There are still secluded beaches, secret coves, and hidden sandy shores in Italy, albeit tricky to find. Far from the tourist crowds and built-up resorts, they remain special, largely because visitors tread lightly and respect their fragile, remote settings. A little mindfulness about your presence goes a long way to keeping these hidden beaches unspoilt.
From the legendary turquoise waters of Sardinia to the lesser-known wonders along the Cilento and Gargano coasts, these secret beaches reveal a wilder, more untouched side of Italy. Many are tucked into breathtaking scenery, sometimes only reached by foot, boat or after a scenic hike, which helps preserve their magic. Along the way, you’ll discover breathtaking viewpoints across the waters and some of Italy's family-friendly beaches that have remained under the radar.
- Spiaggia di Sansone (Elba Island, Tuscany)
- Cala Pulcino (Lampedusa, Sicily)
- Cala Goloritzé (Ogliastra, Sardinia)
- Spiaggia degli Infreschi (Cilento, Campania)
- Cala di Mitigliano (Sorrento, Naples)
- Spiaggia delle Dune (Porto Pino, Sardinia)
- Baia delle Zagare (Gargano, Puglia)
- Cala Marinella (Riserva dello Zingaro, Sicily)
- Treading lightly: responsible beach time
Spiaggia di Sansone (Elba Island, Tuscany)
A sparkling pebble-and-sand bay with crystalline water, Sansone beach is perfect for snorkellers and anyone seeking that secret beach feel. Despite its popularity with locals, the beach remains less touristy than Elba’s main strands, thanks to its steep descent and limited parking. The beach is located in the Arcipelago Toscano National Park, around an hour's walk from the quiet coastal town of Portoferraio.
Cala Pulcino (Lampedusa, Sicily)
This secluded cove offers white sand and dazzling blue sea, accessed by a scenic walk through a protected nature reserve. Pulcino cove’s wild beauty easily earns it a spot among the most beautiful and hidden sandy beaches in Italy. The nearby town of Lampedusa is renowned for its laid-back, family-friendly character.
Cala Goloritzé (Ogliastra, Sardinia)
Famed for its needle-shaped rock, luminous blue seas, and untouched nature, Cala Goloritzé is one of Sardinia’s best hidden beaches. Its nearest town is the sleepy Baunei, and the cove can only be reached by a hike through lush Mediterranean scrub. This effort keeps mass tourism at bay, so the cove feels wonderfully wild, and it's a favourite with adventurous swimmers and snorkellers.
Spiaggia degli Infreschi (Cilento, Campania)
Nestled in the Cilento National Park, Infreschi bay looks like a Mediterranean painting come to life, with emerald water framed by wild cliffs and ancient watchtowers. Mediterranea macchia, rock pools, and old fishermen’s shelters add to the secret-beaches charm. A favourite among Italian families seeking secluded beaches in Italy, this cove is best reached by boat from Marina di Camerota.
Cala di Mitigliano (Sorrento, Naples)
Mitigliano is a wild, pebbly cove found at the end of a winding footpath just west of Sorrento, near the tip of the Punta Campanella headland. This spot isn’t widely known to tourists, so even in summer, you’ll find it quite quiet. The beach is backed by high, rugged cliffs and surrounded by fragrant Mediterranean scrub, with stunning views over to Capri on clear days. There are no facilities here, so you’ll want to bring everything you need and be prepared for a bit of a hike, as it's about a 40-minute walk from Termini village.
Spiaggia delle Dune (Porto Pino, Sardinia)
Stretching behind dazzling white dunes and framed by wild juniper and Mediterranean scrub, this beach is near the southern tip of Sardinia in Porto Pino. Facilities are limited the farther you wander from the main access points, which means even in summer, the outer reaches of Spiaggia delle Dune remain quiet and less touristy. The beach is easily reachable by car from nearby quiet beach towns, and its unspoiled nature and tranquil vibe put it high on the list for anyone wanting to experience a more secluded side of Sardinia.
Baia delle Zagare (Gargano, Puglia)
Located beneath the towering white cliffs of Gargano National Park, Zagare bay is considered one of Italy’s most beautiful beaches. It is known for its dazzling white pebbles and the dramatic Faraglioni sea stacks rising from the crystal-clear water. Due to its popularity and unique setting, access to the bay is deliberately restricted. The beach can be reached by descending a steep, pine-shaded path or via a private hotel lift perched. The closest town is Mattinata, which is a historic seaside resort.
Cala Marinella (Riserva dello Zingaro, Sicily)
Nestled deep within Sicily’s Zingaro Nature Reserve, Marinella cove is one of the area’s most peaceful and secluded coves. It is reachable only on foot, about an hour’s scenic hike from either the Scopello or San Vito Lo Capo entrances. Its pebbly shore, crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling, and wild, untouched setting mean it’s far less crowded than the reserve’s more accessible beaches. You won’t find facilities here, but it's great if you're seeking solitude and natural beauty away from the crowds.
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Treading lightly: responsible beach time
Hidden corners of Italy’s coast are magical precisely because they’ve stayed wild and unspoilt. Leave no trace behind (rubbish, plastic, or noise), resist the urge to crowd fragile spots for the sake of a selfie, and swap the car for a stroll or public transport when you can. Even the smallest choices help protect these secret coves, so the next traveller finds them just as special as you did.
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