October 30, 2025, 3:16 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Italy boasts beautiful beaches. However, in the not-too-distant future, some of them could disappear. A recent report shows that one in five Italian beaches is at risk.
The Società Geografica Italiana has released its annual report, “Submerged Landscapes.” The authors highlight the future of Italy’s beaches, and the findings are alarming! About 20 percent of the beaches could simply vanish by 2050—up to 45 percent by 2100! According to the report, the decline depends on future developments and appropriate countermeasures.
Reasons for the Beach Disappearance Are Varied
The reasons for the disappearance of Italy’s beaches are varied. Among them are climatic causes. The authors expect a significant rise in sea levels, which would leave beaches permanently underwater. But there are also man-made causes that exacerbate the problem. The concreting of the shores has led to the loss of the coasts’ natural adaptability. Additionally, sand extraction from riverbeds and dams has reduced the natural movement of soil, sand, or stones, according to the report.
Tourist offerings are also a problem. Many hotels focus on coastal regions, increasing pressure on these areas.
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These Regions Are Particularly Affected
The report also explains which beaches and regions of Italy will be particularly at risk. Campania, including the Amalfi Coast, could be hit hard. The northern Adriatic coast, Lazio, coastal sections of Tuscany, and the Gargano Peninsula in Apulia are also affected. The islands of Sicily and Sardinia, known for their stunning beaches, must also prepare for significant changes. Furthermore, the Po Delta and the Venice Lagoon are particularly at risk, according to the report.
Consequences for Nature and Residents
The authors of the report conclude that the disappearance of Italy’s beaches represents not only a huge ecological issue but also a social and economic problem. A large portion of the population works in the tourism sector, which is closely linked to the beaches. Thousands of jobs along the coasts could be lost—in areas such as gastronomy, hospitality, rentals, or beach operations. Additionally, port operations in numerous regions could be at risk if ports are repeatedly flooded. Moreover, hundreds of thousands of people may need to be relocated.
The authors also propose several measures to prevent the disappearance of beaches in Italy. They call for re-naturation to restore natural processes along the coasts. Additionally, beaches could be replenished, and rivers reconnected to coastal sections.