Italy is a renowned travel destination for a plethora of reasons: its picturesque villages, delectable dining, world-renowned art and, of course, its gorgeous coastline. The Emerald Coast in the northwest region of the country is dotted with coves, pine forests and crystal clear waters. The Tyrrhenian Coast to the west has rocky cliff faces that make for dramatic sunset viewing. And down south, you’ll find the Ionian and Mediterranean coasts with their sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot to relax or a lively beach town to explore, there’s an Italian beach perfect for you. Check out our list of the 10 best beaches in Italy to help narrow down your search.
Naples
Naples is one of the busiest cities in Italy, but it also boasts some of the country’s best beaches. Located on the Gulf of Naples, the city is surrounded by stunning coastline and there are plenty of great beaches to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a beach to relax on or one with plenty of activities, you’ll find it in Naples. For a more lively beach scene, head to Lido di Napoli where you can sunbathe, paddle board, windsurf, and more. Or, try Spiaggia del Convento for a quieter atmosphere where you can soak up the sun and enjoy stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Looking for a beach that’s a little off the beaten path? Then check out Marechiaro Beach which can only be reached by boat or by hiking down a steep staircase. This hidden gem is well worth the effort though as it’s a beautiful spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying views of Mount Vesuvius.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline in southern Italy. The coastline is dotted with picturesque towns, each with its own unique charm. Amalfi is the largest town on the coast and is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its dramatic cliffs, charming streets, and delicious seafood.
Positano is another popular town on the Amalfi Coast. It is known for its gorgeous beaches, chic boutiques, and delicious food. Ravello is a smaller town on the coast that is often overlooked by tourists but it should not be missed! It is known for its stunning views, tranquil atmosphere, and lovely gardens.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax or somewhere to explore, the Amalfi Coast has something for everyone.
Sardinia
Sardinia is home to some of the best beaches in Italy. The sparkling white beaches and clear turquoise waters make it a popular destination for beach lovers.
There are many beautiful beaches to choose from on this island. Some of the most popular include:
-Spiaggia della Pelosa: This stunning beach is located in the northwest of Sardinia and is well known for its white sand and clear blue waters. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying the views.
-Spiaggia di Tuerredda: This beach is located on the south coast of Sardinia and is renowned for its dramatic cliff scenery. The clear waters make it a great place to swim and snorkel.
-Chia Beach: This beach is located on the southwest coast of Sardinia and is a popular spot for surfing and windsurfing. The golden sand and clear waters make it a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the views.
Sicily
If you're looking for a beach vacation in Italy, you can't go wrong with Sicily. This Mediterranean island has it all: stunning coastline, crystal-clear water, sandy beaches, and plenty of sun.
Sicily is home to some of the best beaches in Italy. Among them are the world-famous Spiaggia dei Conigli (Rabbit Beach) on the island of Lampedusa; the black sand beaches of Vulcano; and the dramatic cliffs and coves of Taormina.
But there are plenty of other great beaches to explore in Sicily as well. So whether you're looking for a secluded spot to relax or a lively place to party, you'll find it here.
Positano
Positano is one of the most popular beach destinations in Italy. Situated on the Amalfi Coast, it is known for its dramatic cliffside setting, picturesque streets, and stunning beaches. The main beach in Positano is Spiaggia Grande, which is a large pebble beach with crystal-clear waters. There are also several small sandy beaches dotted around the coastline. If you’re looking for a more active beach experience, there are plenty of water sports available. Paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkelling are all popular options.
Capri
If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach vacation destination, look no further than the island of Capri in Italy. This little slice of paradise is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the southern coast of mainland Italy and is easily accessible by ferry from Naples. Once you arrive on the island, you’ll be mesmerized by the dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and chic atmosphere.
Capri is home to numerous luxurious hotels, but we recommend renting a private villa for ultimate privacy and relaxation. After all, this is your vacation! When it comes to beaches, there are plenty to choose from on Capri. Some of our favorites include Marina Piccola, a secluded cove with turquoise waters; Spiaggia del Faro, a serene spot perfect for swimming; and Bagni della Regina Giovanna, picturesque natural pools carved into the rocks.
No matter which beach you choose to spend your days at, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience on Capri.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre is a small section of the Italian Riviera that consists of five beautiful and historic villages. The villages are located on a cliffside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and are connected by a network of hiking trails. Cinque Terre is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy and is known for its stunning scenery, quaint villages, and delicious seafood.
Isola Bella
Isola Bella is often considered to be one of the best beaches in Italy, and it's easy to see why. This gorgeous stretch of coastline is located on the Isola Bella, a small island off the coast of Sicily. The clear blue waters and soft sand make it a perfect place to relax and soak up the Mediterranean sun. There are also plenty of beach bars and restaurants, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink or bite to eat in between swimming and sunbathing.
Portofino
The beaches of Portofino are some of the most beautiful in Italy. The water is crystal clear and the sand is white. There are many beach bars and restaurants, as well as a few hotels. The beaches here are very crowded during the summer months, so it is best to arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Stromboli
Stromboli is one of the most popular beaches in Italy. Located on the island of Sicily, Stromboli offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The beach is also home to a number of restaurants and cafes, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the incredible scenery.