Italy has some of the most beautiful coasts in the world, and every beach you visit is a tiny adventure of its very own!
Whether you want an active adventure, a relaxing family vacation, or a fancy escape, this post will point you toward the best beaches in the country.
Let’s take a look at the varied and wonderful beaches of Italy so you can make the most of your time hopping from beach to beach.
Italy’s Most Photogenic Beaches
1. Spiaggia di Marina Grande (Positano, Amalfi Coast)
Think of a beach backed by houses in greens, yellows, and pinks. That’s Spiaggia di Marina Grande. It’s one of the most pictured places on the Amalfi Coast due to its pebbly beach and stunning water views.
Other than getting some rays, you can do boat excursions or just chill at one of the fancy beach clubs.
Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall for the best weather and sea conditions.
Address: Via Marina Grande, Positano SA, Italy.
Transportation: Accessible by foot from Positano town center or by bus from other Amalfi Coast towns.
Nearby accommodation: Hotel Marincanto offers breathtaking sea views and traditional Italian charm.
2. Isola Bella (Taormina, Sicily)
The mainland is connected to Isola Bella by a narrow sandbar, which sets up a very unusual beach situation.
Nature truly shines here, with clear blue waters that are great for swimming and snorkeling. This tiny island is a lush oasis and an unforgettable playground.
Best time to visit: Late spring to September to enjoy warm weather and clear waters.
Address: Isola Bella, Taormina ME, Italy.
Transportation: Take a cable car from Taormina to Mazzarò, then walk a short distance.
Nearby accommodation: La Plage Resort provides luxurious beachfront living with stunning views.
3. La Pelosa Beach (Stintino, Sardinia)
La Pelosa Beach will have you wondering if you’ve accidentally stumbled upon the Caribbean.
The water is shallow and turquoise, the sand is soft and bright white, and it’s a great place to take kids, who can safely swim in the lagoon-like sea as adults soak in the views.
Best time to visit: June to September for optimal weather conditions.
Address: Viale La Pelosa, 07040 Stintino SS, Italy.
Transportation: Accessible by car; buses run from the town of Stintino.
Nearby accommodation: Hotel Cala Reale offers family-friendly amenities and views over the Gulf of Asinara.
Family-Friendly Beaches with Easy Access
4. San Vito Lo Capo (Sicily)
A sun-drenched community that’s popular with families, they come for the long sandy beaches and calm, shallow waters that are great for kids. There’s even a lifeguard on duty.
And, if you time your visit in September, the town hosts Cous Cous Fest, a festival that celebrates all things couscous and showcases cultures from around the world.
Best time to visit: June to September for the warmest weather and local festivals.
Address: Via Lungomare, 91010 San Vito Lo Capo TP, Italy.
Transportation: Reachable by car or bus from Trapani or Palermo airport.
Nearby accommodation: Villaggio Cala Mancina, perfect for families with kids’ activities and a swimming pool.
5. Baia dei Turchi (Otranto, Puglia)
Situated among some aptly dramatic landscapes is Baia dei Turchi, combining history with a great spot for the family. The beach was named after a 15th-century Turkish raid, so there’s a bit of legend to your visit.
The clear shallows are perfect for young children, and the pine tree grove behind the beach has some shaded paths that are perfect for a little stroll. It’s just a nice spot where families can hang out.
Best time to visit: May to October for the best weather conditions.
Address: SP366, 73028 Otranto LE, Italy.
Transportation: Accessible via car with parking available; buses also run from Otranto.
Nearby accommodation: Hotel Masseria Bandino, a charming retreat with family-friendly amenities.
6. Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre, Liguria)
Centrally located inCinque Terre, Monterosso al Mare is known for its wide sandy beach (a unique feature among the otherwise rocky towns in the area). It’s also one of the easiest towns to get to by train, making it a convenient destination for a day trip.
There are spots for safe swimming too (creating a good jumping-off point for families). And once you’re done swimming, don’t miss wandering around the colorful town, grabbing a bite to eat, and enjoying a cone of gelato.
Best time to visit: June to September for warm weather and vibrant village life.
Address: Monterosso al Mare, 19016 SP, Italy.
Transportation: Direct train service from La Spezia or Genoa.
Nearby accommodation: Hotel Porto Roca offers spectacular sea views and a family-friendly vibe.
Adventure & Water sports Beaches
7. Cala Goloritzé (Sardinia)
If you want a little adventure and natural beauty, Cala Goloritzé is a must. The beach is small but is still popular due to the dramatic limestone pinnacles that stand just off the water. It’s a UNESCO-protected beach, so it doesn’t get too crowded with people.
