15 Best Beaches In Italy

Which are the best beaches in Italy? Find out with your favorite Italian beach expert.

Italy is not as famous as the Caribbean or other southern places with white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, but believe it or not, there are some beautiful beaches in Italy that have nothing to envy to the Caribbean and are – in my humble opinion of experienced traveler who’s been to the Caribbean, the Maldives and more – way more beautiful!

Italy has about 3.3 thousand kilometers of beaches, with Calabria, Sardinia, and Sicily having the longest stretches. 15 of the 20 regions in Italy have beaches, so there’s no shortage. That’s not to say that all beaches are created equal, though.

Some regions have nicer beaches, some areas have more crowded beaches, and there are even more than 400 islands with great beaches. Furthermore, some beaches have large, pebble sand, while others have baby-soft sand. There’s honestly so much variety.

If you’re planning a trip to Italy and want to set aside some relaxation time in the sun, you may be wondering about the best beaches in the country. Fortunately for you, I was born and raised in Sardinia, home to the best beaches in the country (or shall I say, the world?).

I know my way around Italian beaches, even outside of Sardinia, and can share the best beaches in Italy for all you water babies and sun gods/goddesses.

The Most Beautiful Beaches In Italy

La Pelosa, Sardinia – one of the most famous beaches in Italy

La Pelosa (Spiaggia La Pelosa) is a stunning spot on your Sardinia itinerary if you’re looking for the best beaches in Italy.

Known for its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand, La Pelosa is a picture-perfect setting in the sun. One of the best features of La Pelosa is the shallow waters, making it a perfect place for families and anyone looking for a more laid-back, beachy environment.

It faces Isola Piana, which is closer, at about 600 meters from La Pelosa. And, of course, there’s also the Aragonese watchtower. You can’t go inside the tower, but you can swim or walk to it for a closer look.

Even further out, there’s the beautiful backdrop of nearby Asinara Island, one of the best off-the-beaten-path destinations in Italy. On a clear day, the island’s pristine coastline and lush greenery add to La Pelosa’s charm.

The beach is located in Stintino, on the northwestern tip of Sardinia, and you must book your visit through the official La Pelosa website. The marine area and beach are protected and only allow a certain number of visitors per day.

You can also look into a boat tour that visits La Pelosa. It’s a great way to see more nearby islands, including Asinara Island. If you’d like a full day on the water with a stop at La Pelosa, I recommend this Full Day Sail Boat Excursions from Stintino. The tour includes lunch, snorkeling equipment, and an unforgettable sailing experience.

Cala Mariolu, Sardinia

Cala Mariolu, in the Coast of Baunei (also known as the Gulf of Orosei), is one of the most famous beaches in Italy, and it’s truly earned its reputation. The name translates to “thief’s cove” in English, but I promise, there usually aren’t any real thieves there.

The name comes from the monk seals living in the nearby Sea Oxen Grotto. Fishermen used to call these mariolo, or thieves, because they would regularly steal their catches. There aren’t any monk seals around the beach anymore sadly; they’ve gone to even more remote areas, but it isn’t uncommon to spot some dolphins playing offshore.

This is another protected beach, so it limits the number of visitors each day. Even though it’s not easy to get to, it’s almost always packed during the summer months.

The beach is split into two coves and surrounded by massive, looming cliffs that protect the beach from the wind and add more natural beauty. The water is crystal-clear and calm, although it gets pretty deep quickly. However, it’s still a good swimming spot since it’s sheltered.

The only way to get to Cala Mariolu Beach is by boat or on a hike. The hike takes around three hours each way and is only recommended for skilled hikers with good footwear. Even if you hike to the beach, I recommend taking a boat back, as it’s more challenging on the return trip.

The easiest way to get to Cala Mariolu is with a boat. If budget isn’t that much of a concern, you can actually charter your own dinghy and drive to Mariolu yourself with your small group.

