Beaches In Italy: Beat The Heat This Summer At Scenic Shores Of Europe

An aerial view of the stunning beach in Itlay

The coastline of Italy, one of the finest in the Mediterranean Sea, is a major destination for beach tourism. Amalfi Coast dazzles with its flowery cliffs and clear waters, while Costa Smeralda in Sardinia boasts ultra-white powdery beaches and luxury resorts. Sicily’s Mondello or Tropea in Calabria, these invited places with their beautiful views in turquoise water and their precious marine treasures: the Italian Riviera-from Cinque Terre-falsehoods beautiful sea-side villages to all who wander in. Peaceful water and lively beaches in Italy are a perfect paradise for sea lovers.

Top 10 Beaches In Italy

Being a perfect paradise for sea lovers, here are the top 10 stunning and exhilarating beaches of Italy:

1. Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa

Spiaggia dei Conigli in Lampedusa is one of the best beaches in Italy

Photo: Hein56didden / Wikimedia Commons

Spiaggia dei Conigli, also known as the Rabbit Beach is among the most beautiful stretches of white sand with turquoise waters on the island of Lampedusa in Sicily. It has been consistently ranked as one of the top beaches worldwide: It is actually formed as part of a protected nature reserve within the group of Pelagie Islands. It is famous for its clear waters, soft sand, and pure natural beauty, as well as an important nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, laying eggs between May and August. Visitors are limited due to conservation rules and are only allowed to enter after a 15-20 minute walk from the nearest road.

Best Time To Visit: May to September
Nearby Tourist Attractions: Cala Pulcino, Lampedusa Caves, Porto Vecchio

2. Cala Goloritzé, Sardinia

One among the top beaches in Italy: Cala Goloritzé

Photo: Sara Pizzagalli / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Cala Goloritzé is one of the beautiful beaches on the eastern coast of Sardinia. Besides its clear water, the beach includes lovely limestone cliffs and white pebbles. The beach was formed by a landslide in 1962 and is still among the most pristine beaches in Italy. Above the small cove rises a limestone pinnacle of 148 meters, which attracts climbers, while snorkelers and divers enjoy the spectacular crystal waters teeming with marine life. Cala Goloritzé can only be reached by boat or by walking a 3.5 km trail from the Golgo Plateau. Because of its protected status, anchoring is prohibited and motor vessels must stay away from the shore by 300 meters.

Best Time To Visit: May to October

3. Baia dei Turchi, Puglia

Baia dei Turchi is one of the most popular beaches in Italy

Photo: Kaus / Wikimedia Commons

Adjacent to Otranto in the region of Puglia is Baia dei Turchi, which comprises a beautiful beach characterized with very fine golden sand and clear waters. It was part of the reserved and protected Riserva Naturale Le Cesine, with greens surrounding the beach, a pine forest where plenty of shaded, secluded areas can be viewed, making the name Bay of the Turks after the 15th-century Ottoman invasion of Otranto. The waters are shallow, making them perfectly harmonious with children and swimmers. Because of the protected area, most commercial activities are restricted, although a few seasonal kiosks sell drinks and snacks along the beach.

Location: 10-15 minute walk through a shaded forest trail

4. Tropea Beach, Calabria

Tropea Beach in Calabria is one the the must visit beaches in Italy

Photo: Norbert Nagel / Wikimedia Commons

Tropea Beach is one of the most beautiful seaside places in Italy; it is located along the Tyrrhenian coast in Calabria. With its golden sand and crystalline water, this beach lies beneath the very steep cliffs of the town of Tropea, an old town celebrated for its medieval architecture. The turquoise water is perfectly calm for swimming, and the splendid background features Santa Maria dell’Isola hanging off the edge of a rocky promontory. It is free for anyone to access, although there are sunbeds and umbrellas to rent.

Best Time To Visit: June to September

5. Spiaggia Di Sansone, Elba Island

Unwind at Spiaggia di Sansone, one of the must visit beaches in Italy

Photo: Carlo Pelagalli / Wikimedia Commons

Spiaggia di Sansone, located on the island of Elba off the Tuscan coast, is one of the most attractive beaches in Italy and with its very white pebbles and beautiful crystal-clear turquoise waters, provides the right setting for nature lovers and snorkelling enthusiasts alike. Dramatic limestone cliffs frame the beach, creating a secluded and picturesque atmosphere. The transparency of the water reveals an amazing seabed full of life, making it perfect for snorkelling and diving. Unlike most other beaches, where it is more famous for its virgin beauty, Spiaggia di Sansone receives huge crowds that are spread throughout the day, owing to a rocky 15-minute walk from the nearby parking area.

