15 Beaches In Italy To Visit In The Summer Of 2025
Without a doubt, Italy remains the most powerful titan of the cultural riches of Europe. What to be overwhelmed by its offerings: culinary delights and high fashion are sources of marvels, both Roman and Palladian architectural, idyllic scenes and art of such stunning beauty that Stendhal almost succumbed to it in Florence's Santa Croce basilica. With these treasures, Italy stands taller than all of its northern neighbours. It is also home to several world-famous beaches, courtesy of a boot-like peninsula inserted into the arms of the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas, gracing an overwhelming coast.
Some might already be knowing some famous names. There is Portofino; it sounds so familiar. Or try Lido, the island behind Venice that inspired Thomas Mann for death in Venice. This is only some parts of what northern Italy has in store as far as the coastline goes. According to Misty Belles-the senior Advisor with the luxury travelling group Virtuoso-the real gems are to be found in a much more southern location: "Nothing really is as marvelous as the Amalfi coast," she says. "The small beaches tucked away in little caves and the dramatic rocky cliffs are the things that really get me." Whichever your beach preference, Italy has it all. Here are without rank, the top 15 out of all the Italian beaches you can visit now.
1. Venice Lido, Veneto
Kicking off the discovery is the famous Venice Lido which can be travelled into by a short vaporetto from the busy Piazza San Marco. This is the beach famously described in the book Death in Venice: Gustav von Aschenbach, the tragic hero of the tale, spends here his last few days, obsessed by a young boy and succumbing in the sun-drenched skies to an epidemic. Moreover, the Lido is the rather fat angle in the house, and possibly better than all others, the place where the highly coveted Venice Film Festival takes place.
2. Tropea, Calabria
Good memories may be aroused by swimming here, but more so, by observing the rich images of sunbathing directly under the ancient houses hanging about in the air above.
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.
