A comprehensive study was conducted to determine the natural radioactivity concentrations and the geological provenience of beach sand samples from twelve different sites of the coast of Calabria, south of Italy, a popular tourist destination especially in summer. The radioactivity investigation was performed by using high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry. From the measured gamma-spectra, the average activity concentrations were determined for 226 Ra, 232 Th and 40 K for a depth of 5–20 cm. Results of this study were compared to values from other locations around the world. The corresponding radiation hazards were also estimated. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) measurements were performed for the quantitative elemental analysis of the sands, revealing the major and minor elements present in the investigated samples. From XRF experimental results it was possible to estimate the geological provenience of the analyzed sands. These data record the radioactivity background levels in beach sands and could be used as reference information.