Come find the best beaches of Italy. Surrounded by water on all sides, Italy has a unique coastline with nooks and crannies that create quiet swimming coves and picturesque seascapes. Italy’s beaches are most crowded during July and August when Italians join throngs of foreign tourists to escape the heat. Whether you’re searching for an upscale resort or a secluded seaside village, there’s a lounge chair on the sea just waiting for you. Italy has so many great seaside resorts and beaches that it is hard to know where to begin when planning a summer holiday. Italians love the sea, and flock to it each summer, so there is no such thing as an undiscovered Italian beach. But some are much quieter, smaller and more charming than others. If you possibly can, avoiding late July and August will make your holiday much cheaper and less crowded. June and early September are great months for the seaside in Italy, and May can also be nice, though the weather is less hot and beach establishments will only just be setting up for the summer. Get more ideas for great beaches around Italy here.
The peninsula of Italy is home to hundreds of beaches, though they may not be the typical sandy spots you’re used to. Many visit Italian beaches to relax and soak up the sun, but what sets the shores apart from other destinations is the country’s captivating natural landscape. Here are the the best beaches of Italy:
Isola Bella, Sicily
Isola Bella, SicilyIsola Bella sits just off the coast of Sicily and is part of the Taormina region. Isola Bella’s beach is popular with sunbathers, but isn’t classically sandy with small stones and pebbles. Vendors and cafes sell refreshments, and sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent. There are plenty of activities to get involved with too – try out snorkeling, diving or a boat trip to nearby caves. Head to the Amazing Luxury Hotels in Taormina Here.
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Camogli Beach, Liguria
Camogli Beach, LiguriaCamogli beach itself sits at the bottom of sun-drenched hills, where the sea softly laps at the stony sand. As temperatures hot up, the beach becomes busy, so you’ll want to arrive early. As the sun goes down, it illuminates the colors of the buildings and is mirrored brilliantly in the silver of the sea. Find the 10 Best Luxury Beach Hotels in Liguria here.
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Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, Sicily
Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa, SicilySpiaggia dei Conigli is located in a nature reserve on the remote island of Lampedusa south of Sicily. Loggerhead turtles return here to lay their eggs in the sand, so the beach closes in the evenings to allow the turtles to return safely. This breathtaking beach may have once been voted the best beach in the world, but to get to it requires a two-kilometer trek, but you will be rewarded with a cool swim in the crystalline water. This beach does get busy, so you’ll want to get there early. Looking for the most amazing Lampedusa Sicily hotels? Head Here.
Cala Granara, Spargi
Cala Granara, SpargiCala Granara is a little piece of paradise tucked away on the Isola di Spargi, part of the Maddalena Archipelago. The powdery sands offer the ideal spot for sunbathing. This beach can only be accessed by boat making it more beautiful, remote and undeveloped. All You need to know to travel to La Maddalena can be found here.
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La Pelosa, Stintino
La Pelosa, StintinoThis secluded beach has translucent shallow seas, with a long curve of ivory sand. This beach is a popular spot for local families and groups of friends to spend days off together, which creates a fun and welcoming atmosphere. A 16th Century watchtower, the Torre della Pelosa sits on rocks that jut out into the sea. Make sure to get here early during the summer, as it does get very busy. Looking for amazing places to stay in Stintino Italy? Visit Here
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Spiaggia del Fornillo, Positano
Spiaggia del Fornillo, PositanoSpiaggia del Fornillo is a special little beach with pretty pebbles and clear waters. This beach may be less crowded than others in the area, but in the evening the beach bars and restaurants along the shore start to get lively. Spend an evening on the beach tucking into the fresh catch of the day, sipping local wine and listening the sound of the waves on the stones. For the Ultimate Hotels Guide to Positano Italy, go here.
Cala Goloritze, Sardinia
Cala Goloritze, SardiniaCala Goloritzé beach sits at the bottom of a gorge along Sardinia’s spectacular northeastern coast. Jutting limestone configurations, with vibrant foliage, contrast with the soft white sands below. If you’re planning on visiting this famous beach, you are going to have to use your legs. The hike to reach Sardinian beach takes around an hour and will lead you down the rocky ravine, where you’ll be greeted with glimpses of the green-blue water. Visiting Sardinia? Visit the ultimate guide to Sardinia Accommodations here.
Marasusa Beach, Tropea, Calabria
Marasusa Beach, Tropea, CalabriaMarasusa beach is situated along the ‘La Costa degli Dei,’ or the Coast of the Gods. Here you’ll find calm seas and spotless sands surrounded by jutting cliffs. Marasusa’s transparent waters are cool and calm. Although there can be some waves, swimming is safe. There is something for everyone; snorkeling, hire a boat or simply sit and sip a cold drink at one of the lido bars. The town also has a selection of cafes, shops and restaurants for you after spending a lazy day on the beach. Visit all of the best Tropea Luxury Hotels here.
Cala Rossa, Favignana Sicily
Cala Rossa is stunning with vibrant turquoise waters that lap against rusty red rocks. This isn’t a beach with pure white sands, but the interesting rock formations make for a great spot to sprawl out in the sun. The beach here can get busy, so make sure to arrive early. The clean and clear sea here means fantastic snorkeling opportunities – try and spot the small fish that flit around the rocks. Looking for The Best Luxury Hotels in Favignana Sicily? Click Here
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Cavoli Beach, Elba
Cavoli Beach, ElbaCavoli beach’s clear turquoise waters and warm breezes make it one of the most popular beaches on the island of Elba. The sand here is rather stony, but that doesn’t stop sunbathers. The beach is 300-metres in length and divided into two – one side for bars and sunbeds, the other is free to spend time as you wish. If you’re really adventurous, you can dive from the surrounding cliffs straight into the depths of the sea. Looking for the best Luxury hotels in Elba? Click here!
