Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach)

Isola dei Conigli on Lampedusa — officially the southernmost point of Italy, closer to Tunisia than to Sicily — has been repeatedly voted the best beach in Europe and among the top 5 in the world. The beach faces a small island (Isola dei Conigli) separated by a channel of water so shallow and clear it looks photoshopped — you can wade across to the island at low tide. The sand is fine, white, and brilliantly bright, while the water transitions through at least seven shades of blue from the shore outward.

Lampedusa sits on the African continental shelf, giving it warmer water and more sunshine hours than mainland Sicily. The beach is a critical nesting site for endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) — access is regulated and the beach closes at sunset. The surrounding Pelagie Islands Marine Reserve protects dolphins, flying fish, and rare Mediterranean sponges.

Despite Lampedusa's controversial role in migration, the island's beaches are immaculate, its people warm, and its seafood — especially the local tuna and lobster — is outstanding.