Travellers are flocking to a ‘magical’ secluded beach in Australia that looks straight out of Italy: ‘It’s paradise’
A picturesque, lesser-known beach offers a little slice of paradise reminiscent of the Italian coast.
Rapid Bay Beach is located an hour and a half southwest of South Australia’s Adelaide CBD on the Fleurieu Peninsula.
The small beach radiates with shimmering turquoise water against the white sand and towering cliffs, making it a perfect place to relax or soak up the sun.
In-the-know travelers flock to the remote destination all summer long, occasionally spotting turtles, dolphins, sea lions and schools of fish not far from shore.
The incredible beach is a hotspot for snorkeling, diving and kayaking, with coral reefs beneath the surface waiting to be explored.
Visitors can take a step back from the noise of everyday life and immerse themselves in the cool sea breeze and swim in picturesque waters.
The natural beauty makes Rapid Bay one of the most photographed beaches in the state.
The idyllic destination borders Second Valley – another hidden gem described as a ‘mermaid lagoon’ and ‘surreal’ gem.
Rapid Bay Beach in South Australia glows with shimmering turquoise water against the white sand and towering cliffs, making it a perfect place to relax or soak up the sun
The incredible beach is a hotspot for snorkeling, diving and kayaking, with coral reefs beneath the surface waiting to be explored
In addition to the crystal clear water, Rapid Bay is also known for its jetty, which was rebuilt in 2009 and is open to the public.
The beach is usually a tourist attraction for a South Australian landmark. William Light, who designed the city of Adelaide, carved his initials ‘WL, 1836’ into a boulder in Rapid Bay after first arriving on the beach on September 8, 1836.
According to Adelaide AZthe bay is named after his ship, the 162-ton brig Rapid, in which he sailed from England that year with nine other ships as part of the first fleet of European settlers in South Australia.
He is reported to have said, “I have hardly seen a place I like better” after setting foot on land. He also mentioned Second Valley.
A replica of the boulder is located in a monument on the beach, while the original can be found in the South Australian Museum in Adelaide.
The incredible beach is a hotspot for snorkeling, diving and kayaking, with coral reefs beneath the surface waiting to be explored
Hundreds of people on social media have boasted about the beach, comparing it to the Mediterranean Sea
Hundreds of people on social media have boasted about the beach, comparing it to the Mediterranean Sea.
“Where the land and sea meet in perfect harmony, the coast of South Australia is pure magic,” one person wrote.
‘Really spectacular. How lucky to live here. There is so much to enjoy in the south. Breathtaking views and scenery,” said another.
‘I just got home from a fantastic weekend there. The sea was calmer than normal and it was fantastic to swim there. The most beautiful place,” adds a third.