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Once all this covid stuff is done my wife and I are looking to take a vacation. We definitely would like a beach vacation. We usually look at places like the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands, but these Italian beaches look absolutely amazing. We are also huge fans of traditional Italian food too, so this might be perfect.
Sounds like a perfect fit! Yes, the beaches here are beautiful. Then you have all the history, the culture and yes the food! Please let me know if you need any information for your planning.
When I think of Italian beaches I think of rocks, often steep rocks and angry locals trying to charge exorbitant prices for access to a tiny patch of deck somewhere near the water. And only sometimes does the local turn out to be the legitimate owner. One of my longest summer vacations was staying in Sorrento in the Bay of Naples many (many) years ago. I traveled up and down the Bay and visited many places including the beaches. I recall that many were already private then and most were rocky. But I am sure things are quite different in other parts of Italy. I love Italy though and your article brings it all back. Best regards, Andy
Wow, I don’t picture rocks when I think of their beaches 🙂 But I am glad it brought back memories for you, hopefully fond ones.
Thank you so much, Leahrae, for this beautiful article. I really enjoyed reading it. It came right on time. We just look at a place to go this summer, something close by. For me, the Tropical beach Resort is my favorite. It is beautiful and popular. I am living in a tiny little village in Hungary, where it is tranquil the whole year. On my vacation, I like to have action, people, a beautiful historic Center. Calabria, here we come!
Great Monique, sounds like you will really enjoy! Please let me know if you need any additional information.
I would definitely search out your website when the world is safe again to travel! It’s very informative and I love all the graphics. It makes me feel like I’m there already. I’m longing for that Italian Riviera or the quaint little village nestled between the mountains.
The only thing that bothered me was the movement of your internet sites. It seemed like the pinterest, instagram, etc. icons were following me where ever I went and frankly, it was distracting.
I’ll have to remember your site! I can’t wait to travel again.
Glad you enjoyed the visit Nina. I will have to looks at my social links and see what they are doing! Thanks for the heads up!
Hello there! Oh wow, I have been to Italy once before but I was inland so I wasn’t near any bodies of water. I had no idea the beaches were so blue and beautiful. I really wish I ran into this article when I was traveling at the time. Unfortunately I probably went when blog sites were not a thing yet. Oh well, now I know where to plan to visit if I happen to visit Italy again. Thanks for this!
Yes Mike, put it on your bucket list. Italy has so much to offer for everyone! And yes, gorgeous beaches 🙂
This is a great and beautiful site. I wish I could do this all the time.
I read many good and interesting tips and information on how to get deals on hotels, airfares etc. It is very nice. The only thing I see is that it was a bit crowded and see some offers that do not relate to the site such as the concordia university.
From my own perspective, if a site has things that do not have to do with its main theme, it does not look very well.
Congratulations and I surely would like to go to the beach
Yes I agree and that is a darn Google ad. I thought they would list things relevant to the site 🙁 Thanks for visiting! Hope you enjoyed Beach Travel Destinations.
Hi,Leahrae
Thanks for posting a timely article about the beaches of Italy. Italy could be our next travel destination and now we will need to make some of these beaches a must stop. The video of Tropea Beach was really captivating…can’t wait to go.
For those of us who are not all that familiar with Italy, it would be helpful to show on a map where each of these beaches are located.
Dave
Hi Dave, Thanks for reading and your input. I am glad you enjoyed, and a map is an excellent idea!
Well, I know where I need to go on my next beach vacation! SO enticing!
You have described these beaches so well, I could easily plan ahead and decide where exactly I would go. The photos are absolutely stunning.
Next overseas trip is definitely Italy, and seeing these beaches has convinced me that it is definitely the right choice!
One thing drove me nuts while I was reading, and that was the social media buttons on the left side of the screen. They were covering up part of the text and making it difficult to read: I had to read in the very bottom quarter of my screen. Maybe you could move them to the sidebar?
Thanks for the tip Erika! I will move the social media buttons. I don’t want anything distracting from the information. Thank you for reading and glad you enjoyed!
Once again, you have done a great job compiling some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The sea water at those beaches is just mind blowing. The turquoise water is just so enticing.
The Cala Goloritze beach catches my attention the most here, as you said that it was suitable for families. And who wouldn’t love hiking while being able to appreciate nature’s beauty? Great article as usual!
Thank you Farhan! Yes, and I agree….hiking in this amazing beauty is absolutely wonderful. Thanks for visiting!
Okay, now you’ve totally made me realize that I need a vacation and I should go to Italy. Those coastlines look AMAZING! I had no idea that there were so many beautiful beach spots there. Usually when I think of Italy, I think of Rome and Venice, but now I really want to go to the beaches there when I visit. I better start saving up! Thanks for sharing this. 🙂
You know Shannon, Italy is just a great travel destination all around. So much history and culture on top of being a great beach travel destination! It’s definitely a place to add to your bucket list!
Hello There,
What beautiful places, I can only imagine going there for vacation some day when I get the money to do so.
I am very impressed with your site, a lot of very descriptive thoroughly written material, a lot of links to keep you going for a while and on top of that, articles that wish you were at any of the place that you have described.
You have done a wonderful job on your site and enjoyed it very much, keep those wonderful thoughts rolling through our imaginations, … Thanks for the read Alan
Thank you Alan for your wonderful comments. I try to give people an experience and draw them to want to go. I love the beach myself and beach travel destinations is a huge passion of mine. Thank you for reading!