10 Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy: Your Insider’s Guide

Italy’s 7,600 km coastline is a beach lover’s paradise. The bel paese (beautiful country) boasts some of Europe’s most scenic shores, from Calabria’s white cliffs to Sardinia’s Caribbean-esque bays.

Italians love their beaches, and with good reason—the country’s balmy climate and dramatic coastal landscapes create the perfect recipe for relaxation. Ready to hit the sand and soak up some Mediterranean sun? Here’s our insider’s guide to the top 10 beaches in Italy.

From the Italian Riviera to Sicily’s shores, Italy’s beaches are as diverse as the country itself. Whether you’re seeking a lively resort town or a secluded cove, there’s a stretch of sand for every mood and style. Here are 10 of the best beaches to visit in Italy:

1. Sottomarina Beach, Veneto

Located near the fishing port of Chioggia, Sottomarina Beach is a local favorite for its wide, sandy shore and shallow waters. The 10 km beach is divided into public areas and private lidos (beach clubs) offering amenities like sun loungers and umbrellas.

• Address: Chioggia

• Timings: Accessible year-round, lifeguards on duty June-September

• How to Reach: Take a bus to Chioggia. Alternatively, you can reach Chioggia by train from Venice or by vaporetto (water bus).

• Things to Do: Swimming, sunbathing, taking yoga classes on the beach at sunrise, booking fishing excursions from the local marina, exploring Chioggia’s historic center, often called “Little Venice”.

• Best Time to Visit: May to September offers the warmest weather and fully operational beach facilities. July and August are peak season with the busiest crowds.

• Accommodations: Hotel Grande Italia, Hotel Sole

• Top Restaurants: Ristorante El Gato, Gelateria Sottozero, Gelateria Polo Nord

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2. Lido di Venezia, Venice

The Lido is Venice’s beach resort island, known for its golden sands, luxury hotels, and the Venice Film Festival. It’s one of the most famous beaches in Italy, having attracted celebrities and royalty since the early 20th century.

• Address: Lido Island, Venice

• Timings: Accessible year-round, lifeguards on duty May/June-September

• How to Reach: Take a vaporetto (water bus) from Venice city center; lines 1, 5.1, 5.2, and 6 all serve Lido. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes from St. Mark’s Square.

• Things to Do: Swimming in the clean Adriatic waters, cycling along the island’s dedicated bike paths, playing golf at Circolo Golf Venezia (one of Italy’s oldest golf courses).

• Best Time to Visit: June to September offers the most pleasant swimming conditions. September brings the added excitement of the Film Festival.

• Accommodations: Hotel Excelsior Venice, Villa Laguna

• Top Restaurants: Trattoria Andri, La Tavernetta, Gran Viale Restaurant

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3. Camogli Beach, Liguria

Nestled between Portofino and Genoa on the Italian Riviera, Camogli is a charming fishing village with a pebble beach and pastel-hued houses. The small but scenic beach offers a tranquil escape from the glitzier resorts nearby.

• Address: Camogli, 25 km east of Genoa

• Timings: Accessible year-round, fewer facilities off-season

• How to Reach: Fly to Genoa Airport, then take a regional train to Camogli station (approximately 30 minutes). The beach is just a short walk from the station.

• Things to Do: Swimming, snorkeling, taking boat trips to San Fruttuoso Abbey (accessible only by boat or hiking trail), diving to see the famous underwater Christ of the Abyss statue, attending the Fish Festival (Sagra del Pesce) in May.

• Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn (May–September) offers the most pleasant weather for beach activities.

• Accommodations:Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi, La Camogliese

• Top Restaurants:Ristorante La Rotonda, Ostaia Da ö Sigu, Focacceria Revello

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4. Tropea Beach, Calabria

Calabria’s most famous beach, Tropea, sits beneath the town’s dramatic cliffs topped with a medieval church. The beach’s white sand and turquoise waters have earned it the nickname “La Costa degli Dei” (The Coast of the Gods).

• Address: Tropea, Calabria

• Timings: Accessible year-round, beach clubs open May-September

• How to Reach: Fly to Lamezia Terme Airport, then take a train to Tropea station (approximately 50 minutes). The beach is accessible via stairs from the town center.

• Things to Do: Swimming, snorkeling, taking boat tours, and cliff jumping.

• Best Time to Visit: June to September offers ideal swimming conditions with water temperatures around 24-27°C.

