Italy isn’t just about delicious food and ancient ruins, as most people think. Beyond them lies picturesque beauty intertwined with the natural scenic sites. And, everyone will agree that beaches are the most enchanting of them.
For the Italians, the beach is the escape from reality and more like a summer tradition. And why not? The country boasts a broad coastline from the Cinque Terre’s rugged cliffs to Puglia’s pristine white sands. Of course, its beauty is far more than just any dream.
If you, too, are planning to visit this summer, here are some of the best beaches in Italy that you can surely add to your wishlist.
Pack your bodysuit, grab your sunglasses, and get ready to dive in.
Top 14 Best Beaches in Italy
Cala Goloritze, Sardinia
I have visited so many beaches in my life, and Cala Goloritze is where my heart and soul have been stuck.
The beauty of this hidden paradise is mesmerizing. Rising above the cove, the limestone pinnacle of 143 meters multiplies its beauty a hundred times.
Protected by UNESCO, the secluded beach can only be explored by boat and foot. It is monitored by several water policemen who always work meticulously to keep the place safe and secure for tourists. Don’t worry; the boat ride is enough to give you the experience of a lifetime in the tranquility of turquoise water. But if you’re looking to discover things by yourself, like me, joining the footwalk is all you need.
Well, that’s not all. Though the center of the play is the Cala Goloritze, the coastline shares a significant number of beautiful beaches of the world, like Cala Luna and Grotta del Bue Marino. As some can be accessed by car, you can indeed have a wonderful time in this part of Sardinia.
Route to Cala Goloritze: You need to book a ticket from any international airport you want and reach Cagliari. You can also try to reach Olbia and Alghero, but for me Cagliari was the best route to Cala Goloritze.
Take the road SS125 road to Baunei. From there, you can see a lot of signing posts leading you to the Golgo Parking lot, which will take you to Cala Goloritze.
Scala dei Turchi, Sicily
Suppose you are considering spending quality time on a nice vacation with a mix of Italian history. In that case, Scala dei Turchi can be a great retreat. I can argue all day that it is one of the best beaches in Italy and you must not miss it.
As the name translates as “stairs of the Turks,” the place speaks it too. The white cliffs carved into steps are the most appealing part of the entire beach. Along with it, the clear blue contrasted quite well, creating a dreamy look. As you roam deep into it, you will be amazed to see the reflections and beauty of this part of Sicily with every sunrise and sunset.
With family, you can easily tour the area by a private boat. This can be a soothing and photogenic adventure.
Nevertheless, if you are a fun-lover, you can jump off the cliff and enjoy the warm dive in the backdrop of the white cliffs. What’s stopping you? So, plan your trip well, book a night in one of the best resorts in Italy, and unveil the beauty of the region bit by bit.
Route to Scala dei Turchi: Go from Porto Empedocle by bus. However, as the buses are available only in summer, have a private car when you travel in the off-season. In any way, you need to travel on SP68 road. You can visit Google Maps to find the exact location here.
La Pelosa, Sardinia
La Pelosa is another Sardinia beauty you can’t take your eyes off. The vibrant hues of blue blended with turquoise and cyan create colors that will soothe your eyes. Plus, the off-white sands with grainy texture will take you to another realm of beauty.
As you explore more, you will find the iconic tower of La Pelosa, built in the 16th century, holding the historic sensation of Italy. What can be better than this? And you can enjoy all this for only €3.50 per person. You can simply book your reservation from the Spiaggia La Pelosa website.
When I travel to La Pelosa, I always try to take enough time to go sightseeing, swim, and visit the lovable alleys of Stintino. No wonder it is one of the best beach towns in Italy I have encountered so far.
Pro Tip: Bring a straw mat so no sand leaves the beach – a community measure imposed by the local organization to preserve scenic beauty.
Route to La Pelosa: To reach the beautiful beach of La Pelosa, fly to International Alghero Airport and then take a car, bus, or taxi at your convenience.