You can also charter a boat with a local guide and a tour around the area. This Santa Maria Navarrese: Baunei Coast Cruise with Swim Stops includes several stops, one of which is Cala Mariolu, and it’s a very well-organized and fun experience.

Cala Goloritzé, Sardinia

Cala Goloritzé is a beautiful beach located along Sardinia’s eastern coast – the Coast of Baunei. It’s known for its clear waters and striking rock formations, including the famous arch and pinnacle. The occasional goat roams down the cliffs for a drink of water.

The beach is part of a protected natural park to help preserve its beauty. Like many other beaches, access to Cala Goloritzé is limited to maintain its condition – if you decide to visit you have to book in advance via the website Heart of Sardinia. Even boats have to stay 300 meters off the shore.

You can only reach the beach by hiking a challenging path that takes around 1.5 hours each way. The hike is steep and rugged, easy on the way to the beach as it’s downhill, but hard on the way back as it is so steep – so I only recommend it for experienced hikers.

Taking a boat to the see the beach is a popular alternative, offering scenic views along the coast. However keep in mind you won’t get to spend time at the beach if you visit by boat – you can at most swim to shore if the tour allows it. Whether you choose to hike or sail, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning setting and clear waters.

If you don’t want to hike, the best way to visit Cala Goloritzé is with a full-day boat tour that visits several beaches. There are honestly so many amazing swimming spots, so it’s good when you can visit multiple of them. From Santa Maria Navarrese, I recommend this Baunei Coast Boat Tour that visits both Cala Goloritzé and Cala Mariolu beaches and some other spots.

Cala Coticcio, Sardinia

Cala Coticcio is perhaps my favorite beach in all of Sardinia. It’s located on the island of Caprera in the Maddalena Archipelago in the northeast of Sardinia. I try to visit this island (and this beach) every summer, and I think it’s a must-visit for anyone looking for a beautiful beach.

Cala Coticcio is sometimes referred to as “Tahiti” because of its resemblance to the famous island. If that doesn’t paint a clear enough picture, imagine clear, turquoise waters, granite rock formations that frame the shore, and warm, crisp sand between your toes.

Like the other beaches previously mentioned, Cala Coticcio requires hiking or a boat tour. However, this hike only takes about an hour each way, and it’s a bit easier than the other hidden coves around Sardinia. There are also incredible views along the way.

Despite its beauty, Cala Coticcio is actually less crowded than other beaches, offering a more relaxed experience. It’s a great choice for those looking to escape the more tourist-heavy areas and enjoy a peaceful day at sea.

If you’re hiking, you must go with a guide (and they do check you are with one). You can find a selection of guides that offer tours to Cala Coticcio on the official website of the Maddalena National Park. You can also visit on a boat tour, like this Private Boat Tour with Snorkeling Stops and Snacks that visits several amazing beaches, including Cala Coticcio.

Atrani, Campania

Stepping away from my home island of Sardinia, we have Atrani Beach on the Amalfi Coast, not far from Naples. The town has recently gained more notoriety for the 2024 remake of Ripley, which took place here. There’s a little less mystery and suspense surrounding Atrani, though.

Atrani Beach, or Spiaggia di Atrani, is located in Atrani, one of the lesser-known towns on the Amalfi Coast. Because it isn’t quite as popular as some of the other places on the route, it feels more peaceful and personal.

The beach is nestled between dramatic cliffs and colorful cliffside houses, a scenery that’s pretty unique to coastal Italy.

The clear blue waters and clean sandy shore are also a nice touch and exactly what you want for a relaxing beach day. The beach itself is small, but it’s really easy to get to from Atrani village center, and it’s usually only crowded during peak high season.

You also have a lot more conveniences than the “hidden” beaches in Sardinia. There are some restaurants, a small parking area, public transportation, and other amenities all within walking distance.

Overall, Atrani Beach has to make the list of the best beaches in Italy as it’s one of the most picturesque spots to wind down on the Amalfi Coast.

