Italy has a lot to offer, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the canals of Venice to the charm of Cinque Terre and its wine and cuisine. After all, there’s a reason why this country consistently ranks among the most visited countries in the world. Add to this the incredible number and variety of beaches, and suddenly Italy becomes a must-see destination for all travelers.
Here we have compiled 15 of Italy’s best beaches. Whether you want a rustic lakeside retreat in the mountains, a sunny getaway for luxury and leisure, or want to experience authentic living in a coastal town, this list You’ll find a place that meets your needs. If your vacation to Italy has already begun, you’re in luck. No matter where you’re traveling, there’s a place on this list that’s within easy detour. Relax after a busy Florence adventure with a few days on the Ligurian coast, or spend a morning on the Lido to cleanse your palate after one too many gondola rides in Venice. The popular Amalfi Coast and Italian Riviera also have tourist-free beaches.
Ready to travel across Italy? Read on to plan your perfect itinerary.
Aquafredda di Maratea Beach, Basilicata
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Nine miles from the village of Maratea, this rugged coastline has the same blue water and dark gray sand as the Amalfi Coast, but further south and with far fewer people. It’s the perfect place for beachgoers looking for rustic beauty. Local hotels are neatly lined with sun loungers and beach umbrellas, but the rocky coastline and cliffs that jut out on either side of the cove maintain the area’s pristine feel.
Marina Grande Beach, Campania
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As if the bright green-blue ocean views weren’t enough, the pastel-hued houses nestled against the cliffs make Positano’s main beach look like something out of a mid-20th century postcard. I’m doing it. There are more than 300 yards of dark sand, and the vast expanse of sand is lined with bright shades of orange and blue, neatly lined with parasols and lounge chairs. This spot is always spacious, even during the summer crowds. Head into town with a leisurely lunch outdoors overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, then escape the limoncello crowd with a nap on the sand.
Camogli beach, Liguria
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Italy’s northwestern coastal towns tend to live in the shadow of the neighboring French Riviera, but that means beaches like Camogli are less crowded than those in Nice or St. Tropez, and they offer plenty of Mediterranean beauty. This means that it has all of the following. The beach of this small fishing village is pebbly but picturesque. The ancient Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta stands on a promontory at the northern end of the port near Bagni Lido, with mountains rising behind it. This spot has something for every traveler, including swimming lessons to keep the kids occupied, beachside drink service for the laid-back crowd, and rowboat and canoe rentals and diving lessons for the adventure seekers. We have everything.
Scalo Maestro, Sicily
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The sparsely populated island of Marettimo, just off the western tip of Sicily, has a wild beauty that makes every moment here a dream come true. The small beach of Skaro Maestro has a gentle slope and clear, calm water, making it especially suitable for swimmers and snorkelers. Once you’ve enjoyed your time at the beach, charter a boat to tour the island. This is the only way to access Marettimo’s hidden sea caves. You can’t truly appreciate the charm of the Aegadian Islands until you swim in a sun-dappled Mediterranean cave.
Porto Campana, Sardinia
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Campana’s beachfront consists of three miles of golden sand, and within its vast expanse there is something to suit every type of beachgoer. Look for rental kiosks where you can try your hand at surfing, kiteboarding, or paddleboarding. Relax with a cocktail on a rented lounger. Sign up for a scuba session at your local outdoor gear store. You can also admire the dunes of Campana. There are also sand dunes that are 65 feet high.
Otranto Beach, Puglia
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This bay in the center of Italy’s easternmost town is a small slice of the Caribbean Sea on the Adriatic Sea, all soft white sand and shallow turquoise water. The beach itself is versatile (perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling), but the best way to enjoy Otranto is also the easiest. Stop in town for a refreshing white wine and some fresh bread, grab a bite of creamy, buttery burrata from Puglia, and then spend a few hours away snacking in this little seaside haven. can do.
Polignano a Mare beach, Puglia
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Set in a cove surrounded by sheer limestone cliffs, this place is off the beaten path for most tourists, but well worth a detour. Bring a beach chair for comfort. There is no sand here, only smooth pebbles worn by salt. Also, if you’re feeling adventurous, pack water shoes. Then follow the lead of the locals. Climb a few feet up the cliff, then stumble and jump until you reach deep water. Toast your courage in perhaps the world’s most romantic restaurant, a cliffside cove overlooking the Adriatic at nearby Grotta Palazzese.
