C‘there is little that can be done, Italy with all its problems then, in the end, continues to surprise. It is no coincidence, therefore, that the British newspaper The Guardian has chosen one of the most characteristic faces of the Bel Paesefor one of its rankings of the most beautiful places. And the face is exactly that of the beaches, specifically, the free beaches, less tamed, without rows of umbrellas and sunbedsbut with the sea presented in its most authentic form.
The most beautiful Italian free beaches according to the Guardian
The choice of the English newspaper speaks of an increasingly strong trend: the desire to experience the sea without filtersaway from the crowds and structures that often transform the coast into a succession of establishments. The Guardian, in our country, which can count on over eight thousand kilometers of coastline, then seeks out precisely those places where nature still dictates the rhythm of the days. From the Gargano to Pantelleria, passing through the Marche, Lazio and Tuscanythe journey drawn by the Guardian passes through very different landscapes, but united by one element: the sensation of being in front of a sea that keeps its character intact.
The Gargano, where the cliffs meet the sea
There first destination is Pugliabut not Salento. The Guardian chooses the Gargano which offers a completely different scenario. Here the coast is a succession of high white rock walls, pine forests that reach down to the sea and small bays hidden between the cliffs. Among the places indicated, the beach of Vignanotica stands outa crescent of light pebbles set at the foot of a spectacular cliff. It is located not far away Portuguesea cozy and almost wild cove, surrounded by Aleppo pines. There are no major tourist services here and the landscape invites you to slow down: the water is deep and transparent, ideal for those who love swimming or observing the seabed with a mask and snorkel.
Portogreco, Gargano – A cove hidden among the Aleppo pines, where the silence is broken only by the sound of the waves
The Conero Riviera and the discreet charm of the Adriatic
In the Marche, the Conero Park it houses one of the most fascinating coasts of the Adriatic. The promontory, formed by limestone rock, rises to almost six hundred meters and plunges into a sea that alternates emerald green and intense blue reflections. The Portonovo Bay is the heart of this landscape. Here the equipped areas coexist with large stretches of free beach, where the white pebbles and the scent of the pine trees create a relaxed and never excessive atmosphere. Among the most iconic views are the Sailing Beach And the rocks between Sirolo and Numanaloved by those who prefer to relax on the rocks rather than on the sand. The presence of the small Romanesque church of Santa Maria di Portonovo contributes to making the panorama even more special, a medieval building that almost seems to emerge from the natural landscape, a few steps from the shore.
Ponza, the island of secret coves
In the heart of the Tyrrhenian Seathe newspaper finds in Ponza one of the most fascinating destinations for those looking for an unconventional sea. The island is characterized by white and yellow tuff cliffs shaped by wind and waterwho dive into a sea of surprising nuances. Here the traditional beaches often give way to small inlets that can be reached by sea or via panoramic paths. The days pass between dives from the smooth rocks, long swims and stops in coves where time seems to expand. The transparency of the water, favored by the clear seabed, gives colors that recall those of the most distant islands, despite remaining just a few hours from the Lazio coast.
Pantelleria, the sea born from the volcano
Of all the selected destinations, however, Pantelleria is perhaps the one with the most intense and particular character. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, the Sicilian island offers a landscape shaped by its volcanic origin. Here the sand gives way to lava stone and basalt terraces that accompany entry into the water. Balata of the Turksat the extreme south of the island, is one of the most suggestive bays. Unexpected shows too in the Nikà areadel Pond of the Undines and the Mirror of Venusthe volcanic lake famous for its mineral-rich mud. To complete the charm of the island there are the dammusithe traditional lava stone houses with domed roofs that tell a long story of coexistence between man and nature.
Balata dei Turchi, Pantelleria – Volcanic rocks and crystal clear sea tell the story of the wildest and most authentic face of the island (Getty Images)
Nisporto, the quiet corner of the island of Elba
You cannot miss the island of Elba, full of well-known locations and crowded beaches in the summer. Yet the island also holds more secluded places, such as the bay of Nisporto, in the municipality of Rio. Enclosed in a horseshoe shape and reachable via a panoramic road that crosses the hills, this beach maintains a relaxed atmosphere even in the busiest months. The coastline alternates sand and small pebbleswhile the seabed slopes gently making the sea particularly clear. It is one of those places where beauty doesn’t need special effects, but reveals itself slowly.
Marina di Alberese, the force of nature in Maremma
The final destination of the journey proposed by the Guardian is the Tuscan Maremma and, in particular, the beach of Marina di Albereseinside the Maremma Regional Park. Here the concept of a free beach takes on an even deeper meaning: the landscape is protected and the presence of man remains discreet. A long stretch of golden sand extends for kilometers between dunes, pine forests and wetlands frequented by numerous species of birds, including herons. Marina di Alberese is one of those places that remind us how the sea can still be synonymous with silence, space and freedom.
Italian free beaches still exist
The Guardian’s selection goes beyond a simple tourist ranking. It’s a different way to experience your holidayswhere luxury does not necessarily coincide with exclusive services, but with the possibility of immersing yourself in a real landscape, listening to the sound of the waves and rediscovering contact with nature. The six destinations chosen tell of an Italy that still knows how to respond to these requests: that of protected coasts, hidden bays and paths that lead to a sea to be conquered step by step. A precious heritage, which continues to fascinate even international observers and which remember how much richness and beauty exists in the Mare Nostrum.