Best Time To Visit: June to September
Nearby Attraction: Forte Falcone, a historic fortress in Portoferraio

6. La Pelosa, Sardinia

Clear waters and white sands of La Pelosa Beach with greenery

Photo: trolvag / Wikimedia Commons

La Pelosa Beach From Sardinia’s Stintino is perhaps the most beautiful beach in Italy with its clear, shallow, turquoise waters and fine white sand. Due to the sensitive ecology of the area, restrictions are strict, including a beach mat policy to protect delicate sand from erosion. Ideal for swimming, snorkelling and enjoying the scenery, there are beach bars, sunbeds and more. This means that there are already a lot of conveniences put in place for visitors. The whole place is surrounded by other explorative sites like the Asinara National Park which has the potential for hiking, boat trips and wildlife sightings.

Facilities: Sunbed rentals, showers, beach bars

7. Cala Rossa, Favignana

Turquoise waters and rugged cliffs at Cala Rossa, Favignana, Sicily

Photo: Rino Porrovecchio / Wikimedia Commons

Cala Rossa is one of the beaches that caresses the island of Favignana, located in the Egadi archipelago and is arguably among the most beautiful sights along the Italian coast. The stunningly clear waters cascade into rugged little limestone formations, so popular among snorkelers and nature lovers. Unlike sandy beaches, the smooth rock platforms in Cala Rossa are perfect for sunbathing and cliff diving. There is also a striking contrast created between the turquoise sea and the reddish hues of the cliffs. When referring to Cala Rossa, it refers to the historical battles that raged between Romans and Carthaginians while the waters of the latter turned red with blood.

Location: Short but rocky walking trail or by boat

8. Marina Piccola, Capri

A scenic beach with clear waters and stunning Faraglioni views

Photo: Bicloch / Wikimedia Commons

The beautiful Marina Piccola, located on the southern coast of Capri, Croatia, is a beach with wonderful views of the Faraglioni. The small bay is free from strong winds and, thus, calm waters, making it suitable for swimming and snorkelling. It is presumed to have been the landing at Ulysses in Homer’s Odyssey. The beach comprises entirely free public areas and private beach clubs, offering sunbeds, umbrellas, and dining, among others. Accessible via a lovely staircase leading from Capri town or bus, Marina Piccola offers an escape from the more crowded Marina Grande. The warm rock formations make it a sunbather’s paradise, with peak attendance during the afternoons when sunlight shines directly over the bay.

Best Time To Visit: May to October

9. Cala Mariolu, Sardinia

Cala Mariolu offers secluded natural beauty to all its visitors

Photo: Roberto Mura / Wikimedia Commons

Cala Mariolu is known as one of the fabulous secret paradises in Italy and is located on the eastern coast of the island in the Gulf of Orosei. This is a special beach with white pebbles mixed with pink sand and a crystal turquoise sea; perfect for diving and snorkelling lovers. The beach is accessed only by boat or by a tough hiking path, preserving its natural beauty in an untouched way. Limestone cliffs stand tall around the calm waters, while a network of caves under the sea awash in rich marine life dives into. Being part of the protected area, Cala Mariolu urges tourists to observe its environmental guidelines so that it will remain in its pristine state.

Best Time To Visit: May to October
Location: Boat or a steep hiking trail

10. San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily

An aerial shot of San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily, Italy

Photo: Jos Dielis / Wikimedia Commons

When we talk about beaches, San Vito Lo Capo comes within the top-angle ones of Italy: given the unrivalled long stretch of soft white sand and shallow turquoise waters. Bordered against the backdrop of the steep formation of Monte Monaco, is a picture of a dramatic landscape. Calm clear waters are wonderful for swimming, snorkelling, and paddleboarding activities where families and enthusiasts of the water would find their interests. San Vito Lo Capo town revels in its reduced-beat surroundings characterized by lively beachside cafes and the Cous Cous Fest, an annual multicultural food festival celebrating food culture with Sicilian-Arab cuisine influences.

Facilities: Restaurants, shops, parking, and water sports rentals

Soft sandy shores to dramatic rocky coves are what you can find on the country’s coastline. With all the entrances to the crystal-clear waters, rich marine life, and beautiful scenery, these beaches can give relaxation, adventure, and fun at their best. Most of them are protected areas, ensuring that these gems will remain in pristine form for generations to come. Sun, sea, and culture loudly mix to make this Mediterranean country one of the most appealing in the world for beach lovers. That next trip to Italy shall be with TripXL and create exciting memories yet again.

Cover Photo: David Balmer / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Question

Yes, many beaches have shallow waters, calm waves, and facilities catering to families with children.
Camping is generally not allowed on beaches, especially in protected areas.
Some beaches are pet-friendly, but many restrict dogs during peak season.
Essentials include sunscreen, water, a beach towel, and cash for sunbed rentals or food. Reef shoes may be useful for rocky shores.
Many popular beaches have lifeguards during peak season.

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