Spiaggia di Tuereda, Sardinia
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This idyllic island is a must-see in any season. The sea here is an unrealistically perfect pale blue, and sheltered from the refreshing Mistral winds, the water temperature is warm enough for swimming well into autumn. If you’re interested in paddleboarding or kayaking, there are several casual beachside restaurants and establishments, but be sure to find time for a leisurely stroll along the shore. Between the pristine surroundings, the sound of the waves, and the occasional scent of Sardinian juniper trees, you’ll be in relaxation mode in no time.
Marina del Cantone Beach, Campania
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If you’re looking for authenticity, this is the beach for you. Despite its proximity to the Amalfi Coast’s top tourist attractions, Marina del Cantone lacks the overdevelopment (and associated high prices) seen in nearby coastal towns. It looks like you’ll be surrounded by locals. Be sure to wear sturdy sandals to protect the soles of your feet from the rocky beaches. If you’re feeling up to it, hike the nearby trails and get great views of the bay and town from the adjacent cliffs. If you’re feeling hungry, head into town and enjoy lunch with a view of Lo Scoglio. Spaghetti con ricci di mare (pasta with sea urchin, olive oil and garlic sauce) is creamy, sweet and savory and the perfect way to end an afternoon in Amalfi.
Rabbit Beach (Sicily)
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It takes a little determination to reach this secluded spot. The tiny island of Lampedusa is more than 100 miles off the coast of mainland Italy, closer to Tunisia than to Europe. But the effort pays off. The water is shallow and completely transparent even at the edge of the bay, and cliffs on both sides of the beach protect it from strong winds and waves. Snorkeling is a must as you can enjoy the high transparency and abundance of marine life including sea turtles, but as it is in a remote area, you won’t have much trouble with facilities and amenities, so be sure to prepare your equipment and food before departure. please.
Spiaggia di Chiaia di Luna, Lazio
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This is Italy’s answer to the White Cliffs of Dover. Sheer golden cliffs plummet more than 300 feet to sea level, where they are bounded by a thin crescent of sand. A stroll along the beach or along the cliffs along the coast offers plenty of Instagram-worthy scenery. The beaches are the main attraction, but make sure you leave enough time to explore the inland areas as well. Ponza has been settled since the Neolithic period, and the island is dotted with Roman and Etruscan ruins, which are popular with archeology enthusiasts. For bonus points, pack “The Odyssey” for beach reading. Ponza is rumored to be a source of inspiration for Homer’s Aeaea, where Odysseus meets the witch Circe.
La Catedrale (Lazio)
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From Ponza, charter a boat to the neighboring island of Palmarola for even more stunning views. This mostly deserted harbor beach is beautiful enough, but for the real highlight, head to La Catedral, a series of rock arches jutting out into the sea. It got its name from its resemblance to the arched nave of a medieval church. An afternoon spent swimming in a cave, napping in the shade of a cliff, or watching dolphins play offshore is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Lido beach, Lazio
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Everyone visiting Venice should definitely include Lido Beach on their itinerary. For museums and piazzas, hop on a vaporetto to this seven-mile island at the edge of Venice’s lagoon. At the height of summer, rent a cabana, relax with a Negroni, and enjoy the dolce vita without having to fight for towel lawns on public beaches. Recharge your batteries with a long walk along the vast coastline. The tranquility and outdoor air is sure to be refreshing.
Lake Braies, South Tyrol
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It may not be by the sea, but this gem nestled in the Dolomites is sure to satisfy beachgoers looking for beautiful views and a refreshing dip in the mountains. The lake boasts clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches, creating a striking visual contrast with the surrounding dense pine forests and snow-capped mountains. A day hike is the best way to see all of Lake Braies. Pack your swimsuit, towel, and lunch and hit the surrounding beginner trails. Pause to have a picnic or swim at the first beach that suits your taste. Be sure to stop by Blaze Bungalow, built on stilts above the lake, a cross between an alpine ski lodge and a Tahiti overwater cabana. We offer photo shoots and rowboat rentals.
Scala dei Turchi, Sicily
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One of the most visually impressive beaches in the world, Sicily’s Turkish Steps is a must-see for aesthetic reasons alone. The pure white marl is slowly eroding, creating sloping steps that lead directly to the sea. For the best views, go at low tide and wear sturdy shoes. This climb is not for the faint of heart. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, grab a flashlight and stay until the sun goes down. You’d be hard-pressed to find a better visual than the silhouette of a cliff filled with gold against a fiery sky.
