a rocky beach next to the ocean
a rocky beach next to the ocean

My favourite beaches in Italy

I was born just metres from the sea and was lucky to have grown up where the sea and beach dominated our lives. In fact, the sea was my paddling pool and the beach my playground! As a kid, my skin actually tasted of salty seawater and now the first thing I do when I return is dip my feet in the so-familiar sea I grew up with.  

Apart from a couple of landlocked regions, Italy is surrounded by the sea on both sides and blessed with wonderful beaches from north to south. These are some of my favourites.

Amalfi Coast

The chic resort of Positano has two beaches; my favourite, and much admired by artists, is the picturesque Fornillo beach. Well organised with sunloungers, it’s perfect if you don’t want to leave town but still want to enjoy the clear waters of the Amalfi Coast.


Not far from Positano and close to the pretty village of Praiano is Marina di Praia. Surrounded by high cliffs, this small, secluded seaside village is easily overlooked if you miss the small turning. The pebbly beach of this pretty cove is lined with colourful fishing boats and fishermen’s nets, just like the Amalfi Coast I was so familiar with as a child. With the addition of cafés and restaurants, this makes a perfect spot for soaking up the sun, swimming in the crystalline sea and catching up on some much-needed relaxation away from the hustle and bustle. 

Of course, I couldn’t possibly ignore the beach of my home village, Minori. Perfect for families, the clean, well-organised beach makes a great base for taking boat trips to Amalfi or Salerno, or you can hire your own boat and explore the quiet hidden coves for a relaxing swim like I always do when I go back. During the summer months, a beach side spa has recently opened, so I’m really looking forward to enjoying a bit of pampering on my next visit.

Cilento

Known for its wide, sandy beaches, this extension to the Amalfi Coast is a favourite with local Italian families.  


Not far from Positano and close to the pretty village of Praiano is Marina di Praia. Surrounded by high cliffs, this small, secluded seaside village is easily overlooked if you miss the small turning. The pebbly beach of this pretty cove is lined with colourful fishing boats and fishermen’s nets, just like the Amalfi Coast I was so familiar with as a child. With the addition of cafés and restaurants, this makes a perfect spot for soaking up the sun, swimming in the crystalline sea and catching up on some much-needed relaxation away from the hustle and bustle. 

Of course, I couldn’t possibly ignore the beach of my home village, Minori. Perfect for families, the clean, well-organised beach makes a great base for taking boat trips to Amalfi or Salerno, or you can hire your own boat and explore the quiet hidden coves for a relaxing swim like I always do when I go back. During the summer months, a beach side spa has recently opened, so I’m really looking forward to enjoying a bit of pampering on my next visit.

Calabria & Basilicata

These undiscovered southern regions have beautiful coastlines, with sheer cliffs rising dramatically above rocky coves, charming sleepy seaside resorts and clear, warm waters.


Not far from Positano and close to the pretty village of Praiano is Marina di Praia. Surrounded by high cliffs, this small, secluded seaside village is easily overlooked if you miss the small turning. The pebbly beach of this pretty cove is lined with colourful fishing boats and fishermen’s nets, just like the Amalfi Coast I was so familiar with as a child. With the addition of cafés and restaurants, this makes a perfect spot for soaking up the sun, swimming in the crystalline sea and catching up on some much-needed relaxation away from the hustle and bustle. 

Of course, I couldn’t possibly ignore the beach of my home village, Minori. Perfect for families, the clean, well-organised beach makes a great base for taking boat trips to Amalfi or Salerno, or you can hire your own boat and explore the quiet hidden coves for a relaxing swim like I always do when I go back. During the summer months, a beach side spa has recently opened, so I’m really looking forward to enjoying a bit of pampering on my next visit.

Sardinia

From chic Costa Smeralda in the north to the more rugged south, the island of Sardinia is a must for any sea lover, boasting some of Europe’s most stunning beaches.


Not far from Positano and close to the pretty village of Praiano is Marina di Praia. Surrounded by high cliffs, this small, secluded seaside village is easily overlooked if you miss the small turning. The pebbly beach of this pretty cove is lined with colourful fishing boats and fishermen’s nets, just like the Amalfi Coast I was so familiar with as a child. With the addition of cafés and restaurants, this makes a perfect spot for soaking up the sun, swimming in the crystalline sea and catching up on some much-needed relaxation away from the hustle and bustle. 

Of course, I couldn’t possibly ignore the beach of my home village, Minori. Perfect for families, the clean, well-organised beach makes a great base for taking boat trips to Amalfi or Salerno, or you can hire your own boat and explore the quiet hidden coves for a relaxing swim like I always do when I go back. During the summer months, a beach side spa has recently opened, so I’m really looking forward to enjoying a bit of pampering on my next visit.

Tuscany

Tuscany is not only known for its wonderful countryside and medieval towns – it also has a lively coastline which is very lovely. 


Not far from Positano and close to the pretty village of Praiano is Marina di Praia. Surrounded by high cliffs, this small, secluded seaside village is easily overlooked if you miss the small turning. The pebbly beach of this pretty cove is lined with colourful fishing boats and fishermen’s nets, just like the Amalfi Coast I was so familiar with as a child. With the addition of cafés and restaurants, this makes a perfect spot for soaking up the sun, swimming in the crystalline sea and catching up on some much-needed relaxation away from the hustle and bustle. 

Of course, I couldn’t possibly ignore the beach of my home village, Minori. Perfect for families, the clean, well-organised beach makes a great base for taking boat trips to Amalfi or Salerno, or you can hire your own boat and explore the quiet hidden coves for a relaxing swim like I always do when I go back. During the summer months, a beach side spa has recently opened, so I’m really looking forward to enjoying a bit of pampering on my next visit.

Sicily

I just love the Aeolian Islands for their simplicity, but incredible beauty. Spiaggia Bianca in Lipari and Spiaggia Rinella in Salina are my favourites, on two stunning islands.  


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