Italy is a country rich in enchanting places. With the arrival of the warm season, these locations are literally swarmed by tourists, making it very difficult to enjoy a peaceful vacation.
To help you spend truly relaxing holidays and experience moments of pure relaxation, in this article we’ll introduce you to some of Italy’s most deserted beaches. These are magical places that, being less known, offer an atmosphere of peace and serenity hard to find in more popular destinations.
Among our suggestions, you’ll find small hidden beaches, long stretches of white sand, and wild coves, all united by their beauty and the possibility of living an authentic and relaxing experience. Ready to set off for these secluded places?
What are the quietest beaches in Italy
For those of you looking for a corner of paradise away from the hustle and bustle of the most famous seaside resorts, in this section we’ll guide you to discover the less crowded beaches in Italy: special places that will captivate you not only for their beauty but also for the opportunity to experience many new adventures in an atmosphere of calm and relaxation.
1. Spiaggia del Frate (Friar’s Beach), Marche
If you’re looking for a corner of paradise where the only sound you can hear is that of waves gently breaking on the shore, then Spiaggia del Frate is perfect for you.
This small bay, nestled between the white cliffs of Conero Park, takes its name from an ancient convent of Franciscan friars and is among the least crowded beaches on the Marche coast.
Here you’ll find a large public beach, perfect for couples who want to enjoy a day by the sea in total tranquility, but also for more adventurous spirits who want to discover the most authentic part of the beach by exploring its seabed far and wide.
2. Baia delle Zagare (Bay of Orange Blossoms), Puglia
Located in the heart of Gargano, between Mattinata and Vieste, this bay is one of the symbols of northern Puglia, famous for its white cliffs and two iconic limestone sea stacks sculpted by the wind. The view from here is breathtaking: a kilometer of light sand mixed with pebbles, lapped by emerald waters that create a dreamlike atmosphere.
This isolated beach takes its name from the orange blossom flowers of the lemon trees that grow nearby and spread an unmistakable aroma in the environment, especially during spring and autumn.
This delicate scent, combined with the wild beauty of the landscape, makes visiting the bay a unique experience perfectly aligned with the desires of those who want to discover the authentic beauties of our Beautiful Country.
3. Marina di Vecchiano, Tuscany
The beach of Marina di Vecchiano, one of the last stretches of Tuscan coast that remains unspoiled, is a place characterized by a unique and deeply varied landscape.
Here the beach is partly public and partly equipped, with modern and welcoming structures that allow you to spend peaceful days by the sea, away from the frenzy of more touristy places.
The long stretches of sand are also perfect for those who love long walks while observing the panorama or for those who want to try horseback riding surrounded by nature.
4. Eraclea Minoa, Sicily
Moving to Sicily, we find Eraclea, a famous bay that, thanks to its unique ecosystem characterized by sand dunes and Mediterranean vegetation, is among the most peculiar hidden beaches in Italy.
Here, beachgoers can find both public beaches and equipped areas, as well as a large pine forest where they can take a break in the shade after a day of sun and sea.
The surrounding area is rich in small bays to explore. Among the most notable are the wild beach of Capo Bianco (reachable only on foot with a 15-minute walk) and Bovo Marina, a fine sand shore ideal for families.
5. Spiaggia del Turchino (Turquoise Beach), Abruzzo
Spiaggia Calata Turchino is a beach only a hundred meters long, but despite its small size, it offers everything you need to spend a day of relaxation.
One of the most fascinating aspects of this beach is the view of the Turchino trabocco, an ancient fishing structure that adds a touch of history to the landscape. This trabocco, celebrated by Gabriele D’Annunzio, is one of the icons of the Abruzzo coast and helps make this place one of the most suggestive in the area.
6. Cala del Gesso (Chalk Cove), Tuscany
Cala del Gesso is a small beach in the Argentario surrounded by imposing cliffs. There’s no better way to disconnect from daily hustle and bustle than spending a day in this corner of paradise: here, snorkeling enthusiasts can find a seabed rich in life, while beachgoers can enjoy a truly enchanting scenery.
If you wish to spend a day in this small enchanted corner of Tuscany, don’t forget to bring everything you need. Cala del Gesso is, in fact, a completely public beach and it’s not possible to find any kind of service nearby.
