Nova Siri Marina

Nova Siri Marina, also called Nova Siri Scalo, is the coastal frazione of the comune of Nova Siri, separate from the older hilltop town of Nova Siri Paese further inland. The beach here has carried Blue Flag status for several consecutive years, and it stands out from some of the more built-up Basilicata resorts for how much of it is still open, free coastline rather than lined with beach clubs.

Nova Siri sits close to the site of Siris, an ancient Ionian Greek colony, and the modern comune still carries that split identity: a medieval hilltop centre, Nova Siri Paese, about 9 km inland, and the newer coastal town of Nova Siri Marina, which grew up from the 1970s onward and now holds the majority of the population and nearly all of the area's tourist accommodation. What sets this stretch of coast apart from some of its Basilicata neighbours is how undeveloped much of it still feels. Long sections of dune and pine forest run behind the sand, home to sea lilies and other protected dune flora, and outside the handful of resort-run beach clubs, most of the shoreline is free and open rather than parcelled into paid lidi. It's a beach built more for walking the shoreline for long stretches than for a single fixed spot with full service. The sand itself is golden with pebbles mixed in nearer the water, and the seabed slopes gently, which is part of why the beach has held Blue Flag recognition for several years running. Close to the Cavone river mouth, the Terzo Cavone area is known locally as an informal naturist spot, worth knowing about if you're picking where to settle for the day. For the best experience, pick a free stretch away from the busiest resort frontage if you're after quiet, bring what you need for the day since facilities are spread thin outside the developed sections, and consider pairing the beach with a trip up to the historic hilltop centre of Nova Siri Paese for a change of scene.

Other beaches in Liguria are shown on the map — tap a pin to open its page.