Italy could lose a significant portion of its beaches in the coming decades due to coastal erosion. Researchers estimate that the country could lose about 20% of its beaches by 2050, and up to 45% by 2100.
Italy’s coastline stretches for more than 8,000 kilometers and includes both sandy and rocky areas. At the same time, erosion is increasingly affecting these areas and is already considered a serious environmental problem.
According to a 2024 study, about a fifth of Italy’s beach area could be almost completely underwater by mid-century. Sardinia, Campania, Lazio, and Puglia are predicted to suffer the most losses, with more than half of the developed beaches in these regions likely to disappear.
However, it is not just sandy beaches that are at risk. Cliffs and rocky coastlines are also affected by powerful storm surges and landslides.
According to experts, damage to coastlines threatens ecosystems, human leisure and economic activities, and coastal settlements and infrastructure.