cala Luna a great sport for snorkeling and scuba diving. If you’re feeling adventurous you can explore six small caves nearby, as well as Del Bue Marino grotto, which can be reached by boat. To reach Cala Luna, follow the footpath from Cala Fuili or Balnei, but be warned, it’s a strenuous hike, so if you’re not up to it, or if you are traveling with young children, then reaching Cala Luna by boat is a better option. Boats leave from Cala Gonone port or Marina di Orosei.
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Dino Island, Praia a Mare, Calabria
Approximately 100 m from the beach at Praia a Mare sits a rock outcrop called Dino Island. It’s here that you’ll find gorgeous hidden coves and impressive sea caves that are accessible by small craft and paddle boats. Scuba diving is also popular here. If you want to get your adrenalin pumping when you’re visiting Praia a Mare, you can cliff jump off Arcomagno Rock, a 22 metre (67 feet) natural bridge over a hidden bay, or go paragliding.
Tordigliano Beach, Amalfi Coast
Another one of the Amalfi Coast’s gems is Tordigliano Beach, which is located 15km from Sorrento. It is comprised of 3 pebble beaches and is one of the most beautiful, unspoilt spots along Italy’s Amalfi Coast. From the beach, you can enjoy a splendid view of the Li Galli islands. Most travelers arrive here by boat, but it is possible to reach this beach on foot. There is a rough trail that begins at SS road Amalfitana no. 163, and leads 2km down to the beach.
Cala Mariolu, Sardinia
The splendid Cala Mariolu beach is located in Sardinia. Here azure blue water and pink pebbles create a beach of incomparable beauty. The shallow, calm water is ideal for families with small children. The water is also ideal for snorkeling. Although Cala Mariolu can be reached on foot, it’s an arduous trek, so the best way to reach it is by boat leaving from Cala Gonone, Arbatax or Santa Maria Navarrese.
Riserva Dello Zingaro, Sicily
Located in Sicily, Riserva Dello Zingaro beach is set in a beautifully rugged and protected area of the island. When you’re staying in a Sicily holiday rental you’ll have your pick of coves along the coast, with magnificent white sand and astoundingly clear water. It’s the perfect place to relax.
Macarro Beach, Basilicata
Macarro beach is a favourite with local residents. The small beach is set in a delightful little bay overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Relax in the sunshine or enjoy the warm water that is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. To get to the black sand beach, there is short hike down a steep path from the Macarro Beach car park.
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Santa Croce Beach, Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast beach of Santa Croce may be busy during July and August, but for the rest of the year it’s one of the most beautiful little secluded spots along the Amalfi Coast. The water is a gorgeous shade of turquoise blue and there are beachside restaurants where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch. You can reach Santa Croce via boat or via a steep flight of stairs from the Amalfi Coast Road.
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