Spiaggia di San Francesco

Drop anchor off this stunning stretch of beach in Forio, on the island of Ischia, where the water runs an otherworldly shade of coral and teal. The dark sand comes from centuries of crumbling tuff cliffs that frame the shore, giving it a raw, volcanic character you won't find just anywhere. It's a relaxed, relatively uncrowded spot, and nearby rocks and sea caves are worth exploring if you feel like a swim. Getting down to the beach involves a steep climb, so it stays quieter than you'd expect.