Italy is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From crystal clear waters and stunning coastlines, to pristine white sands, there is no shortage of breathtaking beach locations across the country.
Whether you’re looking for a secluded spot or a bustling beachfront with plenty of activities, there’s something for everyone when it comes to Italy’s coastal havens. Here are 15 of the best beaches in Italy that you’re sure to love.
1. Spiaggia dei Conigli
Spiaggia dei Conigli, also known as Rabbit Beach, is a stunning beach located on the island of Lampedusa, which is part of Italy. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and for good reason.
The beach is located on the southern coast of Lampedusa and is accessible by foot or by boat. Its name, Rabbit Beach, comes from the presence of a large population of wild rabbits that live in the surrounding vegetation.
The beach is known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand, and pristine natural environment. It is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, as the waters are filled with an abundance of marine life.
In 2013, Rabbit Beach was named the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor, based on millions of reviews and ratings from travelers. Since then, it has become a popular tourist destination, but it still maintains its natural beauty and charm.
It’s important to note that the beach is located within the Riserva Naturale Orientata Isola di Lampedusa, a protected nature reserve, and visitors are asked to respect the natural environment and take care not to damage the delicate ecosystem.
2. Cala Rossa
Cala Rossa is a beautiful beach located in the south of Corsica, France. The beach is known for its clear turquoise waters and fine white sand. The name Cala Rossa means “red cove” in Italian, and refers to the red rocks that surround the beach.
Cala Rossa is a popular destination for tourists who come to Corsica to enjoy the Mediterranean climate and stunning natural scenery. The beach is surrounded by lush green hills and forests, providing a picturesque backdrop for visitors to enjoy.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors to Cala Rossa can also enjoy a variety of water sports, such as snorkeling, diving, and kayaking. There are also several restaurants and cafes located near the beach, serving traditional Corsican cuisine and fresh seafood.
Overall, Cala Rossa is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Corsica. Its natural beauty and range of activities make it a popular spot for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
3. Baia del Silenzio
Baia del Silenzio, which means “Bay of Silence” in English, is a stunning crescent-shaped beach located in the town of Sestri Levante, on the Ligurian coast of Italy. The beach is renowned for its crystal clear waters and pristine white sand, and is surrounded by colorful pastel-colored buildings and hills covered with lush vegetation.
Baia del Silenzio is a popular destination for tourists who come to Liguria to enjoy the Mediterranean climate and the picturesque coastal towns of the region. The beach is known for its tranquil atmosphere, as it is sheltered from the winds and waves of the open sea by a rocky outcropping, creating a peaceful and calm environment.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors to Baia del Silenzio can also enjoy a variety of activities, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. There are also several restaurants, cafes, and bars located near the beach, serving traditional Ligurian cuisine and fresh seafood.
Baia del Silenzio is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Liguria. Its natural beauty, calm waters, and range of activities make it a popular spot for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
4. Tropea Beach
Tropea Beach is a beautiful crescent-shaped beach located in the town of Tropea, in the Calabria region of southern Italy. The beach is known for its crystal clear waters, fine white sand, and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and coastline.
Tropea Beach is a popular destination for tourists who come to Calabria to enjoy the Mediterranean climate and explore the region’s cultural and natural attractions. The town of Tropea itself is a picturesque medieval village with narrow streets and charming buildings, and is home to several historic churches and a 12th-century Norman cathedral.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors to Tropea Beach can also enjoy a variety of water sports, such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing. There are also several restaurants, cafes, and bars located near the beach, serving traditional Calabrian cuisine and fresh seafood.
Tropea Beach’s natural beauty, clear waters, and rich cultural heritage make it a popular spot for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. It is truly a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Calabria.
5. Cala Mariolu
Cala Mariolu is a beautiful beach located on the eastern coast of Sardinia, Italy. It is famous for its crystal-clear waters and its fine white sand, which make it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world.
The beach is surrounded by high cliffs, which provide a stunning backdrop and offer a degree of privacy to those who visit. It is also known for its distinctive rock formations, which are said to resemble the shape of a sea turtle.
Cala Mariolu can be reached by boat or by hiking along a scenic trail that offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Once there, visitors can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.
The beach is part of the Gennargentu National Park, which is known for its rugged mountains, forests, and wildlife. Visitors can also explore the nearby caves, which are filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it a true paradise on earth.
6. Santa Maria di Castellabate
Santa Maria di Castellabate is a small town located in the province of Salerno, in the Campania region of southern Italy. It is situated on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, between the cities of Agropoli and Acciaroli.
