When cinema goes to the sea: iconic beaches on the silver screen

Italian beaches and the surrounding landscape have a unique charm, capable of enchanting some of the greatest cinematic directors: many have chosen these locations as sets for stories that have made history. Visiting Italian beaches in film that have become part of cinematic history for their beauty is one of the most fascinating ways to explore some of the sights of Italy.

From Castiglioncello in The Easy Life to the enchanting Aeolian Islands of Dear Diary, this guide includes unmissable destinations for an authentic cinematographic tourism experience: if you want to spend your holidays visiting places from cinema while at the same time enjoying some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, all you have to do is follow our itinerary!

The Easy Life and the famous beach of Bagni Ausonia

Journeying to explore the beauty that both surrounds and lies within us is the theme of The Easy Life, a classic Italian film directed by Dino Risi and starring Vittorio Gassman and Jean-Louis Trintignant. A classic of Italian-style comedy and a portrait of Italy during the economic boom.

The film is set in the mid-August holidays of 1962 and tells the story of a road trip taken by an unlikely couple of friends from Civitavecchia to Castiglioncello, in Tuscany. On arrival, the pair sleep on a beach, in the beautiful setting of Bagni Ausonia: a refreshing oasis with charming coves of fine sand surrounded by the lush vegetation of the Maremma. An iconic location that is now considered one of the most famous beaches in Italian cinema.

Hotels for exploring the beaches of Versilia

After this dive into the 1960s to explore one of the most famous Italian beaches in film, why not stay in the nearby Lido di Camaiore? It is just one hour away and is home to Versilia Lido | UNA Esperienze, a prestigious hotel with wellness centre and SPA for recharging your batteries and a restaurant with an extensive menu.

And there is more: this hotel also has tennis and padel courts and an outdoor pool, for guests who want to stay in shape over the holidays, as well as a splendid terrace on the top floor.

Time for Loving, the Italian comedy set in Forte dei Marmi

Sentimental comedy is a classic of Italian cinema, and it reached its height between the 1980s and ‘90s. Time for Loving is part of this tradition. Less iconic than other films we will be listing, but with a simplicity that perfectly expresses those brief adolescent love affairs that blossom during the summer in Italy. 

It is no coincidence that the film is set in Forte dei Marmi: the city, as well as the entire area of Versilia, has always been a symbol of Italian seaside holidays, in particular during the 1960s. The destination still attracts tourists from all over the world, who come for the destination’s blend of nightlife, shopping, nature and splendid beaches. With its bicycles, pine groves, elegant resorts and strolls along the seafront, Time for Loving perfectly expresses what has made Forte dei Marmi and its attractions one of Italy’s most popular summer destinations for decades.

UNA Hotels Forte dei Marmi: in the heart of the destination

For your stay in this iconic cinematographic and seaside location, there is no better place than the UNA Hotels Forte dei Marmi, set in a lush garden and also easily reached from the beach. The elegant rooms and the relaxed atmosphere all contribute to offering guests a luxurious stay, enhanced by the many services such as the new pool with open-air bar, surrounded by the hotel’s lush gardens, the relaxation area with cabanas and sofas, the tennis court and free parking.

Ischia, the beach visited by Jude Law and Matt Damon

The Talented Mr. Ripley is one of the most famous movies set in Italy, filmed in Rome, Anzio, Venice, Naples, Palermo and many other destinations. The story revolves around the theatrical Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) who, with his extraordinary talent for imitation, assumes the identity of the wealthy Dickie Greenleaf (Jude Law) after accidentally killing him.

The main setting of the film is the island of Ischia, which, thanks to the popularity of the 1999 film, became one of the most desirable international tourist destinations: spectators from all over the world are particularly enchanted by its highly recognisable beach. Lido di Ischia beach runs along the entire coast and is characterised by shallow waters and famous venues, perfect for those looking to enjoy the local nightlife. If you want to explore this famous film location, the beauty of the island and the surrounding area, you can spend a few days in the main city of the Campania region and enjoy a wonderful boat tour of the Gulf of Naples.

Hotel in the centre of Naples

UNA Hotels Napoli is the ideal choice for a stay in the city. It occupies a strategic location close to the centre, the station and the bus stop for the airport; a perfect choice for those looking to travel by public transport or by car. Furthermore, it offers its guests elegant and comfortable rooms full of detail, as well as the Vesuvio Roof Bar & Restaurant; here, in a recently refurbished space, you can enjoy dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients while enjoying a marvellous view over Naples and Vesuvius from the panoramic terrace.

The beaches of Salento from Loose Cannons

Loose Cannons by Ferzan Özpetek was one of the highlights of the 2010 Italian film season, with 13 nominations (and 2 wins) at the David di Donatello Awards. The film tells the story of the Cantone family, with its contradictions and complicated relationships between the various members, and lets the spectator take a dive not only into the bizarre family dynamics but also into the Salento landscape and its enchanting sandy beaches.

Lecce, Otranto, Maglie and Gallipoli are the places on the Salento peninsula where the film is set, with probably the most famous scene, featuring the dance with the lead characters, taking place on Punta della Suina, with its fine sand, crystal-clear waters and thyme-scented air. 