The cheapest way to get there is by taking a bus. The nearest bus stop is only an 8 to 10-minute walk to Stintino Spiaggia. But, if you have less time, you can take a taxi to the destination within 45 to 50 minutes and within just €60-80.
San Fruttuoso, Liguria
Being one of the best beaches in Italy, San Fruttuoso is perfect for any holiday trip. Embedded by a historical and fascinating Roman Abbey, which is no less than a monastery, the picture-perfect green oasis is in the Genoa province of Liguria.
To reach there, you can take one of the two ways. Either take a boat to reach the sea from the Camogli and experience the ultimate stretch of the Ligurian coast or hike through the wild trails of the Regional Park of Portofino to enjoy the serene path between the sea. As I traveled both ways, these journeys were totally worth it.
To get the entire taste of the land, sea, history, nature, and traditions of Liguria, take advantage of the visit to the Italian villages that are located just upstream. Here, with the mix of Ligurian seafood and delicious cuisine, you can walk through the history of ancient Doria’s Tower and Casa dell’Arco.
Route to San Fruttuso: First, you must get to Portofino, just 45 kilometers from Genoa. You can take the train from Milan, or any boat or train from Cinque Terre. From there, you can take the sea route by ferry or boat from Camogli or try an adventurous hiking expedition on foot to San Fruttuso by crossing the Regional Park.
Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre
Visiting Cinque Terre and not planning a day for Monterrosso is a loss project. In the vistas of the colorful villages, the Monterrosso al Mare is an example of what the best Italian beaches can offer. It will be perfect for a less intimate and fun day out in the bursting of people with the vibe of familiarity.
Along with the view, it is so mesmerizing that you will be awed to see the array of activities you can try on the beach. You can sunbathe on the sandy white beach, sail on a boat tour, paddle on a kayak tour, and even hike at the foot of the Blue Trail. In addition, the great Cinque Terre wines and some of the best towns in Italy will give you a thrilling beachy treat.
Pro-tip: Don’t expect Monterreso al Mare any night party or booze location. Everything gets nearly closed before midnight. Thus, plan a family-friendly outing while visiting the villages of Cinque Terre.
Route to Monterreso al Mare: As the village of Monterreso is located in the northern part of Cinque Terre, you can easily reach it by plane, train, or car. Direct train stations and airports are available in cities like Genoa, Pisa, and Florence. You can simply click here to know the location of the train stations.
Sperlonga, Lazio
Undoubtedly, Lazio is home to the most beautiful and best beaches in Italy. Wrapped up by the ruins of the Roman Villa of Tiberius and boarded by the exclusive sand beach, it can be an excellent romantic gateway for couples and a best for family trips.
As you walk through the remnants of parts of the empire of Tibrerus, it will take you centuries back to the lavish Roman life. Each wall will tell you a new history as you can visualize how the emperor used to enjoy his life once in this archaic beauty.
Along with this, Sperlonga’s charming beach is the star of the show. Contrasted with the ancient thrill, the beach will promise you the best retreat to the modern world. This excellent Mediterranean atmosphere is all that you need this summer.
Route to Sperlonga: Between Rome and Naples, Sperlonga is located in the province of Latina. Catch a train from Fondi Sperlonga, and then take a local bus or rent a car to reach the beach.
Fontane Bianche, Sicily
Making a list of the best Italian beaches and not mentioning Fontane Bianche is a serious injustice. Located in a small beach town famous for this freshwater spring, it will give you relief from your chaotic city life with a slice of paradise.
With the beautiful white sand mingling with the limpid blue water, the place is an ultimate tourist spot, with a handful of hotels, resorts, restaurants, and sports facilities. Furthermore, the luxury boat rides, boathouses, and fishing harbors make it a perfect holiday destination suitable for young and adults.
Wait! There is no end to this small scenic beauty. Besides the sea and beach, you can visit Vendiciari Natural Reserve or Pantalica Necropolis for a historical bite or give yourself a delicious treat of traditional Sicilian cuisine.
