Italy is known for so much — breathtaking history, fantastic food, and beautiful scenery — but when summertime approaches, the real star is the coast. With almost 5,000 miles of coastline, Italy has some of the best beaches in Europe! From the beaches of Sardinia to the Amalfi coastline to the pretty villages of Cinque Terre, these beach paradises are sure to relax every beach goer and adventurer alike.
From beach clubs to hidden coves, from family-friendly stretches of sand you are bound to enjoy these best beaches in Italy.
So to help with your trip planning, here’s your ultimate guide to the best beaches in Italy.
🌊 1. Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach), Lampedusa (Sicily)
Regularly ranked in the world’s top beach list, Spiaggia dei Conigli or Rabbit Beach, sits at the southern tip of Italy on the island of Lampedusa. This remote paradisiac beach contains white sand and crystal clear blue-green water, making it great for swimming and snorkeling.
Why go?
- Untouched and pristine nature
- Protected marine area with turtles
- Best time to visit is early summer when crowds are smaller
🏖️ 2. La Pelosa Beach, Stintino (Sardinia)
With its shallow, crystal-clear water, and fluffy white sand, La Pelosa in northern Sardinia feels and looks like a tropical lagoon behind an ancient tower, looking out at the nearby Isola Piana.
Highlights:
- Calm waters great for families and kayaking
- Unmatched photo opportunities
- Reservation required in peak season to protect the ecosystem
🌴 3. Cala Goloritzé, Baunei (Sardinia)
Cala Goloritzé is a UNESCO site that you can only access by boat or hike, so it is a must see for those that prefer adventure. The beach is nestled between tall limestone cliffs, shallow turquoise waters, and has stunning rock formations.
Why it is special:
- Great for snorkelling and cliff diving
- Is isolated and pristine
- Famous limestone smoking gun rock that shoots up from the sea.
🏝️ 4. Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre (Liguria)
Monterosso al Mare is the only sandy beach in the Cinque Terre. It is both picturesque and practical. Monterosso is full of umbrellas and colourful beach clubs. It has spectacular pastel houses and green hills behind it which makes it one of the best beaches in italy.
Perfect for:
- Tourists taking a picture in Cinque Terre
- Convenience (car-free and easily accessible by train)
- Seafood restaurants and cafes all close by.
🌅 5. Marasusa Beach, Tropea (Calabria)
Marasusa Beach is known for its stunning blue water and cliff-side town views on the Tyrrhenian Sea in southern Italy. The beach is known as the “Jewel of Calabria” because of its dramatic sunsets and tranquil waters.
Unique aspects:
- Options for swimming and paddleboarding
- Overlooked by gorgeous, historic Tropea town.
- Cheap and less crowded than other best beaches in Italy.
🌞 6. Camogli Beach (Liguria)
Camogli is perhaps the most charming of the lesser known beaches on the Italian Riviera; for travelers looking for charm over crowds, this colorful coastal village is comprised of a pebbled beach and is partly framed by beautiful sea views, making for a wonderfully chill beach experience far from more touristy locales.
Best for:
- Romantic getaways,
- A real Italian atmosphere,
- Local trattorias and boutique stays
🐚 7. Cala Mariolu, Sardinia
Cala Mariolu is another Sardinian beauty with pink pebbles, turquoise waters, and steep limestone cliffs (typical of Sardinia). It is accessed by boat or via a challenging hike (so it tends to be popular with nature lovers),
Reasons to go:
- Excellent diving and marine life,
- Secluded and quiet, even in summer,
- Usually part of any boat tour from Cala Gonone
🏄 8. Baia delle Zagare, Gargano (Puglia)
Located in Gargano National Park, Baia delle Zagare boasts a stunning backdrop of white cliffs and sea stacks behind it. If you are experiencing Puglia off the beaten path then Baia delle Zagare is a great choice & consider as one the best beaches in italy.
What makes it a hidden gem:
- Unique limestone formations in the sea,
- Limited access allows for its tranquillity,
- A great base to explore Gargano Peninsula.
🌺 9. San Vito Lo Capo (Sicily)
San Vito Lo Capo is a laid-back Sicilian fishing town that has one of the most beautiful beaches on the whole island. With beautiful soft sand and turquoise water, it’s family-friendly and has great restaurants in the area.
Highlights:
- Zingaro nature reserve is close by
- Couscous and seafood festivals
- Clear, shallow waters are safe for swimming
🌄 10. Positano Beach, Amalfi Coast
Positano Beach has the stunning backdrop of Positano, one of the most iconic terraces villages in the world. The paving stones are nice, but Positano is also one of the most photographed places in Italy.
Perfect for:
- The luxury traveler or honeymooner
- Boutique hotels with beach access
- Boat access to Capri and Amalfi
🧳 Tips for Visiting Best Beaches in Italy
- Travel light, lots of beaches are walking or boat rides so don’t brought heavy bags.
- Plan Ahead, especially on the Amalfi Coast and Sardinia during the summer months.
- Beach Clubs and Free Areas- Many beaches have private clubs and very highly populated public areas. Beach clubs usually come with amenities, beach chairs, umbrellas. Many beaches are so crowded they’ll fill before you get to the water.
- Respect Natural Areas – As many of Italy’s best beaches are protected areas are swimming zones they have very strict guidelines on how to visit, read and follow the guidelines.
🌍 Final Thoughts – Enjoy the Best Beaches in Italy
The best beaches in Italy offer something for every type of traveler, from sun-soaked cliffs of Amalfi along coastal balance to rugged beauty of Sardinia. Whether you desire luxury, action, or solitude, the best beaches in Italy bring to life a beach holiday you will always remember.
If you are planning your next escape to the beach, be sure to include one of these spectacular beach destinations on your list.
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