There’s nothing quite like the lure of an Italian adventure to get your adrenaline pumping. The sights, the smells and especially that hint of romance in the air — these all make for some unforgettable experiences!
And if you’re looking for one more magical experience to add to your checklist on your next visit to Italy, why not try visiting one (or all!) of her most sparkling beaches? From crystal clear waters and postcard scenery, here are the most stunning Italian beaches you simply have to see!
Pack your sunscreen and swimsuit, ladies and gents; it’s time we take a dip into Italy’s vibrant oceanside splendor., here is our list for the best beaches in italy.
Lido di Venezia, Venice
Italy’s Lido di Venezia is a gem of the Venice lagoon. Taking a Vaporetto to reach this barrier island sets the tone for the getaway. It races along the calm lagoon waters and offers stunning views of Italy’s majestic Serenissima.
For travelers lucky enough to make their visit during Venice’s famous Film Festival, one might even find themselves amongst an array of international celebrities. Everyone else should ask their hotel in Venice to arrange a cabana or lounge chairs with an umbrella on the beach – these amenities ensure a perfect blend of relaxation and glamour right on Italy’s Adriatic coast.
Finale Ligure, Italian Riviera, Liguria
Italy’s Finale Ligure may not be known as the most luxurious of Italy’s Riviera cities but it sure has something formidable to offer. Two kilometers of relatively uninterrupted sand, with coarse sand and stony sea bed, makes it a great spot for snorkeling and soaking up the clear waters.
If that wasn’t enough of a temptation, add in a few palm trees to remind you that Italy is your host, or if you’re ever looking for an escape to France for the day -no problem!- just hop in the car for 90 minutes and you’ll be there.
Scala dei Turchi, Sicily
Who knew a geological formation could be so beautiful? Scala dei Turchi in Sicily is just that, with its millions of years-old brilliant white limestone cliff resembling an actual staircase.
Though you can’t climb the steps anymore, walking around or swimming beneath them gives you an other-worldly experience. With best beaches on either side the quartz pebble beaches, you wouldn’t want to miss a sunset here — it’s nothing short of inspiring!
Baia di Sorgeto, Ischia
Destination seekers would do well to take a closer look at Ischia – home to Baia di Sorgeto – a geothermally heated paradise like no other.
Accessed via a daunting set of steps down an ocean cliff, this small bay’s shallow waters are heated from below by thermals bubbling out from sea floor rocks so hot it’s impossible to touch with bare skin.
With the perfect temperature for soothing aching muscles and softening skin, a soak in these therapeutic pools is an unforgettable experience – making it worth every grueling step up the staircase upon returning.
Rimini, Emilia-Romagna
A visit to Italy isn’t complete without a stop in Rimini, one of the country’s best-equipped beach resorts. With miles of sandy shores and an infrastructure that caters to tourists, there’s no shortage of things to do in Rimini.
For a calmer visit, visit during post-summer weeks when the atmosphere remains relaxed while still providing warm enough sea waters for swimming. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or a more active trip, Rimini has something for everyone.
Cala Biriola, Golfo di Orosei, Sardinia
With more than a dozen best beaches in Italy, it’s hard to choose one for the perfect escape this summer. But by far, Cala Biriola in Golfo di Orosei of Sardinia is the favorite for many travelers.
Boasting stunning sheer cliffs, impossibly beautiful pebbly crescents and lusciously blue waters that make it drizzle with delight – it almost feels like an expedition!
To get there from Cala Gonone, Orosei or Arbatax, take a private charter or scheduled tour. And don’t forget your snorkel, mask and swim socks to explore its hidden gems further!
Chia Coast, Southern Sardinia
For eager beachgoers searching for the best of the best, Chia Coast in Southern Sardinia should be at the top of their list. Besides its nine miles of wide, sugar-sand beaches, towering dunes and crystal clear waters that stretch out for miles, this quaint spot offers something special – an untouched coastal beauty.
With no bustling towns or other overwhelming urbanization present, it’s a perfect getaway for anyone looking to truly unplug in a stunningly gorgeous environment that is blessedly free from amusement parks or overdeveloped beachfronts.
Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa
Italy’s Spiaggia dei Conigli, or Rabbit Beach, is the stuff of tropical paradise fantasies. Making this often hard-to-attain dream a reality, Lampedusa is the southernmost member of Italy’s Pelagie Islands and geographically closer to North Africa than it is to Italy.