7. Porto Selvaggio (Wild Port), Puglia
For those in Puglia, specifically in Salento, Porto Selvaggio is a perfect place to escape from tourist chaos. This beautiful rocky bay, kissed by the Ionian waters, is one of the most beautiful destinations to enjoy the crystal-clear sea in total tranquility.
In addition to the beach, this location also features several historical attractions such as Torre dell’Alto and Torre Uluzzo, which offer spectacular views of the sea where you can take wonderful souvenir photos.
8. Cala Rossa (Red Cove), Sicily
Cala Rossa, located on the island of Favignana, is one of the most beautiful places in Sicily and among the least crowded beaches in Italy. Getting to this small cove is not at all simple because there are no paths accessible to vehicles, but the only way to enjoy this corner of paradise is to walk along beautiful trails immersed in nature.
Once you reach the beach, the panorama you’ll find will leave you breathless: here, the splendid turquoise waters of the sea are surrounded by imposing rocky cliffs, creating a highly suggestive landscape that ranks among the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.
9. Spiaggia del Trave (Beam Beach), Marche
Spiaggia del Trave, in the heart of the Conero Riviera, is a natural gem that takes its name from the “Trave” (Beam), a rocky wall that extends for several meters into the sea, creating a breathtaking and unique scenario.
Here the beach is public and doesn’t provide any services, except for a small bar-restaurant where you can enjoy a refreshment. It’s the ideal place for those who want to escape the crowds and enjoy an oasis of peace and tranquility.
10. Spiaggia del Pineto (Pine Grove Beach), Abruzzo
Spiaggia del Pineto, in Abruzzo, is an earthly paradise where nature reigns supreme. This long stretch of golden sand, framed by the lush greenery of the pine grove from which it takes its name, creates a landscape capable of enchanting every visitor.
In addition to its natural beauty, the beach is also part of the Torre del Cerrano Marine Protected Area, a precious habitat for various rare bird species that find refuge and nest in the dunes between the beach and the pine grove.
The location is renowned for the clarity of its waters and the excellence of its services. It’s no coincidence that it has been awarded multiple times with the prestigious Blue Flag and Green Flag (the recognition given to beaches ideal for families).
11. Spiaggia dei Gabbiani (Seagulls Beach), Marche
Spiaggia dei Gabbiani is a hidden beach in Italy located in the Conero park. Here, the rocks of the majestic mountain plunge into the crystal-clear waters of the sea, creating a unique panorama.
This small remote cove is the perfect refuge for those who desire an authentic contact with unspoiled nature. Indeed, this beach has managed to maintain its natural characteristics intact over the years and is today considered one of the major places of peace and tranquility on the Marche coast.
12. Cala Violina (Violin Cove), Tuscany
Cala Violina, located in Punta Ala, in the heart of Tuscany, is a strip of land that faces a sea enclosed between two promontories and constitutes one of the most secluded beaches in Italy.
The sand in this place is light and granular, composed of very fine quartz grains that emit a sound similar to that of a violin when walked upon.
This unique characteristic, combined with the splendid turquoise waters of the sea, make Cala Violina one of the most beautiful spots in Maremma and the perfect destination for those seeking beauty, tranquility, and an experience in contact with nature.
13. Riserva Vendicari (Vendicari Reserve), Sicily
The Vendicari Nature Reserve is located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, between the fascinating localities of Noto and Marzamemi. This protected area has been defined over the years as “the birds’ hotel”. Indeed, during the migratory seasons, you can observe flamingos, herons, storks, and many other species that choose this paradise as a stop on their journeys.
In addition to the extraordinary fauna, the reserve also offers the opportunity to explore ancient remains of tuna fisheries, coastal towers, and necropolises dating back to the Greek and Roman eras. For those who want to enjoy the beauty of the panorama, the place offers splendid stretches of sand where you can spend priceless moments of relaxation or enchanting paths immersed in nature where you can venture to discover incredible breathtaking landscapes.
14. Isola di Zannone (Zannone Island), Lazio
Zannone is a deserted island that is part of the Circeo National Park nature reserve and can only be visited by booking an excursion through the Circeo National Park Directorate in Sabaudia.
During the visit, you will not only come into contact with spectacular panoramas and paths immersed in unspoiled nature, but you can also discover historical sites of great value, such as remains of a Benedictine monastery and walls belonging to an ancient Roman villa.
