Villas in Italy within walking distance of the beach

Beach days without the car

Being able to walk to the sea changes the rhythm of a holiday. You can swim before breakfast, head back to the villa for lunch and a siesta, and return in the late afternoon when the sun softens. This collection suits families with young children who need a nap in the shade, keen swimmers and couples who like a drink by the water at sunset.

It also saves the daily hunt for a parking space, which can be hard work at popular beaches in July and August.

What to ask before you book

Walking distance usually means anything from a few minutes to around fifteen, but ask about the route as well as the time. On the Amalfi Coast and in the Cinque Terre the walk often involves long flights of steps, while in Le Marche or Puglia it may be a flat stroll. Check too whether you need to cross a busy coastal road, which matters with small children.

Italian beaches come in two main kinds. A lido, or stabilimento balneare, rents out sunbeds and umbrellas by the day and often has showers and a bar, while a spiaggia libera is a free public beach where you bring your own kit. Ask whether the nearest beach is sand, shingle or rock, especially if you have toddlers or plan to snorkel.

Coasts to consider

Le Marche has long sandy beaches with gently shelving water at resorts such as Senigallia, and the Conero Riviera around Sirolo and Numana adds white cliffs and pebble coves. In Sardinia, the water is famously clear, from the granite coves of the north east to the long beaches around Villasimius in the south.

Sicily offers sandy town beaches at Cefalù and San Vito Lo Capo, plus the coves of the Zingaro nature reserve for those who enjoy a walk to swim. The sea is usually warmest from late June to September, and June and September are quieter than August.

Browse the villas listed below to find a holiday home within an easy walk of the sea.