Do you often find your mind wandering away to distant shores and beautiful beaches?
The sumptuous nation of Italy is home to some some of the world's loveliest beaches, perfect for a sun-drenched getaway brimming with relaxation.
Be sure to include these gorgeous shores on a holiday to Italy.
Rabbit Beach
Don't mind the name - this Sicilian beach offers up truly stunning white sand and crystal-clear waters to enjoy. Lie back and soak in the beauty nature has to offer, as this is purely a relaxation destination. You don't have to worry about bustling streets, crowds or the noise of cars here.
Bring along a beach ball, a book and a magazine and simply enjoy the sea and the shore. Go for a swim to check out the fascinating rock formations and for a change of pace, try some of the area's nature trails.
Cala Mariolu
This amazing beach is located along the coast of Sardinia and never fails to impress.
Its pebbled shores lead into the water, which is a stunning shade of turquoise and absolutely clear. It's perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving and general swimming and exploration.
Giant rocks are also dotted throughout the water, adding to the beach's fascination and offering plenty of opportunities for climbing and adventures.
There are also great views of sheer cliffs, green vegetation and a wide open sky that never fails to shine upon Cala Mariolu.
San Vito Lo Capo
Another beach found in Sicily, San Vito Lo Capo offers up a long white-sand beach with shallow waters perfect for swimming and splashing around.
Hire a sun lounger and parasol or bring your own to spend the perfect day lazing away and relaxing.
There are also plenty of seafront cafes, restaurants and street food vendors that make the beach quite a social hub. There's a long esplanade running alongside the beach, great for leisurely strolls or cycles through the area.
Don't miss sunset at this stunning site. As the sun goes down you'll start to see the warm glow of a nearby lighthouse and streetlights will begin to ignite.
La Feniglia
Found in Tuscany, you can expect soft sand and gentle, calm waters at this destination. The ocean's warm and welcoming for kids and there's plenty else to do, whether it's playing beneath the shade of the Mediterranean pine trees or running up and down the dune. Cycling is also popular in the area around the beach.
For extra adventure you can head away from the main beach to explore the other beautiful shores around the Monte Argentario coastline, many of which are small bays that are either sandy or rocky and that you're likely to have all to yourself.
Punta Della Penna Beach
You don't need to worry about the crowds with this picture-perfect beach, which is located in Abruzzo.
Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, including kilometres of vineyards, it's a true back-to-nature experience.
The long, golden sand shore is backed by a range of picturesque coastal plant life, regularly visited by local bird life. Read a book quietly, paddle out into the calm water on a kayak or walk along the beach with your toes in the sand.
Soak in the relaxed pace of life, the hot sun and the sheer magnificence of the scenery around you.
A stroll to the Punta Penna Lighthouse is also rewarding, as this is one of the world's tallest lighthouses. Get in quick before this lesser-known beach becomes popular and is snapped up by the crowds.
Now that you know these gorgeous Italian beaches await you, it's time to get going. Which idyllic shore will you visit first?
