17 Best Beaches in Italy
Italy’s allure does not need more than its stunning shoreline along the Mediterranean.
Seeing one of Italy’s best beaches ranks among the country’s top attractions, alongside visiting ancient sites and renowned museums.
The beaches in this European country are among the most stunning anywhere.
Plan to visit at least a couple of these places while you’re there.
Confused about how to get started?
Listed below are some of Italy’s finest shores.
- Scala dei Turchi — Sicily
Southern Sicily is where you’ll find Scala dei Turchi. A flourishing Italian series of detective novels helped bring attention to the area, and it has since become a tourist hotspot.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Do you seek the unusual?
Scala dei Turchi is a unique beach destination in Italy.
The cliff comprises white, rocky outcrops and juts out into the water.
Even though the waters are swimmable, they are not the primary draw.
Most visitors to the beach come here to lie on the white rock steps and soak up some rays.
Expert Tip
Don’t forget to bring your camera to this beach, as it offers some gorgeous scenery.
Amazing pictures of your trip are guaranteed.
Truth be told.
Scala dei Turchi is the kind of stunningly original structure you don’t see very often.
- Atrani — Campania
Atrani is a beachfront city on the Amalfi Coast in the province of Salerno.
Before it became a popular tourist destination, the town was merely a sleepy fishing hamlet.
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Why We Recommend This Beach
Atrani is home to some of Italy’s best beaches and is surprisingly under the radar.
This fishing village on the coast looks like it was plucked straight out of a fantasy novel or video game.
The town’s cliffside setting provides a stunning view of the Gulf of Salerno.
A public, swimming-friendly beach with calm waters is also available.
Expert Tip
If you’re not careful, a trip to Atrani could become a nightmare.
It’s easy to miss the bridge that leads into town.
Don’t lose sight of the bridge!
Rather than taking a car, it is preferable to walk from Amalfi to Atrani.
- Chiaia di Luna — Ponza
One of the lovely beaches in the Pontine Archipelago is Chiaia di Luna on the island of Ponza.
And that’s saying a lot because these islands have beautiful beaches.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The magnificence of Chiaia di Luna’s half-moon-shaped, sandy coastline cannot be matched.
Its magnificent splendor is enhanced by the 330-foot wall of volcanic rock that outlines its crescent shape.
Sure explains why it’s called the “Luna.”
Expert Tip
Chiaia di Luna’s beach has been closed for many years.
However, that shouldn’t stop you from taking in the breathtaking scenery.
The hotel on the upper floors still offers stunning ocean views.
Alternatively, you can hire a boat and cruise around Ponza Island, stopping at Chiaia di Luna.
- Spiaggia dei Conigli — Lampedusa
Spiaggia dei Conigli, located on a small island off the coast of Sicily, is one of Italy’s most picturesque beaches.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This tranquil beach has beautiful white sand and crystal-clear blue waves, making for an unforgettable scene.
It doesn’t matter if you’re just looking to soak up some rays or go for a swim. This Mediterranean locale is a must-see.
Expert Tip
When you finally reach Lampedusa, the coastline may be a bit of a hunt.
Don’t let that stop you; the sights are well worth the hike.
You may take a bus from the city to the beach whenever you like.
- Baia dei Turchi — Puglia
Otranto’s Baia dei Turchi is a beautiful and peaceful cove that is a component of the protected Oasis of Alimini Lakes.
It’s so lovely that it’s been recognized as one of the country’s best beaches by earning a Blue Flag.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Baia Dei Turchi’s incredible sandy coastlines and shallow waters are ideal for swimming and relaxing under the sun.
You can relax here as a family.
Expert Tip
Finding a parking spot is a hassle when trying to enjoy the beautiful waterfront.
Look for a parking garage or lot nearby and take the free shuttle to the beach.\
- La Pelosa — Sardinia
One of the most stunning and well-known beaches in all of Italy is Spiaggia La Pelosa, located in Stintino.
Located in Sardinia’s northwest corner, it’s a popular tourist destination.
Why We Recommend This Beach
La Pelosa is not only one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy but also one of the most secure places to take your children.
You can feel comfortable letting your kids wade in the warm, calm water.
There are areas where the water is so shallow that even 30 meters distant, it is barely over knee level.
Playing on the soft, white sands of La Pelosa’s coastlines is a bonus.
Expert Tip
La Pelosa is a famous beach; therefore, it can get busy quickly.
Get here early if you want to have a chance at finding a spot all to yourself.
- Vendicari Nature Reserve — Sicily
The Vendicari Nature Reserve is situated in Sicily between the towns of Noto and Pachino.
If you’re a fan of the great outdoors, you should make a trip here.
Why We Recommend This Beach
You can relax on one of the many beautiful beaches or secluded coves when you visit the reserve.
The beautiful scenery makes it a great area to go swimming or stroll.
Expert Tip
The primary draw to the Vendicari Nature Reserve is for those interested in bird watching.
Various bird species stop by the reserve on their annual migration to and from Africa.
A visit to this area may reward you with sightings of flamingos, herons, and terns.
- San Fruttuoso — Liguria
The monastery of San Fruttuoso on the Italian Riviera is popular among tourists and locals alike.
Between Camogli and Portofino, you’ll find it.
Why We Recommend This Beach
San Fruttuoso is known for its beautiful pebble-shore beach and ancient convent.
Christ of the Abyss, a bronze statue, was crafted specifically for this place and now resides underwater.
You can take a snorkeling or diving trip to this stunning underwater sculpture garden.
Expert Tip
While getting to this eerie Romanesque fortification may be difficult, you shouldn’t let that stop you.
Leave from either Camogli or Genoa on a boat.