Route to Fontane Bianche: You can take any train from Syracuse to Fontane Bianche. As Trenitalia alone operates here, trains are not available on a large scale during the day and often do not provide service on Sundays. Thus, you can take a bus from Catania as an alternative.
However, you can also rent a car from Syracuse and expect the shortest time to reach one of the best beaches in Italy.
Riviera del Conero, Le Marche
The more I talk about Le Marche, the less. And the Riveria del Conero is something beyond imagination. If there is any heaven on earth, this is it.
Along with the backdrop of the coastal views that will take you to another realm, the place is decorated with surreal mountains. Also, let’s remember the intricate paths carved in a criss-cross manner making their way to the National Park, which can be a bonus for you.
From swimming, walking, trekking the mountains, and even exploring the parks on your own, Conero has a lot of surprises for you. Not to mention, the delicious foods of Le Marche can take the entire trip to another level.
Route to Riviera del Conero: Getting to Conero is quite straightforward. The closest bus stop from Riviera del Conero is Numana with a walking distance of 2 minutes. Numerous free buses are available too, along with Reni’s paid service, which you can try.
San Vito lo Capo, Sicily
No wonder Sicily is the ultimate abode for the best beaches in Italy. Another one of them is San Vito lo Capo. This award-winning beach doesn’t just give you sand and water; it has a whole package of attractions.
The beautiful beach contrasts the rugged mountains, which can be a great climbing experience for any newbie. However, if you are up to boat trips, sit back; the clear coastlines are perfect for it, too.
Don’t think the beach or the sea cuisine is all. If you are a history enthusiast like me, the main church, Santuario di San Vito, is worth a shot for its unusual design and architecture. I would suggest you plan your trip well and book from one of the best resorts in Italy to enjoy the fullest!
Route to San Vito lo Capo: The easiest route to San Vito lo Capo is either from Trapani or Palermo. Whether you fly or go by sea, once you reach one of the places, any bus or rented car can directly take you to this northwestern coast of Sicily.
Torre del Orso, Puglia
Torre del Orso, located 28 kilometers from Lecce, is a synonym for beauty. While planning a trip to Puglia, the beach is something you won’t want to miss. Its position in the Salento makes it an ideal beach for your holidays.
Bordered by two huge white cliffs, the beach boasts clear water, bringing it Blue Flags and 5 sails for its extraordinary beauty. As much scorching heat as the beach gets, the pine forest behind balances it and provides a relaxing shelter for the visitors.
The beach remains as crowded at night as the day. Instead, the nightlife of Torre del Orso is bursting with more life as the beach becomes a center of numerous shops, amusements, and sports.
Pro Tip: Plan your vacation from July to September for the best experience of Torre del Orso. You won’t regret it.
Route to Torre del Orso: Unfortunately, the bus is the only public transport I have found that can reach Torre del Orso. You have to take a bus from Lecce or Otranto, and it will take more than 2 hours to get there.
Therefore, I personally think renting a car is a better option. You can rent it from RentalCar.com or AutoEurope, which are the best car rentals I have found.
Viareggio Beach, Tuscany
Viareggio Beach is not only the major cynosure of Tuscany but also has the striking beauty to earn the position among the best beaches in Italy. Being a famous holiday gateway for Italians, it is equally popular among international tourists for its ethereal beauty.
As the longest Tuscan beach in Italy, Viareggio has a sand beach that is 10 kilometers long and 200 kilometers wide. You can chill on the beach and sunbathe as much as you want while your children can remain busy building sand castles. I agree; it is perfect for planning a beach holiday with your kiddos.
Have more time on your hands? Use that to visit Viareggio, one of Italy’s best beach towns. You can drive a bit and tour Migliarino San Rossore Nature Park or Carrara Mountains. Even the Leaning Tower of Pisa deserves a shot which is just 22 kilometers away.