• Accommodations: Hotel Rocca della Sena, Villa Paola

• Top Restaurants: Il Convivio, Ristorante Le Roccette, Il Normanno

5. Cala Mariolu, Sardinia

Considered one of Sardinia’s most beautiful beaches, Cala Mariolu is a pebble cove lapped by turquoise waters. The beach is accessible only by boat or on foot, adding to its unspoiled charm.

• Address: Baunei, Gulf of Orosei, eastern Sardinia

• Timings: May-October, only accessible by boat or a 1.5-hour hike

• How to Reach: The beach is primarily accessible by boat from ports like Cala Gonone, Arbatax, or Santa Maria Navarrese. Daily boat services run during summer months (€25-40 round trip). Experienced hikers can also reach it via challenging trails from the Golgo plateau.

• Things to Do: Snorkeling in the extraordinarily clear waters, exploring underwater caves and rock formations, diving, sunbathing, wildlife spotting (including sea eagles).

• Best Time to Visit: June to September for calm seas and warm weather. Early morning visits (before 11:00 AM) help avoid crowds.

• Accommodations: No accommodations exist directly at Cala Mariolu. Some nearby options include: Hotel Santavenere, Hotel La Bitta

• Top Restaurants: No restaurants at the beach; bring water and snacks. Boat vendors sell drinks/snacks on the beach.

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6. Isola Bella, Sicily

Just off the coast of Taormina, Isola Bella is a tiny island nature reserve connected to the mainland by a narrow path. The pebbly beach offers beautiful views of Taormina and Mount Etna.

• Address: Taormina, Sicily

• Timings: The Island is accessible from April to October, path is sometimes submerged at high tide.

• How to Reach: From Taormina, take the cable car to Mazzarò station, then walk approximately 5-10 minutes to the beach. Alternatively, local buses run from Taormina to the beach area.

• Things to Do: Swimming and snorkeling around the islet, renting kayaks to paddle around the cove, diving to explore underwater caves and marine life.

• Best Time to Visit: May to October for swimming and touring the reserve. June and September offer pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds than July and August.

• Accommodations: La Plage Resort, Hotel Isola Bella

• Top Restaurants:Ristorante Pizzeria Taormina, Da Giovanni

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7. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa

Also known as Rabbit Beach, this stretch of white sand on the remote island of Lampedusa is often voted one of the world’s best beaches. The beach is part of a protected nature reserve and is an important nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles.

• Address: Lampedusa, Sicily’s Pelagie Islands

• Timings: Accessible year-round, July-September require advance booking

• How to Reach: Fly to Lampedusa Airport, then take a local bus or taxi to the Rabbit Beach trail (about 4 km from the main town). A 15-minute walk down a marked path leads to the beach.

• Things to Do: Swimming, snorkeling to observe diverse marine life, watching for loggerhead turtles during nesting season, bird watching for species like Eleonora’s falcon.

• Best Time to Visit: Late May to early October for swimming. September offers warm waters with fewer restrictions related to turtle nesting.

• Accommodations: No accommodations exist at the beach itself. Some nearby options include: Hotel Bougainville, Hotel Cupola Bianca

• Top Restaurants: Ristorante Gallo D’Oro, Da Tommasino, Trattoria Terranova

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8. Scala dei Turchi, Sicily

Named for its striking white limestone cliffs shaped like a staircase, the Scala dei Turchi (Stairs of the Turks) is one of Sicily’s most unique beaches. The bright white rock against the blue sea creates a memorable sight.

• Address: Realmonte, 15 km west of Agrigento, Sicily

• Timings: Accessible year-round, swimming not advised in rough seas

• How to Reach: From Agrigento, take a local bus or drive to Realmonte (about 15 km), then follow signs to Scala dei Turchi. The main viewing area is accessible by stairs from the parking area.

• Things to Do: Climbing the natural limestone “stairs”, swimming in the clear blue waters below the cliffs, and applying the natural clay found in some areas (known for skin benefits).

• Best Time to Visit: April to October for pleasant weather. Early morning or late afternoon visits help avoid midday heat and crowds.

• Accommodations: Hotel Scala dei Turchi Resort, B&Bs

• Top Restaurants: Lido Scala dei Turchi, La Capannina

9. Cefalù Beach, Sicily

Combine a beach holiday with cultural sightseeing in Cefalù, a postcard-perfect town on Sicily’s northern coast. Its wide sandy beach boasts calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and paddling.

