HIDDEN BEACHES REVEALED

For the quintessential Italian summer month, August, we wanted to provide a preferential view of some of our best beaches.

However, we cannot ignore the stress and the noise pollution you will experience when visiting the most famous Italian beaches during this month. And that for some people, will probably eclipse the astonishing beauty of these places, which, we believe, will be a shame.

In addition to that, we don’t want to feel responsible for creating overtourism by sending visitors to already overcrowded beaches where you won’t be able to relax and properly enjoy the environment.

So, if you’re still thinking of visiting Italy this summer – which in some regions will still be warm for a few more months – we thought that we would provide you with some insider tips and local gems.

“Where did you go for those?” you might ask. Not too far, not too far!

We are blessed with an amazing team of professional and passionate women who cannot wait to share some of the charming spots they grew up visiting.

Are you ready to walk terrains mostly known only by locals?
Let’s go!

 

SICILY

We should start with a location which is probably not completely hidden.

Nevertheless, it requires serious intention and dedication to reach it.
To get to the paradisiac seven beaches and coves dello Zingaro (Italian for “gypsy’s”), you would need to walk for a little while, or, in some cases, take a boat ride.
But it would be worth the effort.
They are located in the province of Trapani, only a couple of hours by car from the Baroque Palermo, where you could head off for out-of-the-ordinary cultural and gastronomic experiences.

Crystal waters and comfortable pebble beaches will be your reward, with the bonus of pure nature’s vibrations as a soundtrack.

 

LAZIO

Loretta, among others, suggested the pretty beach of Torre Astura, near the town of Nettuno.
Formerly an island, the current peninsula, where the beach is located, is a perfect destination for a tranquil day immersed in waters that have witnessed medieval stories of Saracen invasions and even more ancient battles between Romans and Latins. The coastal area later became a great destination for the summer holidays of the Romans, as proved by the remains of Roman villas, including the one of Cicero.

Torre Astura is located North of the underrated Circeo National Park, a pearl of beauty on the Tyrrhenian coast. The beach provides the feeling of a private place, as you can safely reach it by boat. Don’t miss out on trying some snorkeling.

 

LIGURIA

In Liguria, Arianna suggested two tiny beaches, one of which – close to Capo Noli – she visited on several occasions. Since it doesn’t even have road signs, and probably not even a name, you can find it by using another cute beach nearby called Tueste as a reference, which has been identified on the map. Once there, you can take the authentic path, off the beaten track, and start your treasure hunt.

You can always count on Arianna’s help to guide you there.

SARDINIA

We are approaching one of the regions with the highest number of renowned beaches in Italy.
This island has traditionally been one of the most glamorous destinations for VIP holidaymakers. However, our Annalisa was able to give us a couple of precious suggestions and provide a few amazing pictures.

She took us to Cala dei Gabbiani, on the Baunei coast, in Orosei Gulf.
She showed us the incredible color of the water and the unique rocky scenery, shaped by erosion and time. You can reach it by boat and enjoy the peaceful views it offers.

On the western coast of Sardinia, Annalisa took us to Mari Ermi, known by the local people.

It wasn’t the gorgeous colors of its water that astonished us the most, but its beach. This is not made of common sand or rocks, but quartz grains, whose white color contrasts perfectly with the blue shades of the nearby waters.

 

CALABRIA

Maria Grazia invited us to her region, to introduce us to three little gems.

The first is the perfect alternative to the frequently recommended and overcrowded Tropea. You can only reach Michelino beach (Spiaggia Michelino) on foot, by going down the 210 steps that overlook the spectacular sea you are about to dive into. She confirms that on a clear day, you can even spot the Aeolian Islands in Sicily.

The second beach is also in Catanzaro province but on the opposite eastern coast of Calabria. Caminia Beach is located between Stalettì and Copanello municipalities. The beach is mostly sand and pebbles, the sea is of an intense blue and you can even go snorkeling.

On the beach, you will find the San Gregorio caves, accessible on foot or by sea and while there, you can learn about the religious story attached to the caves from a local guide.

Last but not least, it is Maria Grazia’s hometown’s beach – Roccella Ionica.
Also famous for the most popular Jazz Festival in South Italy, it is located on the Ionic coast in the province of Reggio Calabria.

Sail and windsurfing are available in its crystal-clear waters, and the beach is safe and comfortable for families with children.

 

PUGLIA

We will close this overview with some suggestions from Chiara S. in Apulia, and more specifically from Salento.

She started by mentioning the beautiful Porto Selvaggio (Italian for “Wild Port”) beach, which, as the name might suggest, is hard to reach. The stunning Baia dei Turchi (Bay of the Turks) is a 10-minute drive from Otranto, a town in the province of Lecce.

In the same province, but exactly on the other side of the “heel of Italy”, Gallipoli hides a tiny beach in the middle of the historic town center, called Spiaggia della Purità (which means “little beach of purity”), populated exclusively by local people. The best spot to enjoy a romantic sunset, according to our trusted insider.

Moving south on the eastern coast of the heel, we found Porto Miggiano beach, also known as the 100 steps beach, with its extraordinary blue waters.

We want to close this collection with another small beach, closer to Santa Maria di Leuca. Tricase Porto Beach is visited only by residents and doesn’t even have a proper name, unless that, too, is kept secret by the inhabitants.

Enjoy your extended map of Italy, enriched by new exclusive locations!

 

Reach out to your local Italian experts to craft every detail of your next visit.

Thanks again to our lovely team for the insightful suggestions!

Happy Italian Summer everyone!

 

Words by Elisa Spampinato

 

Cover image: Porto Miggiano (Photo credits @Paolo Damiano Dolce from Wikimedia Commons)