The town is known for its picturesque old town, which features narrow streets and historic buildings, as well as its beautiful sandy beaches and clear blue waters. The town is also surrounded by hills and countryside, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
Santa Maria di Castellabate is part of the larger municipality of Castellabate, which also includes the nearby towns of San Marco and Ogliastro Marina. The area is known for its production of olive oil and wine, and there are many local restaurants and shops that offer traditional Campanian cuisine and products.
Santa Maria di Castellabate has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its well-preserved medieval architecture and historic significance.
7. Cala Goloritzé
Cala Goloritzé is a beautiful beach located on the east coast of Sardinia, Italy. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white pebble beach, and stunning limestone cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea.
The beach is situated in the Gulf of Orosei, within the Gennargentu National Park, and can only be accessed by foot or by boat. The hike to Cala Goloritzé is considered to be one of the most spectacular and challenging in Sardinia, as it involves a steep descent down a rocky path, which takes around 1-2 hours to complete.
Cala Goloritzé is a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, as the water is incredibly clear and teeming with marine life. The beach is also a popular spot for rock climbing, with many climbers coming to scale the limestone cliffs.
However, it’s important to note that due to its popularity and location within a protected area, access to Cala Goloritzé is restricted and visitors are required to purchase a permit in advance. Additionally, visitors are required to respect the environment and follow specific rules to ensure the preservation of the beach and its surroundings.
8. San Vito lo Capo
San Vito Lo Capo is a picturesque coastal town located in the province of Trapani, on the northwest coast of Sicily, Italy. It is known for its beautiful sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and charming atmosphere.
The town is nestled between the sea and the Monte Cofano Nature Reserve, and boasts a stunning coastline with rocky cliffs, hidden coves, and turquoise waters. The main attraction of San Vito Lo Capo is its long sandy beach, which is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy. The beach stretches for about 3 kilometers and is characterized by its fine white sand and shallow waters, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Aside from its beautiful beach, San Vito Lo Capo is also known for its delicious food, especially its seafood dishes. The town hosts an annual couscous festival, which celebrates the local Arab culinary tradition and attracts visitors from all over the world.
In addition to its natural beauty and culinary traditions, San Vito Lo Capo also has a rich history and cultural heritage. The town’s ancient origins are evidenced by the presence of several archaeological sites, including a prehistoric village and a Roman villa.
Overall, San Vito Lo Capo is a beautiful and charming town that offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and culinary delights. It’s a popular destination for tourists who are looking to relax, enjoy the beach, and experience the local Sicilian culture.
9. La Pelosa Beach
La Pelosa Beach is a stunning and popular beach located on the north-western coast of Sardinia, an island in the Mediterranean Sea, Italy. It is situated in the municipality of Stintino, in the province of Sassari. The beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, white sand, and impressive scenery.
La Pelosa Beach is surrounded by hills covered with Mediterranean vegetation and offers visitors breathtaking views of the Gulf of Asinara, an area of great natural beauty. The beach is also known for its shallow waters, which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The sea is so clear that you can see fish swimming around your feet.
The beach has a wide range of facilities, including a large car park, restaurants, bars, and beach equipment rental shops. Visitors can rent beach chairs, umbrellas, and other equipment to make their day at the beach more comfortable.
However, due to its popularity, the beach can get crowded during peak season, and there may be a long wait to get in. Visitors are advised to arrive early to secure a spot on the beach and avoid the crowds.
10. Marina Piccola
Marina Piccola is a charming and picturesque bay located on the southern coast of the island of Capri, in the Tyrrhenian Sea off the coast of Italy. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a tranquil and idyllic setting for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the stunning views.
Marina Piccola is located at the foot of Monte Solaro, the highest point on the island, and is surrounded by steep cliffs that rise up on either side of the bay. The bay is relatively small, with a length of around 300 meters, but it is well-protected from winds and currents, making it an ideal spot for swimming and snorkeling.
The beach at Marina Piccola is made up of pebbles and small stones, rather than sand, and visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear when entering the water. There are several beach clubs and restaurants located along the shoreline, offering a range of facilities and services to visitors, including sun loungers, umbrellas, showers, and changing rooms.
Marina Piccola can be accessed by foot or by boat from the nearby town of Capri, and there are regular ferry services that operate between the two locations. Visitors are advised to arrive early, especially during the peak summer season, to secure a spot on the beach and avoid the crowds.
11. Porto Pino
Porto Pino is a small coastal town located on the southwestern coast of Sardinia, an island off the coast of Italy. The town is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning natural scenery.
