It’s time for the beach-off! Viva Italia or Espana? You decide…
Both Spain and Italy can offer sunshine, beautiful beaches, delicious food and wine, the best sea views, beautiful towns, a relaxed lifestyle, and a superb coastline. So which one should you choose for a lovely beach holiday? Spanish and Italian resorts perfectly meet the requirements of the most demanding tourists who want the cleanest beaches, warm water, and summer activities, with just a few nuances of difference.
The Italian coastline stretches for 7600 km and is washed by four seas: the Ligurian, Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Adriatic. There are 385 blue flag beaches and endless opportunities to find your favorite spot with warm sand and turquoise water. Spain has 566 blue flag beaches and 98 marinas, more than any other country in the world. Also, Spain has an undeniable advantage over Italy, as its beaches are municipal, the entrance is free of charge and many of them offer public showers and toilets. In Italy, there are fewer municipal beaches, than in Spain and they are often either not equipped at all or the infrastructure is poor.
The beach season in Spain and Italy begins in mid-June and lasts until September – early October.
Italian Beaches
If you are looking for wide beaches with crystal clear water, look no further, as Sardinia is a perfect destination. Cala Mariolu is not only one of the most beautiful beaches on Sardinia but in Italy. It is located in the eastern part of the island and is about 300 meters wide. Cala Mariolu is surrounded by picturesque cliffs, the water here is cyan blue, and small pebbles, due to the refraction of sunlight, change color from dazzling white to pinkish during the day.
The Ligurian coastline is mostly mountainous, which gives the perfect opportunity to enjoy secluded beaches squeezed in between the cliffs. A golden coastline with a gentle entry into the water, spacious bays, a moderate climate, Mediterranean vegetation, and a stunning blue sea: Lerici is the most recommended place in Liguria for a beach holiday. Stretching along the coast, free, well-equipped beaches with restaurants, bars and swimming pools. Here you can rent umbrellas, sunbeds, catamarans, and canoes.
The small resort town of Tropea has been called the coast of the Gods. No wonder, because there is perfect white sand, picturesque rocks, and crystal clear water. 60-meter cliffs hang over the beach, crowned with vacation houses overlooking the sea.
Amalfi Coast has marvelous views to offer, colorful houses sitting on the sheer cliffs, terraced vineyards, and hidden coves with turquoise water are the perfect picture for a beach vacation. The area has about 100 beaches to offer, but most of them require walking down to the beach, that may be challenging to go up after the day by the sea.
Spanish Beaches
Although it is hard to choose the best sandy beach in Spain, Bolonia Beach is definitely one of them. It is approximately 3,800 meters long and is one of the most unspoiled and wild beaches in the south of the country. Recommended visiting from April to October it is one of the best white sand beaches in Spain. In the western part of the beach, there is a unique complex Duna de Bolonia, the 30 meters high sand dune, declared a natural monument in 2001.
Playa Burriana in Nerja has an 800 meters long and 40 meters wide coastline. It is marked with the Blue Flag, famous for its clean sand, lush palm trees, and entertaining activities: playgrounds, clubs, beach bars, and restaurants. It is easily reachable by car or public transport.
With its beaches and crystal clear waters, the Costa Brava is the most visited coast of Catalonia in Spain. Lloret de Mar is a city 70 km from Barcelona, rich in cultural attractions. It definitely leads the rankings of the most beautiful beaches on the Mediterranean coast of Costa Brava. Lloret de Mar beach stretches along 1700 meters. You can get everything at the same time, hotels just near the beach: golden sand, blue water, active nightlife, and plenty of bars and cafes.
Another great destination for white sand beach lovers in Spain is definitely Mallorca. The island is famous for its best summer holidays among European tourists and the beaches there offer everything from secluded coves to wide beaches with bars and restaurants. The most famous gems of the island are Playa de Palma with white sand and developed infrastructure and Cala Agulla with lush green trees, golden-white sand, and tropical-like breeze. Playa da Palma is perfect for a family vacation, as the entrance to the sea is sloping and the bottom is sandy and velvety soft. There are playgrounds for playing volleyball, and basketball, bike, and kayak rentals. Cala Agulla is best for both romantic gateway and family vacation as its coastal line is wide, the water is shallow, and great for swimming and snorkeling. There are many bars and restaurants with food, drinks, and ice cream and rental spots for SUPs, canoes, and kayaks. Cala Agulla is also known as a Caribbean-like beach in Spain.
Caribbean-like beaches in Italy can be found on the Ionian Sea coast. It is definitely Pescoluse. Five kilometers of white sand, a shallow bottom, and sandy spits washed by clear waters create perfect conditions for swimming, tanning, and enjoying the beach crowd-free.
From the cliffs of the Costa Dorada and wide beaches of the Costa Brava to the golden sands of the Balearic Islands, the beaches in Spain will not disappoint. Italy has resorts and riviera on all of its shores with beautiful landscapes for any type of beach holiday. If you are looking for shingle beaches head to Liguria in Italy and Costa Brava in Spain. If you prefer secluded beaches, choose island holidays in Mallorca in Spain or Sardinia in Italy. If you want to be closer to the city vibe, there is no better option than Nerja in Spain and Amalfi Coast in Italy.
Is Spain or Italy more beautiful?
Italy boasts stunning landscapes, from the Dolomites to the picturesque islands of Sardinia and Scilly and the captivating northern lake district, making it a strong contender for being more gorgeous than Spain.
Which one is budget-friendly Spain or Italy?
Spain is often considered slightly more budget-friendly than Italy, especially in pricier cities like Madrid. However, Italy can still offer a cost-effective holiday option.
So which is the winner? We believe there is no winner, what counts is taking part..
Love from the We Rent Beach Patrol team!
