Discover Italy’s mountainous beaches

Leading Italian specialist, Citalia, uncovers the finest beaches that Italy has to offer set alongside the backdrop of breathaking mountains and cliff faces…

Italy is famous for many things, but its beaches don’t often top the list of the diverse country’s highlights. The traditional image of Italian beaches conjures visions of brightly coloured rows of sun loungers and parasols – a vintage seaside atmosphere, which is certainly with experiencing. However, there are also corners of Italy, both in popular destinations and off-the-beaten-path, boasting unique beaches that rival some of the world’s best and leading Italian specialist, Citalia, has highlighted its pick to discover.

From quaint fishing villages and small coves, to long swathes of sand, both pristine and rugged, there really is something to keep all beach enthusiasts happy. Whether it’s a relaxing week at a coastal Sardinian resort, a few days of down time tagged on to a sight-seeing trip, or a day trip during a self-drive getaway, there are stunning beaches to incorporate into the perfect holiday to Italy.

CHIA BEACH, SARDINIA

There is over 1,800 kilometres of coastline in Sardinia to choose from, but Chia Beach in the south of the island is one of Italy’s best. The light gold sands enjoy a backdrop of protected sand dunes and juniper trees, offering the beach a little shelter. The perfect base here is the Chia Laguna Resort, which offers a complimentary shuttle service to access the beach.

FURORE & ARIENZO BEACHES, AMALFI COAST

Crowds flock to the Amalfi Coast for its pretty coastal towns, but there are also some beautiful and unique little coves perfect for seeking respite. Furore Beach, nestled halfway between Amalfi and Positano, is just 25 metres long and within one of Italy’s only fjords. Overlooked by towering rocks and lined with pastel-coloured fishermen’s cottages, it is far from a simple bucket-and-spade option.

Just along the coast, Arienzo Beach, is the pick around Positano – it is south-west facing, meaning it’s the only one around that gets the sun all day. It offers deep turquoise waters and views of the Amalfi Coast’s most glamorous beachfront villas.

SAN VITO LO CAPO, SICILY

This three kilometre stretch is lauded as a pearl of the Trapani coastline and celebrated for its Caribbean-like shallow waters. The beach is not only pretty, but enjoys a location next to San Vito Lo Capo town, with lovely restaurants and shops. A stay at the Baglio La Porta di San Gerardo in town is the perfect beach stop on a self-drive holiday around Sicily.

TROPEA BEACH, CALABRIA

Calabria is one of the least-visited areas of Italy and the sands of Tropea are some of the most spectacular, known as the ‘Coast of the Gods’. Located beneath the Santa Maria dell’Isola monastery, Tropea Beach offers Caribbean-style white sands, flanked by mountain views. It has excellent facilities, watersports and is just a short walk from Tropea town.

PUNTA PROSCIUTTO BEACH, PUGLIA

Truly one of Puglia’s (and Italy’s) best, it is unspoilt and one of only 20 protected marina areas in Italy. It boasts some of the clearest waters this side of the Indian Ocean, with a backdrop of golden sand dunes. A 40-minute drive south from Lecce means that it’s a little off the traditional UK tourist trail, yet within easy reach on a day trip from the historic baroque city.

For more information visit http://www.citalia.com