Beach in Italy

A small wooded islet joined to the shore by a shingle spit that appears and disappears with the sea, in a bay below the town. Reached by cable car and a walk down. Pebbles rather than sand, and clear water — bring something for your feet.

A small pebble beach on the north shore with the remains of an imperial villa behind it, reached by a path down from Anacapri or a short boat from the Marina Grande. Swimming among Roman brickwork, and quieter than anything on the Marina Piccola side.

A pebble cove below the cliffs between Corniglia and Vernazza, reached on foot and never crowded because getting there is work. Access has changed repeatedly as paths and the old rail tunnel open and close, so check locally before setting out for it.