Crystal-clear waters, which, in the time - and space - of a few strokes, pass from the most delicate shades of turquoise to the most intense notes of blue. Very fine sand, which caresses the step. Breathtaking views. There are five Italian destinations included in the 2022 ranking of the forty most beautiful beaches in Europe, drawn up by the British newspaper The Guardian.

Each of these locations has its own peculiarities and, perhaps, it would be better to say its own character. The choice is articulated. They range from Marche to Lazio, from Salento to Sicily and Sardinia. Here then is the Riviera del Conero, with the highest sea cliffs of the eastern Adriatic coast and a majestic landscape, including vertiginous cliffs and romantic paths.

Immersed in the green of the regional park, the pearl, according to the ranking, is San Michele di Sirolo, a long expanse of sand and gravel, a horizon that opens up to conquer the eye, after a walk among the trees. The suggestion here is pictorial: the green brushstrokes of the Mediterranean maquis are contrasted by the turquoise of the sea, without forgetting the light of the cliff, in a game of reflections. To visit, the village of Sirolo, with its medieval center.

To attract is, however, above all the nature, between flora and fauna. Here, even the Ninfa of the strawberry tree, among the largest butterflies in our country. To be awarded in Apulia, near Gallipoli, is Punta della Suina, which, to British travelers, with its multicolored waters and white sand, reminds sceneries of the Seychelles, and, as a confirmation of beauty - and charms - is in the heart of the so-called Maldives of Italy.

The scents of myrtle and the colors of wild orchids guide the way to the beach, with its emerald green waters, between sandy expanses and rocks. To be elected the most beautiful beach of Sardinia is Sa Colonia, in the southern part of the island, along the bay of Chia. It is not difficult to understand why: white sand, clear water, and occasional, but not rare, visits by pink flamingos and dolphins.

Enough to enchant the eye. And those who want to add the pleasure of exploration to their natural beauty can visit the nearby archaeological site of ancient Bithia, probably a Nuragic center, which became Phoenician in the 8th century BC. Still islands. In Sicily, to seduce is Calamosche, in the natural reserve of Vendicari, between Noto and Marzamemi, near the archaeological area of Eloro.

Situated between two promontories, the beach assures calm sea - it is therefore ideal also for families - and a decidedly varied landscape, both for vegetation and rocky walls, with more caves. In the Top 40 we also find Lazio. The recommended destination is Sperlonga, south of Rome, with its beaches of fine sand, which under the sun, seem golden, and at sunset are veiled in pink. There is no lack of history. Not far away, the remains of the Villa of Tiberius, which belonged in the first century AD to the Roman emperor, discovered in 1957. Built according to a plan with terraces sloping towards the sea, the Villa also included a natural cave, in the desire to build, literally, a new idea of taste. Among the decorations and works found, there are many references to Ulysses and, consequently, to the fascination of travel and discovery. A small Eden just a few kilometers from home.