The main attraction of Porto Pino is undoubtedly its beaches, which are considered among the best in Sardinia. The town’s most famous beach is the Porto Pino beach, which is a long stretch of soft white sand and turquoise waters. This beach is particularly popular with families, as it has shallow waters that are perfect for swimming and playing.
Another popular beach in Porto Pino is the Spiaggia delle Dune, which is a wilder and more rugged beach located within a protected nature reserve. This beach is known for its towering sand dunes, which offer a stunning backdrop to the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean.
In addition to its beaches, Porto Pino is also home to a number of excellent restaurants, bars, and shops. Visitors can sample the local cuisine, which is based on fresh seafood and traditional Sardinian ingredients, or explore the town’s boutiques and markets for souvenirs and gifts.
Its stunning beaches, excellent food, and friendly locals make it a must-visit location for anyone traveling to this beautiful island.
12. Isola Bella
Isola Bella is a small island located in the Borromean Gulf of Lake Maggiore in northern Italy. It is part of the Borromean Islands, which include Isola Madre and Isola dei Pescatori.
Isola Bella is known for its stunning Baroque palace and beautiful gardens, which were built by the Borromeo family in the 17th century. The palace, which is open to the public, contains an impressive collection of art and furniture, including works by famous Italian artists such as Guido Reni and Bernardo Strozzi.
The gardens on Isola Bella are particularly noteworthy, featuring a variety of terraces, fountains, and sculptures. The gardens are designed in the Italianate style and are home to a wide variety of exotic plants and flowers, including citrus trees, azaleas, and rhododendrons. One of the most popular features of the gardens is the amphitheater, which is carved out of the hillside and offers stunning views of the lake.
Isola Bella is a popular tourist destination, particularly in the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. Visitors can take a ferry to the island from nearby towns such as Stresa and Baveno, and guided tours are available for those who want to learn more about the history and architecture of the palace and gardens.
13. Positano Beach
Positano Beach is a picturesque and popular destination located on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. It is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it has been featured in numerous travel publications and websites.
Positano Beach is situated on the Tyrrhenian Sea and is surrounded by steep cliffs and colorful buildings. The beach itself is a small, pebbled cove with crystal-clear turquoise waters. There are several beach clubs and restaurants along the shore, which offer sun loungers, umbrellas, and other amenities for visitors.
In addition to swimming and sunbathing, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities in and around Positano Beach. These include boat tours of the coastline, hiking in the nearby hills, and exploring the charming town of Positano itself. The town is known for its narrow streets, boutique shops, and excellent seafood restaurants.
Positano Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to southern Italy.
14. Chia Beach
Chia Beach, also known as Spiaggia di Chia, is a stunning beach located on the southern coast of Sardinia, Italy. It is known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and dramatic rocky cliffs that surround the beach.
Chia Beach stretches for approximately 5 kilometers and is lined with fragrant juniper trees. The water is shallow near the shore, making it a popular spot for families with young children, but it also has deeper sections for swimming and snorkeling further out.
One of the unique features of Chia Beach is the nearby Spanish Tower, which was built in the 16th century to protect against pirate attacks. Visitors can climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Chia Beach is situated in a protected nature reserve, which means that development is limited in the area. As a result, the beach remains relatively unspoiled and natural, with only a few small bars and restaurants located nearby.
Chia Beach is a picturesque and peaceful destination that offers visitors the chance to relax and unwind in a stunning natural setting.
15. Spiaggia del Fornillo
Spiaggia del Fornillo is a beautiful beach located on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. It is situated just a short walk from the town of Positano and is considered one of the area’s hidden gems.
Unlike the more crowded and popular beaches in Positano, Spiaggia del Fornillo is relatively quiet and peaceful, making it a popular spot for locals and those seeking a more relaxed beach experience.
The beach is accessible via a steep staircase or a scenic path that winds through lemon groves and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. The beach itself is a long stretch of pebbled sand, framed by steep cliffs and turquoise waters.
There are several restaurants and bars located along the beach, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a refreshing drink or a delicious meal while taking in the stunning views.
Spiaggia del Fornillo is known for its clear waters, which are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. There are also opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding in the calm waters near the beach.
Conclusion
From Liguria in the north to Sicily in the south, and even Sardinia, Italy is full of beautiful oceanfront locations. While Rabbit Beach is by far the most world renown, you should absolutely visit any of the other beautiful beaches on this list if you have the opportunity.
You won’t be disappointed.
And, don’t forget to check out Italy’s picturesque forests as well if you are a lover of nature in all her forms.