To reach it, you have to hike 90 minutes through stunning landscapes. It’s a great walk!
Best time to visit: May to October for pleasant hiking conditions and warm weather.
Address: Cala Goloritzé, 08040 Baunei NU, Italy.
Transportation: Reachable by foot, with parking available at the hike’s starting point in Su Porteddu.
Nearby accommodation: Hotel Bia Maore in Baunei provides cozy rooms with easy access to the trailhead.
8. Paraggi Beach (Portofino, Liguria)
Being located just near the fashionable town of Portofino, Paraggi Beach is a trendy playground for water sport lover.
The small, emerald-green bay is perfect for paddle boarding and kayaking, for a little bit of excitement plus breathtaking scenery. The posh atmosphere of Portofino spills over to the beach, which means you can enjoy your sport in luxury.
The clear water and stunning surrounding make it irresistible for any adventurer seeking some luxury.
Best time to visit: Late spring to early fall for the best water sport conditions.
Address: Paraggi, 16038 Santa Margherita Ligure GE, Italy.
Transportation: Easily accessible by bus or short drive from Portofino.
Nearby accommodation: Eight Hotel Paraggi offers an exclusive beachfront experience with modern amenities.
9. Scala dei Turchi (Realmonte, Sicily)
Scala dei Turchi is not a swimming beach, but it’s the most mesmerizing site surrounding by white limestone cliffs and terraces that draw you to climb on and explore them. They can also be the best spot in all of Sicily to watch the sunset (climbing up is easy).
If you’re an adventurous person or geology fan, you’re going to have a lot of fun tracing the lines of these cliffs and taking unique photos of the land. Seeing the sunset into the Mediterranean from here is an unforgettable experience.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon to dusk for incredible sunsets.
Address: Scala dei Turchi, 92010 Realmonte AG, Italy.
Transportation: Accessible by car; parking is available nearby with a short walk to the site.
Nearby accommodation: Hotel Puntamajata provides a convenient stay with views of the Scala dei Turchi.
Elegant Escapes & Luxury Beach Resorts
10. Forte dei Marmi (Tuscany)
If you’re looking for luxury, then Forte dei Marmi is the spot. This beautiful Tuscany beach is renowned for its exclusive beach clubs (called “bagni”).
They provide a classy beach day complete with every amenity you could need, so it’s the ideal destination if you want to do nothing but laze around with a touch of class.
The beach has trendy shops and gourmet restaurants lining it, so it’s a people-watching and indulgent paradise.
Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn for idyllic beach weather.
Address: Forte dei Marmi, 55042 LU, Italy.
Transportation: Reachable by train or car from nearby cities like Pisa or Florence.
Nearby accommodation: Hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi offers luxury amenities and beachfront access.
11. Capriccioli Beach (Costa Smeralda, Sardinia)
For romance or family relaxation, Capriccioli Beach is one of the loveliest spots on the Costa Smeralda. Its fine sand and small bays give it an intimate feel, set against a backdrop of green Mediterranean vegetation.
The beach is lined with luxury hotels that provide a nice balance of tranquility and indulgence for couples and those traveling with kids looking for a peaceful getaway.
Best time to visit: June to September for warm sea temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Address: Capriccioli, 07021 Arzachena SS, Italy.
Transportation: Accessible by car; local roads connect it to main towns in Sardinia.
Nearby accommodation: Cala di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel, known for its exclusive service and stunning architecture.
12. Tropea Beach (Calabria)
Tropea Beach is the perfect blend of rustic and grand as it stretches out before the town, a dramatic jumble of buildings on a cliff top.
Golden sand and bright blue sea beckon, drawing well-heeled holiday makers in search of sunny beach days interspersed with a cultural fix. With its increasing buzz, there are now some very swish places to stay with stunning sea views.
Best time to visit: Late spring through fall, when the sea is at its most welcoming.
Address: Tropea Beach, 89861 Tropea VV, Italy.
Transportation: Reachable via train or car from major southern Italian cities like Lamezia Terme.
Nearby accommodation: Hotel Rocca della Sena offers boutique comfort with stunning views over the beach.
Off-the-beaten-path beaches
13. Cala Mariolu (Gulf of Orosei, Sardinia)
This place is like a little hidden wonderland. It’s a tiny, isolated cove surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs. You can only get here by boat or hiking in, so the beach is practically empty.
The underwater life is fantastic, providing lots of entertainment for snorkelers who want to check out what lies beneath the sea.