Comprised of soft, white sand in a shallow, sheltered bay and with its own private island – Isola dei Conigli – this crescent-shaped beach makes for an idyllic destination to snorkel, relax in the shallow waters and enjoy what Italy has to offer.
Punta Prosciutto, Puglia
With its craggy and deep-blue Ionian Sea, packed Italian beaches, and spectacular surroundings, visiting Italy’s Punta Prosciutto is a must for beachgoers looking for an unforgettable visit. The best way to get to the beaches in Puglia is by renting a car.
Situated in the Puglia region of the country known as the ‘high heel’ of Italy’s boot, this near-perfect beach has facilities for watersports and offers plenty of opportunities to make sure visitors won’t miss a beat.
Not to mention, it gets bonus points for being named after a delicious type of ham!
Cala delle Arene, San Domino, Tremiti Islands
Italy’s stunning San Domino Island is home to one of the country’s lesser-known beaches, Cala delle Arene.
This beach in the Tremiti Islands archipelago off Italy’s Puglia coast is small but still packs a powerful punch — beautiful rocks surrounding a sheltered bay and plenty of soft sand for sunbathers.
With its close proximity to the ferry dock, travelers can make nearly seamless day trips to the idyllic beach, though we recommend staying at least overnight if possible so you can explore more of this isolated paradise.
Biodola Beach, Elba
Biodola Beach is one of the best beaches in Italy. It’s a long stretch of fine, golden sand with shallow waters. Along the beach, in addition to bars, restaurants and hotels you will find kayak rentals – perfect for discovering hidden coves.
Enjoy all that this paradise has to offer with its many creature comforts!. Meandering through the defensive tunnels that were constructed by Germany during World War II is made possible if the path ahead remains open.
Follonica, Tuscany
The archeological gem that is Follonica in beautiful Tuscany, Italy serves as a wonderful summer holiday spot for families with small children.
On chilly days it’s nice to dip your toes in Follonica’s pool-clear water and explore the submerged Via Aurelia (an ancient Roman road) on either side.
But it gets better: with its modest hotels, campgrounds and simple eateries, it’ll make you feel like you’re part of the real Italian experience without a grand expense. And after all that fun in the sun, it’s no wonder why this spot is so popular among families!
Cefalù, Sicily
If you’re looking for the best beaches in Italy, look no further than Cefalù. This beautiful spot ticks all the boxes, with its sandy stretches, shallow waters and stunning backdrop of the ancient city of Cefalù.
Founded as a Greek colony in the 4th century BC, the city has a wealth of Roman, Byzantine and Norman monuments – meaning you can step from history into the clear Mediterranean waters in no time at all.
Scalo Maestro, Marettimo, Sicily
Italy’s Aegadian Islands are renowned for their picturesque landscapes, and Marettimo is no exception. Home to the westernmost beach of Italy, Scalo Maestro, Marettimo promises an unforgettable experience to visitors looking to escape their day-to-day reality.
The only ways of getting there are via a challenging hike downhill to the sea or by boat, which allows you not only access to Scalo Maestro but also other grottoes and stops along the shoreline. Once there, visitors can enjoy a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling in its idyllic waters; it’s impossible to enter without feeling transported away into a dreamy paradise!
Tropea, Calabria
Italy’s toe may not all the way be on the map, but it is still on top of Italy’s sightseeing should-see list – especially Tropea in Calabria. This sunbathed oasis certainly has something to brag about: picture warm waters, an old village perched atop white bluffs, and miles of pristine white-sand beaches.
Plus, you won’t be alone if you come in June or September – Tropea is bustling and swim-ready! Whether you’re looking to sunbathe or explore the area with its (surprise!) spicy cuisine and vast archaeological sites, Tropea won’t leave with you nothing less than a head full of sandy dreams.
Pontine Coast, Lazio
The Pontine Coast is a stretch of coastline located in the Lazio region of Italy, south of Rome. This area is known for its beautiful beaches, clear blue waters and picturesque towns. Some of the most popular beaches in the Pontine Coast include Sabaudia, Sperlonga, San Felice Circeo and Terracina.
Best Beaches in Italy Summary
From rocky cliffs to fine, golden sands, Italy really does have it all when it comes to beaches. The country’s long coastline promises something special and unique – and these are just a few examples! So if your next holiday destination needs to involve sand between your toes and swimming in the Mediterranean, then look no further than Italy.
All that’s left to do is pack your suitcase and start planning your Italian beach adventure today! Buon viaggio!
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