15. Spiaggia delle Tamerici (Tamarisk Beach), Emilia Romagna
Spiaggia delle Tamerici is a beach totally different from those we are used to seeing in Emilia Romagna. Here, instead of traditional umbrellas, you’ll find geometric rows of tamarisk trees which, with their light and wild foliage, provide shade to everyone.
Spiaggia delle Tamerici is a simple, ecological, and economical place, ideal for those who want to enjoy the sea without going to a beach resort.
16. Cala del Prigioniero (Prisoner’s Cove), Lazio
Cala del Prigioniero, located in the Circeo promontory, in Lazio is a fascinating cove that owes its name to a World War II prisoner who took refuge right here, taking advantage of the presence of a hidden cave.
This beach, accessible only by sea, is characterized by white pebbles and transparent, very clean water that has earned it the prestigious Blue Flag award. To the right of the cove, you’ll find a small shelter where you can enjoy the panorama of this unspoiled and blue sea, little frequented even during the summer months.
17. Spiaggia della Bassona (Bassona Beach), Emilia Romagna
Spiaggia della Bassona, located south of Lido di Dante, is one of the most beautiful gems of the Romagna Riviera. This enchanting place is almost completely devoid of tourist infrastructure, offering an authentic and natural experience.
In this spot, the blue of the Adriatic blends harmoniously with the warm colors of the historic Pineta di Classe, one of Romagna’s main green lungs, creating a very suggestive landscape.
Thanks to its reserved and secluded character, Spiaggia della Bassona has been a favorite destination for decades for nudists who love to live in direct contact with the surrounding environment.
18. Lido di Volano, Emilia Romagna
Lido di Volano is the northernmost locality of the Comacchio coastline and takes its name from an ancient branch of the Po River.
Surrounded by a vast pine forest, this locality offers a quiet and unspoiled refuge, perfect for those who want to stay away from the crowds.
The beaches, wide and sparsely populated, are ideal for long walks and sunbathing, protected by the pine forest and with a splendid view of the great Po Delta and the Sacca di Goro.
Thanks to its isolated position, combined with exposure to wind and sea currents, this lido is also a place of great fun for lovers of niche sports such as kitesurfing and windsurfing.
19. Punta Ferruccio, Abruzzo
Starting from Ortona, the coastal landscape changes dramatically, and the wide sandy beaches of the north are replaced by hidden coves between rocks and cliffs. Punta Ferruccio is one of these.
This corner of paradise is perfect for those seeking a quiet and secluded place, away from the chaos of crowded beaches. The imposing cliffs that overlook the beach offer a breathtaking panorama, while the white pebbles create a spectacular contrast with the intense blue of the sea, proving to be an ideal place for nature lovers and those who desire an authentic sea experience.
20. Chiaia di Luna (Moon’s Crescent), Lazio
Chiaia di Luna is the most famous and photogenic beach on the island of Ponza, in Lazio. This wonderful bay, also known as Cala di Luna (Moon’s Cove), has a shape that recalls a crescent moon on a summer night.
The beach is dominated by a scenic amphitheater-shaped cliff of yellow and white tuff, which plunges into the turquoise waters and embraces a sandy seabed. During full moon nights, the walls of the cliff reflect the moonbeams, illuminating the bay in a suggestive way and creating an almost surreal atmosphere.
Explore Italy’s less crowded beaches and enjoy the Beautiful Country in total tranquility
Now that you’ve been able to read our advice on Italy’s hidden places to visit during the summer, all that remains is to plan your trip by including some of these magical spots in your itinerary.
And if after a day among wild nature and natural paths you want to relax by taking a dip in a nice private pool or taking a nap in the lounger of your private garden, by renting a villa you can be fully satisfied.
With Anita Villas, you can rent holiday homes in the most hidden places in Italy and enjoy an exclusive and comfortable stay. Our villas in Italy are carefully selected to offer maximum comfort and privacy, allowing you to live an unforgettable experience immersed in beauty.
Here’s where you can find us:
- Villas in the Marche
- Villas in Tuscany
- Villas in Sicily
- Villas in Apulia
- Villas in Emilia-Romagna
- Villas in Lazio
- Villas in Umbria
- Villas in Abruzzo
Choose your ideal destination and get ready to discover the hidden wonders of the Beautiful Country, with the certainty of having a luxury refuge where you can relax at the end of each day.