If you want to try to avoid larger crowds while exploring the beaches of Italy, make sure to read my article, When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Italy? The article explains the peak season, which might help you plan your trip to Italy.

Baia delle Zagare, Puglia

Baia delle Zagare is the perfect getaway that’s very different from many of the other famous beaches in Italy. One of the most distinctive characteristics of Baia delle Zagare is that it’s inside Gargano National Park. The beach itself is on the southwestern side of the Gargano Peninsula and is in the town of Mattinata.

One of Baia delle Zagare’s other defining factors is its unique rock formations, the “Faraglioni,” two white limestone sea stacks that rise dramatically out of the water. These formations are sculpted by natural erosion.

The bay also has clear, emerald-green waters with good visibility for swimming and snorkeling. The clarity of the water only adds to the breathtaking environment and natural beauty.

Because of its remote location and limited public access (it’s difficult to get there), the beach has a more tranquil and exclusive atmosphere, though it does get really busy during high season.

Most people stay at one of the hotels along the beach or take a boat tour. However, there’s a public access path that’s a bit steep. You can get a pass for it, but only around 30 a day are given out to the public portion of the beach.

For a boat tour from nearby Vieste, I recommend this Boat Tour of the Gargano Coast. The boat tour includes a local captain who’ll take you to all the best spots along the Gargano Coast, including Baia delle Zagare. You can snorkel, lounge on the large sundeck, or enjoy some shade with a good view under the awning.

If you’d like to stay on the beach, the Hotel Baia Delle Zagare is a really popular hotel right on the beach. It has a seasonal pool, large rooms, a fitness center, and a really nice garden. And the best part? It has very easy access to the beach, as it’s sitting right on it.

Lama Monachile Beach in Polignano a Mare, Puglia

Lama Monachile Beach is arguably one of the best beaches on the Adriatic coast. It’s located in southern Italy, in Puglia, and more precisely in Polignano a Mare.

The beach offers a unique combination of historical architecture and natural beauty. It’s a little pebbly cove (don’t go here expecting fine sand!), with hillside houses and buildings on all sides and the Adriatic Sea beyond. Because it’s a cove, the waters are usually calm, making it great for snorkeling and swimming.

But one of the best features of the Lama Monachile Beach in Polignano a Mare is the dramatic landscape (much like other popular beaches in Italy, actually). It is set against a backdrop of steep limestone cliffs that are breathtakingly contrasted against the sharp, turquoise waters below. The cliffs are also dotted with caves and grottos, creating a rough-looking landscape.

The town of Polignano a Mare itself is also worth visiting. It’s a picturesque Italian town with whitewashed buildings, narrow streets, authentic restaurants serving some of the best regional food in Italy, and endless charm.

You can easily access the main beach in Polignano a Mare right from town. There are also boat tours that pull up during the day, so if you want to avoid the even larger crowd, consider going in the morning or evening. If you want to immerse yourself in the caves and grottos scattered around the limestone cliffs in Puglia, I recommend this Speedboat Cruise to Caves with Aperitif. It doesn’t stop at the main beach itself, but several other swimming spots.

Marasusa in Tropea, Calabria

Marasusa Beach is located near Tropea, a picturesque town on the Tyrrhenian coast of Calabria. The beach is actually part of the small town of Paraghelia.

This beach is also situated on a small section of the coast that’s characterized by its dramatic cliffside views. The village sits high on one of these cliffs, overlooking the beautiful Marasusa beach.

One of the best things about Marasusa is the intense backdrop of the ruffed limestone cliffs branching out over the beach. The beach itself also features interesting rock formations that create natural coves and grottos, making it a fun place for exploration.

The water is usually very clear and shallow, making it a good place for families and children. Snorkeling is also really good. The beach is not as crowded as other popular ones, so it’s a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of Italian cities or touristic regions.

