Spiaggia del Borgo Antico (Termoli)

Spiaggia del Borgo Antico is the small, intimate beach tucked directly beneath the walls of Termoli's old town and harbour, in the Province of Campobasso on the north Molise coast of central Italy. Where the broad town beach of Cala Sveva sweeps away to the north, this little pocket of fine golden sand sits right at the foot of the Borgo Antico, with the medieval walls, the harbour and the distinctive trabucco fishing platforms rising as its backdrop. It is the most scenic and most photographed swimming spot on the Molise coast, especially at sunset, when the light turns the old-town stone gold and the trabucchi silhouette against the water. The beach is small and the water clear blue and generally calm, sheltered by the harbour and the headland, so it suits a quick scenic swim or a short visit from the old town more than a full day spread out on the sand. Because of its size and its postcard setting it can become busy and crowded in peak August, when its limited space fills quickly. Amenities are minimal and in keeping with the intimate scale: the beach is free public access, with showers nearby, and there are no rows of lidi here. Instead, the bars, cafes, gelaterie and seafood restaurants of the Borgo Antico sit directly above, a few steps up into the old town, so food and drink are never far. Access is on foot from Termoli's old town and harbour, with no parking right at the beach, so visitors walk down from the centre, which keeps it tied to a wider wander through the historic streets. For a scenic swim beneath the castle walls, for photography in the golden evening light, or for a short, atmospheric dip during a visit to the old town and the trabucco platforms, Spiaggia del Borgo Antico is the most characterful little beach on the Molise coast, even if its size means it is best enjoyed as a scenic stop rather than a full beach day.