However, if you have the time, hike the scenic walk in Portofino Regional Park.
You certainly won’t be sorry you did it.
- Cala Pulcino — Lampedusa
The Sicilian island of Lampedusa is home to a beautiful cove known as Cala Pulcino.
Very close by is the popular Spiaggia dei Conigli.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Unwind on this stretch of beach in southern Sicily.
You will be blown away by its beautiful beaches, blue oceans, and unique rock formations.
In the calm waters of this isolated cove, you can choose between lounging on the shore or taking a refreshing swim.
Expert Tip
It is a long trek from Lampedusa, but from Spiaggia Dei Conigli, it is short.
You may always rent a boat if you prefer to travel by water.
- Marasusa — Calabria
As a result of its dazzling white sand beaches and shallow blue waves, Marasusa Tropea is one of Calabria’s most popular beaches.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Just below the city’s cliffs is where you’ll find Marasusa Tropea.
Incredible views of Santa Maria dell Isola may be seen from here.
The setting is ideal for some much-needed relaxation.
One thing is sure whether you are seeking a gorgeous location with excellent midday shade or waiting for the breathtaking views of the city when it is all lit up at night.
You must experience Marasusa Tropea for yourself; it is a magnificent spot.
Expert Tip
If you want to see a beautiful sunset, you should spend the night in Tropea.
Sunsets here range from hypnotizing purple to blazing orange and are sure to be among the highlights of your trip.
Since the island of Stromboli is dominated by a volcano, the scenery is breathtaking.
- Isola di Spargi — Sardinia
Between Corsica and Sardinia in the Strait of Bonifacio is the deserted island of Isola di Spargi.
Why We Recommend This Beach
If you find yourself in Northern Sardinia, you must travel to the Maddalena archipelago and explore the third-largest island there.
The waters at Isola di Spargi are a stunning shade of blue, and you’re welcome to swim in them as long as you like.
Expert Tip
Visit the fort of Zanotto if you wish to explore the island before or after a day at the beach.
If you’re interested in seeing the Roman cargo ship that sank near the island in the second century BC, head to the Museo Archeologico Navale Cambogia.
- Cala Goloritze — Sardinia
You can find Cala Goloritze in Ogliastra, the eastern part of Sardinia.
Why We Recommend This Beach
This undeveloped stretch of beach close to Baunei is a paradise for those who love nature.
It’s not as big as some other beach towns, but the scenery makes up for that.
Bring your camera along to capture some truly incredible moments. Furthermore, the daring at heart?
Take the trek to the shore.
It’s a long and arduous trek, but you’ll eventually reach your destination and be glad you made an effort.
Expert Tip
You should bring your snorkeling equipment.
Cala Goloritze’s clean waters are home to various fish species, which you will surely enjoy observing.
- Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle — Marche
Beach of the Two Sisters is an approximate English translation of the Italian name Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Although the sand can get rough without proper footwear, this beautiful Marchese beach is easily navigable with a pair of water shoes.
If you’re a fan of undeveloped beaches, you’ll love the scenery that awaits you there.
Expert Tip
Bring a blanket and an umbrella if you plan to spend time on the sand.
You’ll be grateful to have them when the sun becomes too high.
You should also bring your water supply in a jug.
- Cala di Volpe — Sardinia
You can find Cala di Volpe in northeastern Sardinia, close to Porto Cervo on the Costa Smeralda.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The same-named luxury hotel at Cala di Volpe was utilized as a film location for a James Bond movie, which contributed much to the beach’s rise to fame in Italy (The Spy Who Loved Me, expressly).
The stunning natural scenery in this sleepy seaside community certainly doesn’t hurt, too.
Expert Tip
It’s not necessary to stay at Hotel Cala di Volpe to appreciate the beauty of this beach.
Given its location in Costa Smeralda, other accommodations in the area are readily available.
- Baia delle Zagare — Puglia
It’s worth noting that Baia delle Zagare is also known as Mergoli Bay.
It may be found in the town of Mattinata, Puglia.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Take pleasure in the bay’s soft, powdery white sand shoreline, which overlooks the sparkling blue seas below.
Baia delle Zagare is a picturesque spot you’ll wish to immortalize in photography due to its striking limestone cliffs and rock formations.
Expert Tip
Take a boat from Mattinata to Baia delle Zagare.
Two hotels, the Baia delle Zagare and the Baia Dei Faraglioni, provide land access to the area.
The steep and narrow path from Provincial Road 53 also provides access to the bay.
- Cavoli Beach — Elba
In the southern part of Elba, you’ll find Cavoli Beach, which is often considered among Italy’s finest.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Cavoli Beach is a popular destination despite having coarse sand rather than powdery sand. Its popularity is due to the beach’s extended length and pristine waters.
As a result of the beach’s protected location, the waves here are friendly and mild, making it ideal for swimming.
Expert Tip
Don’t forget to stop by the famous Grotta Azzurra (aka. Grotta di Mare).
It can be reached by boat from the beach on the eastern side.
- Isola Bella — Sicily
A tiny island called Isola Bella is off the coast of Sicily and southern Italy.
The Ionian Sea considers “The Pearl.”
Why We Recommend This Beach
Isola Bella lives up to its name, as the island is stunning.
People love this Italian island because of its enchanting atmosphere and picture-perfect scenery.
Furthermore, it helps that it is often regarded as Italy’s premier swimming beach.
The water is shallow and pure blue, making it ideal for wading.
Several secluded beaches and coves on this island are just waiting to be discovered.
Additionally, the beautiful scenery will help you unwind for the day.
Expert Tip
As its name suggests, Isola Bella’s coastlines aren’t formed of fine sand but pebbly.
Wearing water shoes will help keep your feet from getting sore too quickly.