Spiaggia dei Conigli in Lampedusa, Sicily

Spiaggia dei Conigli is on the island of Lampedusa, south of Sicily. The name of the beach translates to “rabbit beach”, which gets its name from the islet of islands that it’s a part of Lampedusa’s natural reserve. There is a small rabbit colony on the island, but that’s not what the beach is actually known for.

The beach has a picturesque, untouched vibe. It has fine white sand and crystal clear waters with a beautiful contrast between the light sand and the bright turquoise waters. It’s also the nesting sight for a group of sea turtles that lay their eggs on the beach in the spring. When the turtles come to lay their eggs, part of the beach is restricted and protected.

The entire beach and marine area are also very protected. Like other protected beaches in Italy, restrictions are in place to protect the environment. For example, there’s one small kiosk where you can rent umbrellas, but there are restrictions on where you can place the umbrellas. There’s also a limit to the number of daily visitors.

To get there, there’s a short 20-minute hike from the designated parking area. The hike isn’t too challenging.

If you don’t want to partake in the short walk to the beach, you can also visit Lampedusa with a boat or yacht. I recommend this Lampedusa: Yacht Excursion, Swimming Spots, and Typical Lunch. The tour lasts around eight hours, including two hours for Isola dei Conigli and several other picture-perfect locations.

Scala dei Turchi, Sicily

Scala dei Turchi Beach is located on Sicily’s southern coast, near the town of Realmonte. The beach itself is really nice, with warm waters during the summer months, but the real star of the show is the striking limestone cliffs.

Further past the beach, there’s a distinctive limestone cliff that has been naturally sculpted into a series of stepped terraces. So, tourists can walk up the cliff (be careful, it can be slippery) for the perfect viewpoint of the bright-white cliff set against the blue waves of the sea.

The cliffs are a natural formation of marl, a mix of clay and calcium carbonate, which has been shaped by erosion over thousands of years. It’s now the perfect tourist attraction along the coast.

You can (and should) walk up the cliffs for the view and a unique photo opportunity and set aside some additional time for the beach itself. There are usually a lot of other tourists with the same idea, but honestly, the uniqueness of the land formations and the great photos you’ll take home with you is worth fighting through the tourist crowds.

Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle, Marche – one of the lesser known beaches in Italy

Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle is located in the Marche region of Italy, near the town of Sirolo along the Adriatic coast. The beach is situated within Conero Regional Park, a protected natural area, and is frequently ranked as one of the best beaches in Italy.

The name “Due Sorelle” translates to “two sisters” in English and is named that because of the two large rock formations that emerge out from the ocean on the side of the beach. The beach is also encompassed by striking, jagged rocks, creating a small cove. Actually, the only way to access the beach is by boat, so it’s very secluded.

There are ferry services from Numana port to the beach, or if you’re a bit more adventurous, you can rent a canoe or kayak and paddle there on your own. It’s easiest to kayak from Sirolo, Numana, or Portonovo. Sirolo is the closest point and should only take about 30 minutes on the water at a moderate pace.

Since there’s no real land access point, the beach isn’t as crowded as some of the other popular Italy beaches. However, you still want to get there earlier in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowd and to also experience calmer waters if you’re kayaking there on your own.

Spiaggia di Sansone, Isola d’Elba

Spiaggia di Sansone is located on the island of Elba, which is a part of Tuscany and situated on the Tyrrhenian Sea. The beach is on the northern side of the island, near the town of Portoferraio.

Sansone Beach is famous for its white pebble shoreline, which contrasts nicely with the turquoise waters. Instead of small sand crystals, the beach has larger, perfect-white pebbles. The beach is also surrounded by rock formations and steep cliffs, giving it a dramatic setting and a bit of shade.

The beach is a little easier to access than others, as it’s just a short 15-minute walk from the parking lot (or, of course, on a boat ride). It’s important to note that the walk from the parking lot to the beach is very steep, though. And much of the path is covered in those little white pebbles, so have good footwear other than flip-flops.

