The most beautiful Italian beaches in cinema

Italian beaches and the landscapes that frame them possess a unique charm, capable of conquering even the greatest film directors. Many of them, in fact, have chosen them as natural sets to tell stories that have become iconic.

Discover the 5 Italian beaches that have entered the history of the big screen: from Castiglioncello in Il Sorpasso to the enchanting Aeolian Islands of Il Postino, in this guide, you will discover the must-see destinations to experience film tourism and encounter unforgettable views, perfect for those who love cinema... and the sea.

Il Sorpasso, a Dive into the 1960s

Travelling to discover the beauty around us, as well as the beauty within ourselves: this is the theme of Il sorpasso, the classic Italian film directed by Dino Risi, starring Vittorio Gassman and Jean-Louis Trintignant. A great classic of Italian comedy and a portrait of Italy during the economic boom. 

The film takes place in August 1962 and tells the journey by car of an unlikely pair of friends from Civitavecchia to Castiglioncello, Tuscany. Once in this town, the two fall asleep on the beach, surrounded by the splendid setting of the Ausonia Baths: a refreshing refuge where the enchanting coves of fine sand are surrounded by Maremma vegetation. An iconic location that today occupies a place of honour among the most famous beaches of Italian cinema.

After this dive into the 1960s to discover one of cinema's most famous beaches, why not stay nearby in Lido di Camaiore? It is just an hour away and is home to Versilia Lido | UNA Esperienze, a prestigious hotel featuring a wellness centre and spa to recharge, as well as a restaurant offering a wide range of culinary delights.

Ischia, the island of Jude Law and Matt Damon

The Talented Mr. Ripley is one of the most famous films set in Italy, shot across Rome, Anzio, Venice, Naples, Palermo, and many other locations.The story revolves around the histrionic Tom Ripley (Matt Damon), who, with his extraordinary talent for imitations, assumes the identity of the rich Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law) after killing him by mistake.

The primary setting of the film is the island of Ischia, which, thanks to the success of the 1999 film, has become one of the most coveted destinations in international tourism: in particular, it is its very recognisable beach that bewitches spectators around the world. The Lido of Ischia stretches along the entire coastline and is characterised by shallow waters and renowned venues, perfect for those seeking nightlife. And if you want to explore this famous film location, the beauties of the island and the surrounding areas, then you could stop for a few days in the capital of Campania and dedicate yourself to a beautiful boat tour of the Gulf of Naples.

UNA Hotels Napoli is the ideal choice for staying in the city: it is located in a strategic position close to the centre and the main means of transport. In addition, it offers its guests refined rooms and the Vesuvio Roof Bar & Restaurant, where you can taste recipes prepared with seasonal ingredients while enjoying a wonderful view of Naples.  

The beaches of Salento in Loose Cannons

Loose Cannons by Ferzan Özpetek is one of the protagonists of the 2010 Italian film season, with 13 nominations (and 2 victories) for David di Donatello. The film tells the story of the Cantone family, with its contradictions and the complicated relationships that bind the various members, and allows the viewer to immerse themselves not only in the bizarre family dynamics but also in the landscapes of Salento and its enchanting sandy beaches.

Lecce, Otranto, Maglie, and Gallipoli are the locations on the Salento peninsula where the film is set. Its most famous scene is probably the protagonists' dance at Punta della Suina, with its fine sand, crystal-clear sea, and the scent of thyme. 

If you want to discover all the places described in Loose Cannons, you could book a room at Posia Retreat & SPA | UNA Esperienze, a modern facility located in Melendugno, in the heart of Salento. Just 500 metres away, you will find the evocative Mora Mora Beach, a private bay located between the WWF Cesine Oasis and the Grotta della Poesia with bistro, cocktail bar, white sand and transparent water. And for those who want to combine sport and elegance, just a 15-minute drive from Posia is the Acaya Golf Club, the first golf club in all of Southern Italy to receive the prestigious 5-star BVGA in the international classification. 

Salina Island, in the footsteps of Massimo Troisi

In 1994, Massimo Troisi delivered one of his most iconic performances as Mario Ruoppolo, a humble postman tasked with delivering letters to the poet Pablo Neruda, who is in political exile on the small fishing island where Marino lives. Over the course of the film, the two cultivate a very deep friendship, which will forever change the life of the impromptu postman.  

Il Postino is a moving classic of Italian cinema, also remembered for its stunning filming locations, including the island of Salina, the second largest of the seven Aeolian Islands. Salina is characterised by unspoilt nature, with its Nature Reserve that occupies half of the island's surface, and a clear sea with few equals. 

In addition to the historic scenes in which Massimo Troisi pedals to deliver the mail, those who have seen the film will remember the beautiful beach shown several times. This is Pollara beach, nestled inside an amphitheatre-shaped cliff and where the actor's home can still be found today. Also in the port of Salina there is a tribute to the film with the Passeggiata Massimo Troisi, where the bicycle used in the film is kept. 

In the village of Rinella stands L'Ariana Isole Eolie | UNA Esperienze, a 4-star hotel located in a historic villa from the early 1900s. The 14 rooms blend elegance, tradition and modernity, while the spacious terraces and stained glass windows offer guests a unique look at the surrounding landscape. 

If you want to explore Salina, its green spaces and above all the famous coastal locations portrayed in Il Postino, this is where you need to book your next stay.

Le Grand Bleu of UNA Hotels Capotaormina, a tribute to the Sea

The Cannes Film Festival in 1988 was opened by Luc Besson's most recent film, Le Grand Bleu. The film revolves around the relationship of friendship and rivalry between the two freedivers Jacques Mayol and Enzo Molinari, played by Jean-Marc Barr and Jean Reno respectively. Melancholic, touching and with dreamlike nuances, Le Grand Bleu is a dedication to the sea, to its immensity and to the mixture of sensations that it evokes, between strong fascination and deep fear.

Many locations were featured in the filming: the French Riviera, Peru, Greece, and our very own Taormina. The Sicilian town hosts some of the most memorable scenes, such as Jean Reno's piano performance by the pool overlooking the sea, or the charming exchange between the two protagonists and the insurance agent Johanna Baker while they eat the Spaghetti del Mare.

A place in which to relive the unique atmosphere of this film is the Le Grand Bleu restaurant of UNA Hotels Capotaormina. Here you will find a splendid view overlooking the sea and the bay of Giardini Naxos, as well as a charming dedicated pier that connects the restaurant to the sea. The culinary proposal of Le Grand Bleu boasts traditional dishes prepared with high-level raw materials, to enjoy the typical flavours of the eastern coast of Sicily with an unforgettable view. A real tribute to the deep blue.

Visiting the Italian beaches featured in films is a special way to discover beautiful places for a relaxing day and to retrace the stories of some classics of the silver screen. Now that you know some of the locations made iconic by the big screen and are ready for your cinematic tour just steps from the sea, book your holiday in these iconic destinations and enjoy an unforgettable film tourism experience.