Vendicari, Sicily

For unspoilt nature, a choice of sandy beaches, seafront walks, and an atmosphere of absolute tranquillity, there are few places quite like Vendicari Nature Reserve in southeast Sicily. If you’re lucky you might even spot a flamingo or two.

Villas near Vendicari Nature Reserve

Lido Fiori, Sicily

Clients of The Thinking Traveller have privileged access to the Planeta Beach Club at Lido Fiori near Menfi in southwest Sicily. We love it for the fine white sand, the child-friendly waters, the shady pine copse and the excellent bar and restaurant.

Villas near Menfi

Gallipoli, Puglia

The old town centre of Gallipoli in Puglia could be said to have it all: a labyrinth of historic streets, sea views galore, a castle, an excellent selection of shops, bars and restaurants, and its very own lovely beach, the Spiaggia della Purità.

Villas near Gallipoli

Coccaro Beach Club, Puglia

For a sophisticated seafront experience in Puglia, we love the Torre Coccaro Beach Club on the Adriatic coast near Monopoli. Its restaurant and facilities are first-class and the sandy beach and shallow waters are great for families.

Villas near Monopoli

Agios Ioannis, Ionian Islands

At Agios Ioannis on Meganissi, palm fronds flutter in the breeze, soft pebbles shelve gently into the azure sea, and the green wooded mountains of Lefkada rise across the water: a paradisiacal setting. No wonder the little taverna there is called Paradiso.

Villas on Meganissi

Vasiliki, Ionian Islands

There are few better places for water sports enthusiasts than the pebbly bay and coastal waters of Vasiliki in the south of Lefkada. A renowned windsurfing mecca, it’s also popular with families, thanks to its child-friendly beach and excellent amenities.

Villas on Lefkada

Kastani, the Sporades

Emerald pine woods, blue-jade waters, sun-bleached pebbles, golden sand, and a cerulean sky: Kastani beach on Skopelos is a polychromatic vision. No wonder it was chosen as one of the locations for Mamma Mia! the movie.

Villas on Skopelos

Kokkinokastro, the Sporades

Kokkinokastro is one of the loveliest beaches on Alonissos. Its two secluded bays are popular with snorkellers but also with those in search of a tranquil, serene spot in which to unwind and switch off.

Villas on Alonissos

Palombaggia, Corsica

A mile of fine white sand, electric blue sea, water sports facilities, bars, restaurants and enough space to find your own spot: it's easy to see why Palombaggia, just south of Porto Vecchio, is considered by many to be the best beach on Corsica.

Villas near Porto Vecchio

Pianottoli-Calderello, Corsica

Verged by Mediterranean maquis and element-sculpted granite formations, the usually deserted sandy bays below Pianottoli on Corisca’s south coast are a nature lover’s paradise, perfect for swimming, snorkelling and coastal trekking.

Villas near Pianottoli