Fegina, Liguria – one of the most unique beaches in Italy

Fegina Beach is located in Monterosso al Mare, one of the five villages of the Cinque Terre along the Ligurian coast. It is arguably one of the best beaches in Cinque Terre and a great place to admire the unique scenery.

The beach has an iconic backdrop that includes the Cinque Terre cliffs and the town of Monterosso. It is a bit wider and longer than other beaches in the Cinque Terre, so there’s more space. Additionally, there are many standard beach amenities, like umbrellas, restaurants, and bathrooms.

Furthermore, it’s not as secluded as other popular beaches in Italy. You can easily access the beach from Monterosso al Mare, and you don’t have to reserve tickets in advance or anything (unless you want to rent an umbrella at one of the bath houses, that is).

Because of this, it’s also usually very crowded, especially during peak season. So, get there early if you want to try to beat the crowds and get a good spot on the sand without having to rent a spot at the beach clubs.

My post The Best Things To Do In Cinque Terre shares more insights into this wonderful area of Italy.

San Fruttuoso, Liguria

If you want something a little more isolated on the Ligurian coast, San Fruttuoso Beach is the way to go. San Fruttuoso Beach is located on a secluded cove near the town of Camogli. It’s only accessible by a hike or boat, so it’s a bit more exclusive than Fegina Beach.

One of the most unique aspects of San Fruttuoso Beach is that it’s also home to the historic Abbey of San Fruttuoso. The abbey is a monastery that dates back to the 10th century, and it’s open to the public.

The beach itself is really nice, as well, with some basic amenities, like umbrella and chair rentals. The water is usually very calm in the cove, and it’s a great snorkeling destination.

You can actually snorkel to the “Christ of the Abyss” statue, which is submerged in the water not too far offshore. It also sticks up out of the water and is visible from the beach on particularly calm days.

There are several hiking trails to San Fruttuoso Beach, but they all take upwards of two hours. They aren’t too technically challenging, but they are time-consuming, so you may want to take a boat ride on the way back (or take a boat both ways).

There are lots of boat tours that stop at San Fruttuoso Beach; however, make sure to book one that actually includes time at the beach. Many tours just pass by. From Rapallo, I recommend this Portofino, San Fruttuoso, and Camogli Boat Tour. The tour includes a qualified captain, about an hour at San Fruttuoso, and several other memorable stops along the way.

Sperlonga, Lazio

If you haven’t figured it out yet, many popular Italian beaches are defined by pebble-like sand and impressive rock formations. If you want a beach that’s a little more traditional, with pristine, soft sand, I recommend Sperlonga Beach in Lazio.

The beach is located along the Tyrrhenian coast in the historic village of Sperlonga, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. Sperlonga town is also worth visiting. There are small ancient ruins and a quintessential Italian cultural center.

And the beach is the best place for a family vacation in Italy. It’s decked out with loungers, umbrellas, and full restaurant service. You’ll find all the amenities, including lockers and dressing rooms, too.

The town and Sperlonga Beach are very popular among Italian tourists (many visit from Rome), so it can get crowded during the warmer months and some holidays.

Conclusions On The Best Beaches In Italy

When people think of visiting Italy, they often think of the main tourist attractions and historical significance of cities like Rome or the cultural beauty of Venice, but they rarely think of beautiful beach holidays.

Italy might not have the absolute best beaches in the world (well, Sardinia does), but if you know where to look, there are some really amazing places to soak up the sun and go for a nice swim. Maybe it’s because I’m Italian, living in Sardinia, and love the ocean, but I think beaches in my country are severely underrated.

Many of our beaches are characterized by large rock formations, giving you a view that you can’t find anywhere else. Certain organizations and entities go to great lengths to preserve our wildlife, including our beaches.

That’s why so many of the beaches have pesky entry fees and daily entry limits, but this is what keeps the region’s beauty and protects the wildlife. It’s worth the few dollars and booking, I promise. Just make sure you do research before settling on certain beaches to double-check exactly how to get there and whether you need to book your entry ahead of time.

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