On the beaches of Salento: Posia Retreat & SPA | UNA Esperienze

If you want to explore all the places depicted in Loose Cannons and the famous beaches in the Salento area, you can book a room at Posia Retreat & SPA | UNA Esperienze, a modern hotel situated in Melendugno, in the heart of Salento. Posia Retreat & SPA offers 23 contemporary and brightly lit rooms and suites, as well as the picturesque Infinity Pool, where you can relax as you admire the view of the Salento sea before you. The Aura Restaurant, which offers local delicacies and more, has been designed to provide you with a unique panoramic view.

Furthermore, just 500 metres away is the evocative Mora Mora Beach, a private bay set between the WWF Le Cesine nature reserve and the Grotta della Poesia, with a bistro, a cocktail bar, white sand and crystal-clear waters. And for those looking for a combination of sport and elegance, a 15-minute drive from Posia will take you to the Acaya Golf Club, the first golf club in Southern Italy to receive a prestigious 5-star international ranking from BVGA. 

Island of Salina, following in the footsteps of Massimo Troisi

In 1994, Massimo Troisi delivered one of his most iconic performances as Mario Ruoppolo, a humble postman responsible for delivering the mail to the poet Pablo Neruda, who was in political exile on the small fishing island where Mario lived. As the film unwinds, the two men forge a profound friendship, which will change the life of the impromptu postman forever. 

Considered one of the most wonderful movies to be filmed in Sicily, The Postman is a moving classic of Italian cinema that is also celebrated for the beautiful locations in which it takes place, including the Island of Salina. Salina, the second largest of the Aeolian Islands, is characterised by its untouched wilderness, its natural reserve covering half of the island, and waters of almost unparalleled clarity.

As well as the famous scenes of Massimo Troisi on his bicycle, delivering letters, viewers will also remember the beautiful beach shown a number of times. The name of this beach is Pollara, nestled in a natural amphitheatre formed in the cliffs and where the actor’s home can still be found. The port of Salina also pays tribute to the film with the Passeggiata Massimo Troisi, which is home to the bicycle used in the film. 

Where to stay in the heart of the Aeolian Islands

On the island of Salina, in the hamlet of Rinella, is L’Ariana Isole Eolie | UNA Esperienze, a 4-star hotel situated in a period villa dating back to the early 1900s. The 14 rooms offer a blend of elegance, tradition and modernity, while the ample terraces and windows offer guests a unique view of the surrounding landscape and most of the archipelago. If you want to explore Salina, its nature and above all the famous coastal locations depicted in The Postman, this is an ideal place to book your next stay.

Dear Diary: Nanni Moretti’s Aeolian Islands

We remain on the Aeolian Islands, whose beauty has inspired so many directors, such as Nanni Moretti, who dedicated an entire episode of his masterpiece Dear Diary to the archipelago. As the title suggests, the film is a kind of open diary in which Moretti, in first person, tells his story through true events and imaginative reconstructions, with a directing style that is both precise and dreamlike.

One of the three episodes in the film is entitled Islands, and was filmed on the Aeolian archipelago. Many of the most beautiful scenes, such as the climb up the Stromboli volcano or the pumice caves, form part of a fascinating story that weaves among the microcosms of Panarea, Stromboli, Alicudi and the other Aeolian Islands.

L’Ariana Isola Eolie | UNA Esperienze, which we presented earlier, is a perfect hotel for exploring all the secrets of the archipelago and enjoying first-hand experience of the dreamlike journey taken by Nanni Moretti.

Taormina and its sea: the Italian setting of The Big Blue

The 1988 Cannes Film Festival was opened by Luc Besson’s then-latest film, The Big Blue. The film tells the story of the friendship and rivalry between two freedivers, Jacques Mayol and Enzo Molinari, played respectively by Jean-Marc Barr and Jean Reno. Melancholic, touching and sometimes dreamlike, The Big Blue is a tribute to the sea, its immensity and the blend of sensations that it evokes, from extreme fascination to profound fear.

The many film locations include the French Riviera, Peru, Greece and Taormina, in Italy, an essential visit in any tour of Italian cinema. The Sicilian town is home to some of the most memorable scenes, such as the poolside piano performance by Jean Reno overlooking the sea or the charming exchange between the two main characters and the insurance broker Johanna Baker as they eat seafood spaghetti.

One place to experience the unique atmosphere of this film is the Le Grand Bleu restaurant at UNA Hotels Capotaormina. The venue offers a beautiful view over the sea and the bay of Giardini Naxos, as well as a charming, dedicated quay linking the restaurant to the sea. The menu at Le Grand Bleu offers traditional dishes prepared with the finest ingredients, allowing you to enjoy the typical flavours of the eastern coast of Sicily with an unforgettable view. A true tribute to The Big Blue.

Your stay is further enhanced by the saltwater infinity pool set into the characteristic cliff, and the splendid rooms, recently refurbished to ensure that guests enjoy the utmost comfort during their stay as well as a unique sea view.

An itinerary to explore the beaches of Italian cinema

Visiting Italian beaches in film is a special way both to discover beautiful places to spend a relaxing day and to retrace the footsteps of some of the classics of the seventh art. Now that you have learned about the most important locations rendered iconic on the silver screen and you are ready for your tour of the seaside and the cinema, book your room at our hotels and enjoy a truly unforgettable experience.