Route to Viareggio Beach: Reaching Viareggio is a piece of cake as direct trains are available for you. Though I took the train from Florence, which took me a 1.5-hour journey, there are also trains from Lucca, which are just 15 minutes. You have to walk five to eight minutes from the station, and bingo!
Marina Grande, Amalfi Coast
Decorated with a clear blue sea and a colorful umbrella, Marina Grande is undoubtedly not only the famous Italian beach on the Amalfi Coast but among the best beaches in Italy. As the center of town, it has become the hub of visitors, especially in the hot summer months.
Bursting worldliness, I highly recommend this beach if you love the crowd and busy days. Even though the place is stuffed with people, it has the aura to give you a peaceful holiday along with several other fun activities.
Having the free beach, what more can we expect from one of the best towns in Italy?
Route to Marina Grande: Take a private boat or ferry from Amalfi Coast, Naples, or Sorrento. It will take you directly to the Marina Grande.
Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa
The quiet, small island of Lampedusa and the quiet Rabbit Beach are the best combinations for any traveler. Leaving the hassle of your daily life, you can capture the natural beauty and wildlife like no other Italian beach.
Like a small paradise of aquatic essence packed with wildlife, Rabbit Beach is the perfect spot for any quiet outing for couples. No sunbed, no bar, no toilet, just you and the nature. Surely, you will have the most memorable vacation of your life.
Route to Rabbit Beach: At first, you need to fly to Lampedusa by Lampedusa Airport. From there you can hire any taxi, bus or car. If you take the bus, you must go from downtown Lampedusa to Capo Ponente.
Baratti, Tuscany
Mixing beauty with history, Tuscany has another famous beach – Baratti. Locals proudly rank this beach as one of the best beaches in Italy. Why not we?
With the most beautiful art of nature, the coastline is dreamy. Here, you can chill wearing your sunglasses as long as you want. As the beach is free and accessible for all, the splendor of the beach culture is also something worth the effort.
The thing you will love about Baratti is it is one of the best beach towns in Italy, providing you with the best sports activities, delicious cuisine, and lavish bars. To get the best of all, try to visit in July and August; I guarantee you will never regret it.
Route to Baratti: The easiest way I took was to take the motorway from Livorno-Grosseto and exit San Vincenzo. After that, you just need to follow the directions to Pimbino, and Baratti will be on your right hand. If you don’t like this route, don’t worry; trains and buses are also available.
How To Prepare a Beach Trip
Looking at these beautiful beaches, I know your heart wants to race to this Italian Riveria. But my friend, walk slowly. Though these are the best beaches in Italy, the beach trip can be only fun if you are well-prepared. So, before booking your next vacation, please take a look at how to prepare for a beach trip, which portrays the lesson I learned from my tours.
Sun Protection
Sun protection must be at the top of your checklist. The UV rays are hazardous, and their severity increases several times when you are on the beach. Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to shield you from the scorching heat.
Pack Beach Essentials
Check repeatedly and ensure that you take the necessary swimsuits, beach outfits, flip-flops, beach bags, and other items. If needed, buy a bathing suit according to the weather out there.
Food and Drinks
To stay hydrated is challenging on the beach in summer. Plus, not all beaches have bars and food stalls ready at hand. Therefore, you must carry snacks and water or juice to keep you energetic as you enjoy your trip.
Plan Activities
Plan beforehand what activities you want to do on the beach. If you are a bookworm like me, try to bring books or magazines. You can also pack beach cards to play with your friends and toys for your kids.
Final Thoughts
Without any doubt, Italy has the most beautiful coastlines that you can spend your holidays on. Fom far Sardinia to the village of Amalfi Coast, the best beaches in Italy can be found in your every footstep.
Through the above list, I tried to provide you with a glimpse of the most beautiful beaches in the world. As a traveler myself, I know these are some of the places you must not miss whether you are a local or international tourist.
So what’s stopping you? Let’s plan a trip today and have a sandy beach expedition.
