Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa is a rare spot that never fails to attract visitors with its tremendous beauty, with waters the color of topaz and a bay that stands inside a sloping, rocky shoreline. Many visitors refer to it as 'rabbit beach,' and it is located in a nature reserve on the lonely island of Lampedusa, south of Sicily.

Loggerhead turtles return year each year to lay their eggs on the warm sands – and, significantly, the beach closes in the nights to allow the turtles to safely return. This gorgeous beach was once named the best in the world, but getting there is no simple task.

The two-kilometer scramble down rocks to La Spiaggia dei Conigli is worth it for a cold swim in the clear water. This beach can get crowded with sunbathers and day-trippers, but once you take a dip in the glittering shallows and snorkel out to see the turtles, tranquillity floods over you.

Location: Lampedusa, Sicily

You might believe your eyes are misleading you if you don't see the craggy, steep rocks that are typical with many Italian beaches - but this isn't some type of tropical paradise. Cala Granara is a hidden gem on the Isola di Spargi, part of the Maddalena Archipelago.

The lovely palms that line the shore provide shade from the sun, while the white sands are great for sunbathing — the only problem is that you can only get to this Italian sanctuary by boat.

The lack of simple access adds to the beauty, remoteness, and underdeveloped nature of the area. Cala Granara is allowed to remain an unspoiled bay because it lacks the normal tourist traps that sometimes surround popular beaches. Maccia trees grow sporadically along the sand that gradually slopes into the sea, and the water shines in the sun, revealing a variety of greens and blues.

Location: Spargi

The lengthy arc of ivory sand that is La Pelosa Beach is lapped by translucent shallow waves. This hidden Sardinian refuge is located in Capo Falcone, just around the corner from the little community of Stintino.

La Pelosa, at 300 meters long, may compete with any of the Caribbean's most gorgeous beaches. The beach is a popular destination for local families and groups of friends to spend their vacation days together, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

The Torre della Pelosa, a 16th-century watchtower constructed to defend the island, lies on rocks that protrude out into the sea. The sun-washed tower, popular with divers, is an iconic landmark along this stretch of coast. During the summer, go here early because this site is so attractive that it might understandably become very crowded.

Location: Stintino

The Amalfi Coast is known for its charmingly lovely settlements perched on the walls of rugged cliffs far above the sea. Spiaggia del Fornillo is a special tiny beach with pretty stones and clear waters, smaller and less glamorous than adjacent beaches. Take a short walk down a few steps from Positano's bustling beach and into the unpretentious and tranquil environment of Fornillo beach.

This beach may be less crowded than others in the neighborhood, but once the sunbathers return to their hotels, the beach bars and restaurants along the shore begin to become a little livelier. Spend an evening on the beach, eating the day's fresh catch, sipping local wine, and listening to the waves crashing against the rocks.

Location: Positano

Cala Goloritzé beach, located at the foot of a valley on Sardinia's magnificent northeastern coast, is small but stunning. The beautiful white beaches that tumble into the blue water contrast with jutting limestone formations covered with green flora. This kind of beauty, however, comes at a cost.

You won't be able to get here by automobile or even by boat. You'll have to use your legs if you want to find this famed beach. The trek down the steep valley, where you'll be welcomed with vistas of the green-blue lake, takes about an hour and leads you to this wonderful Sardinian beach.

Cala Goloritzé is claimed to be the best snorkeling place in Sardinia, too; take a swim around the rocks to catch sight of the various fish - just make sure not to forget your goggles!

Photo: Sardinia

Marasusa Beach is located on the 'La Costa degli Dei,' or Gods' Coast, near the Calabrian city of Tropea. This region is so gorgeous that even the gods agree. Calm oceans and pristine dunes are surrounded by handsome rocks.

Take a break from your Italian trip to spend some time on the region's most stunning bay. The beautiful waters of Marasusa are cold and quiet. Swimming is safe, even if there are some waves.

Try snorkeling, rent a boat, or simply sit and sip a cold drink at one of the lido bars; there is something for everyone to enjoy. After long, leisurely days spent reclining on the beach, the town also features a variety of cafes, shops, and restaurants where you can fully immerse yourself in all things delightfully delicious and Italian.

Location: Tropea, Calabria

This beach, which is located on the picturesque island of Favignana, is one that you will not soon forget. Cala Rossa is breathtakingly beautiful, with vivid turquoise seas lapping against rusty red cliffs. Although there are no pristine white sands on this beach, the intriguing rock formations make for a nice place to relax in the sun.

The beach here can get crowded, so get there early. If you want a bit more privacy and space, you can find a small private area to sunbathe protected by the rocks.

Make sure you're wearing shoes when you arrive so you can struggle over the rocks and then slide into the deliciously chilly waters. The pristine water makes for great snorkeling - try to find the little fish that dart about the rocks.

Location: Favignana, Sicily

Cavoli Beach is one of Elba's most popular beaches, thanks to its gorgeous blue seas and pleasant breezes. Carvoli's microclimate, which is surrounded by rough countryside and craggy cliffs that protect the bay, is ideal for tanning. The beach is hard here, yet that doesn't deter sunbathers.

During the summer months, this traditionally Italian coastline is brimming with natural beauty as well as people. The beach is divided into two sections, each around 300 meters long: one for bars and sunbeds, and the other for free time.

Grotta Azzurra is a must-see; if you rent a pedalo or a boat, you may explore the interior. If you're feeling very daring, you can join the groups of youngsters who like to plunge straight into the depths of the sea from the nearby cliffs.

Location: Elba

Camogli, a little fishing village on the Italian Riviera, is about an hour's drive from Milan. The sophisticated gem of a resort town, oozing with Italian culture, isn't commonly recognized outside of Italy.

Camogli beach is located at the foot of sun-drenched hills, where the sea laps gently on the gravel beaches. As the weather warms, Italian families flock to the beach to spend time together splashing in the turquoise seas, conversing, and eating hearty dinners of focaccia and excellent cheese along the waterfront.

Sunset is the finest time to visit this beach. As the sun sets, it illuminates the bright colors of buildings and reflects vividly in the sea's silver.

Location: Liguria

Isola Bella, which means "beautiful island," is a small island off the coast of Sicily that is part of the Taormina region. Isola was actually privately held until the 1990s, and now it is a protected site with a magnificent beach brimming with nature because it is home to various species of birds. The beach is a lovely small place that can be reached by cable car from Sicily – a terrific way to get a bird's eye perspective of the island.

The beach on Isola Bella, which is popular with sunbathers, isn't typically sandy; tiny stones and pebbles make flip flops virtually mandatory. Refreshments are sold by vendors and cafes, and sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented. There are also plenty of things to participate in, such as snorkeling, diving, or taking a boat trip to neighboring caverns.

Location: Sicily