If you want some peace and quiet and a lovely natural setting, this is the beach to go to!
Best time to visit: June to September for warm waters and fewer crowds.
Address: Cala Mariolu, 08040 Baunei NU, Italy.
Transportation: Accessible by boat from Santa Maria Navarrese or a challenging hike starting from the Golgo plateau.
Nearby accommodation: Hotel Bue Marino in Cala Gonone offers comfort with stunning sea views.
14. Spiaggia di Sansone (Elba Island, Tuscany)
Tucked amid rolling green hills, Spiaggia di Sansone is a secluded spot that is well known to the locals but relatively undiscovered by the international community.
This white-pebble beach is a pleasant sight with its shimmering water and peaceful atmosphere — ideal for anyone wanting to get away from it all.
The location is especially popular with snorkelers, who can check out the unusual rock formations beneath the crystal-clear water.
Best time to visit: May to September for clear skies and warm swims.
Address: Via di S. Giovanni, 57037 Portoferraio LI, Italy.
Transportation: Drive to Portoferraio, then a short walk from the roadside parking.
Nearby accommodation: Hotel Hermitage offers an elegant stay with easy access to scenic adventures.
15. Fiordo di Furore (Amalfi Coast, Campania)
Set within a fjord that is crossed by a beautiful stone bridge, Fiordo di Furore is another one of those places in Italy that doesn’t seem like it’s in Italy at all.
The beach is small but it’s not a place to go swimming — just take in the views and the surrounding nature. The cove is all cliffs and water, providing a very private setting.
An early morning visit is highly recommended. You feel like you’re experiencing nature without any crowds.
Best time to visit: Early morning to avoid crowds and capture the serene beauty.
Address: Via Marina di Praia, Furore SA, Italy.
Transportation: Accessible by car with parking nearby or by SITA bus from Amalfi.
Nearby accommodation: Relais Amalfi Coast provides a traditional stay with stunning sea views.
Travel Tips
Pack Light but Right: Bring essentials like sunscreen, hats, and beach towels. A light backpack is easier to carry along rugged paths.
Sneak in Snacks: Local eateries are abundant but pricy. Pack snacks for busy days exploring secluded beaches.
Stay Hydrated: Italy’s coastal sun can be intense, so carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated wherever you go.
Rent Beach Gear: If you plan activities like kayaking or paddle boarding, renting locally is convenient and saves you from lugging gear around.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: Some of the best beaches require a short hike or lengthy walks.
Check the Tides: For certain beaches, arriving at low tide can reveal hidden sandbars or easier swimming spots.
Currency and Cards: Carry some cash, as not all rural areas accept cards.
Forecast Insight: Always check the weather forecast before setting out.
Safety First for Swimmers: Always adhere to warnings about rip currents and safe swimming areas.
Stay Sun Safe: Reapply sunblock regularly, even on cloudy days.
Capture the Moments: Keep a waterproof camera handy for those picture-perfect moments.
Travel Insurance: It’s smart to have travel insurance for a worry-free vacation.
FAQs
1. Do I need to pay to access Italian beaches?
It depends. Italy has both free public beaches and private beach clubs where you pay for access to loungers, umbrellas, and changing rooms.
2. Is parking available at most Italian beaches?
In many popular areas, parking is limited or paid. It’s best to arrive early, use public transport, or look for park-and-shuttle options in peak season.
3. Can I find vegan or vegetarian food near Italian beaches?
Yes. Many beachside cafés and restaurants offer vegetarian pastas, grilled vegetables, salads, and often vegan gelato. Coastal towns increasingly cater to diverse diets.
4. Are there any special beach festivals or events in Italy?
Yes! Highlights include the Cous Cous Fest in San Vito Lo Capo (September), summer beach parties in Rimini, and local seafood festivals in coastal villages.
5. Can I find Wi-Fi at Italian beach clubs?
Many private beach clubs, especially in well-developed areas like Tuscany, Sardinia, and the Amalfi Coast, offer free Wi-Fi, though it may be limited.
6. What are some eco-friendly practices when visiting Italy’s beaches?
• Bring a reusable water bottle and tote bag
• Avoid single-use plastics
• Use reef-safe sunscreen
• Don’t leave trash—take it with you
• Respect protected areas and avoid removing shells or rocks
Conclusion
Italy’s beaches offer more than sun and sand—they’re escapes into culture, beauty, and relaxation. From Amalfi’s cliffs to Sardinia’s coves, there’s something for everyone.
With tips in hand, you’re ready for the perfect coastal getaway!