The 15 Best Beaches in Italy to Visit Every Summer
Italy stands as a titan of cultural riches in Europe. It overwhelms visitors with its offerings—culinary delights, high fashion, both Roman and Palladian architectural marvels, enchanting vistas, and art so stunning that Stendhal nearly succumbed to its beauty in Florence’s Santa Croce basilica. With these treasures, Italy easily outshines its northern neighbors. Moreover, it boasts a plethora of iconic beaches, thanks to its boot-like peninsula stretching into the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas, boasting an extensive coastline.
You might recognize some famous names already. Take Portofino, a name that echoes with familiarity. Or consider Lido, the island near Venice that sparked Thomas Mann’s imagination for Death in Venice. These are merely glimpses of northern Italy's coastal offerings. According to Misty Belles, a senior figure at the luxury travel group Virtuoso, the prime spots lie further south. “Nothing quite compares to the splendor of the Amalfi Coast,” she notes. “The small beaches nestled within hidden coves and the dramatic rocky cliffs are what captures my heart the most.” No matter your beach preferences, Italy offers a vast array of choices. Here are 15 of the finest Italian beaches to explore now, listed without any specific ranking.
1. Venice Lido, Veneto
We begin our exploration at the iconic Venice Lido, accessible via a short vaporetto ride from the busy Piazza San Marco. This beach is famously depicted in the novel "Death in Venice," where Gustav von Aschenbach, the story’s tragic protagonist, spends his last days. Overcome by an obsession with a young boy, he succumbs to an epidemic under the sun-drenched skies. Additionally, the Lido is celebrated as the host location for the prestigious Venice Film Festival.
2. Tropea, Calabria
The memory of swimming here might be pleasant, but what lingers more prominently is the striking image of sunbathing under the ancient buildings perched precariously on the cliffs overhead.
3. Pescara, Abruzzo
Nestled in the gastronomically rich region of Abruzzo, overlooked by Stanley Tucci in Searching for Italy, Pescara Beach is celebrated for its expansive golden sands stretching along the Adriatic.
4. Marina di Alberese, Tuscany
Situated in the Maremma Regional Park, this beach serves as a sanctuary for wildlife lovers, where deer and wild boars, locally known as cinghiale, are often spotted.
5. Vignanotica, Puglia
Located on the Gargano Peninsula, Vignanotica is distinguished by its striking white cliffs and pebbly beaches.
6. Baia di San Fruttuoso, Liguria
Tucked away in Portofino Regional Park, Baia di San Fruttuoso is primarily reached by boat or via a hiking trail. The scenic beauty, accentuated by an ancient medieval abbey, makes it a worthwhile destination. It’s also a popular spot for snorkeling, highlighted by the submerged statue of Christ of the Abyss.
7. Sabaudia, Lazio
Facing Mount Circeo, this pristine location is part of the Circeo National Park. Positioned midway between Rome and Naples, it’s an ideal pit stop as you journey down Italy’s western coastline towards Amalfi.
8. Spiaggia Grande, Campania
Positano, a magnet for tourists, boasts this beach as one of its primary attractions. Even those who haven’t visited can easily envision its beach clubs, trendy eateries, and vibrant buildings descending the cliffs.
9. Cala Rossa, Favignana, Sicily
On the island of Favignana, Cala Rossa enchants visitors with its “Red Cove,” named for the crimson reflections the sunset casts across the waters, mirrored by the surrounding rocks.
10. Cala Goloritzé, Sardinia
Cala Goloritzé, a small and secluded beach, promises solitude either by a strenuous hike or a boat ride, ensuring a peaceful escape. It’s celebrated for its natural limestone arch and pinnacle, a favorite spot for rock climbers.
11. Cala del Gesso, Tuscany
Tucked away on the Argentario Peninsula, Cala del Gesso offers stunning vistas of Isola Rossa. This secluded spot is only reachable by a demanding trek down a steep trail.
12. Riva Grande, Lombardy
Located in Varenna, Riva Grande, or the Municipal Beach, is a hidden gem on the shores of Lake Como. Here, the experience is less about glamorous advertising and more about enjoying a peaceful day lounging by the water.
13. Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach), Lampedusa, Sicily
Renowned as one of Italy's top beaches, Spiaggia dei Conigli sits on the secluded Lampedusa island. Despite its name suggesting rabbits, it's a sanctuary for loggerhead sea turtles.
14. Cala Mariolu, Sardinia
Positioned along Sardinia’s eastern coastline, Cala Mariolu is celebrated for its distinct pink pebbles. Access is primarily via boat, with snorkeling opportunities that include exploring underwater caverns and observing diverse aquatic creatures.
15. Sansone, Elba Island, Tuscany
Spiaggia di Sansone on Elba Island is a regal retreat, once a residence for the exiled Napoleon. Encircled by cliffs, it's an ideal location for sunbathing and escaping the ordinary.