• Address: Cefalù, 70 km east of Palermo, Sicily

• Timings: Accessible year-round, lifeguards on duty June-September

• How to Reach: From Palermo, take a train to Cefalù (about 50 minutes). The beach is just a short walk from the train station.

• Things to Do: Swimming, sunbathing, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

• Best Time to Visit: May to October for beach weather. June and September offer pleasant temperatures with smaller crowds.

• Accommodations: Hotel Kalura, Le Calette Resort

• Top Restaurants: Ristorante La Brace, Al Porticciolo

10. Fornillo Spiaggia, Positano, Amalfi Coast

Positano’s Fornillo Beach is a quieter alternative to the town’s main beach. Nestled between cliffs, the pebbly shore offers stunning views of the colorful houses cascading down to the sea.

• Address: Positano, Amalfi Coast

• Timings: Accessible year-round, fewer facilities off-season

• How to Reach: From Positano’s main road, follow the seaside path from Spiaggia Grande for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, arrive by water taxi from Positano’s main pier.

• Things to Do: Swimming in the clear blue waters, renting sunbeds and umbrellas at one of the four beach clubs, kayaking along the coastline to discover hidden coves, and snorkeling around the rocky areas at each end of the beach.

• Best Time to Visit: May to September for swimming and sunbathing. June and September offer pleasant conditions with fewer crowds.

• Accommodations: Hotel Pupetto, Pensione Maria Luisa, Casa Albertina

• Top Restaurants: Lo Guarracino, Da Ferdinando

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FAQs

Which beaches are free in Italy?

Many beaches in Italy have free public sections, including Cala Violina in Tuscany, Spiaggia della Pelosa in Sardinia, and Cala Rossa in Sicily. Popular spots like Tropea and Positano offer both free and private areas.

Can you swim in Italy’s beaches?

Yes, swimming is allowed at most beaches in Italy, though some may have safety or environmental restrictions. Always follow posted signs and lifeguard instructions. Beaches like Cefalù and Sottomarina are ideal for families and less confident swimmers.

Which beach is famous in Italy?

Some of the most famous beaches in Italy include:

• Rabbit Beach in Lampedusa, voted the world’s best beach by TripAdvisor

• Scala dei Turchi in Sicily, known for its white marl cliffs

• The Amalfi Coast’s scenic pebble coves like Fornillo Spiaggia

• Sardinia’s Caribbean-like beaches, such as Cala Goloritzé

Is Italy good for a beach holiday?

Yes, Italy is great for a beach holiday, offering a variety of beaches along its long coastline. Whether you want a lively resort or a quiet cove, you’ll find it here. The best time to visit is from May to September, when the weather is warm and beach facilities are open.

What are the best beaches in Italy for couples?

For a romantic beach getaway, consider these Italian spots:

• Cala Goloritzé, Sardinia: Dramatic limestone arch, crystal-clear water

• San Fruttuoso, Liguria: Tiny cove with an ancient abbey, accessible only by boat or on foot

• Baia delle Zagare, Puglia: Stunning white cliffs, sea caves, pebble beach

• Fornillo Spiaggia, Amalfi Coast: Quiet, scenic spot away from Positano’s crowds

What are the famous beaches in Italy to visit with your family?

Italy’s best beaches for families offer calm, shallow waters, sandy shores, and kid-friendly amenities. Top picks include:

• Spiaggia di Levante, Liguria: Wide sandy beach, gentle slope, pedal boat rentals

• Punta Prosciutto, Puglia: Caribbean-esque water, soft white sand, beach clubs

• Giardini Naxos, Sicily: Long sandy beach, ancient ruins, water parks nearby

• Bibione, Veneto: Vast golden sand beach, calm Adriatic waters, playgrounds

Which are the best beach resorts in Italy?

Some of Italy’s top luxury beach resorts are:

• Forte Village Resort, Sardinia: 8 hotels, 21 restaurants, spa, sports academies

• Belmond Hotel Splendido, Portofino: Cliffside setting, saltwater pool, Michelin dining

• Borgo Egnazia, Puglia: Sprawling stone village-style resort, beach club, golf course

• Verdura Resort, Sicily: 3 golf courses, 4 restaurants, extensive spa, private beach

What is the best time to visit Italy?

The best time to visit beaches in Italy is from May to September. May and September offer warm weather with fewer tourists, while June-August sees peak crowds and prices. For a quieter beach trip, consider April or October, when some towns remain lively and the water is still warm.