From Liguria to Sardinia, from Calabria to Puglia, passing through Tuscany and making a trip to Campania, without forgetting the wonderful Sicily
Best Italian Beaches – In the selection of the most beautiful Italian beaches we have included the islands lying in the Gulf of Naples, but also some little-known and so enchanting strips of sand that the effort to reach them on foot will be amply rewarded by the breathtaking views.
From Liguria to Sicily; from Calabria to Puglia, passing through Tuscany and making a trip to Campania, without forgetting the wonderful Sardinia. In all these regions you’ll find out the Best Italian Beaches along thousands of kilometers of coastline.
Some are less known and more hidden places, while others are very famous. Let’s find out together which are the most beautiful Italian beaches
But there are many other regions that will surprise you. Italy is an explosion of varied beaches from North to South.
From classic postcard beaches, likes Caribbean islandes, to hidden coves, which offer breathtaking views to the expanses of sand surrounded by majestic walls or lush vegetation.
What are you waiting for? Cross the pine forests with us and dive into the Tyrrhenian waters that lap the most beautiful beaches!
Best Italian Beaches 2022 – The Definitive Guide
Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa
Spiaggia dei Conigli (Beach of the Rabbits)
Hidden paradise and breeding area of the loggerhead turtle (Careta Careta)
This enchanting golden bay has a decidedly misleading name: there is no trace of rabbits here. In the 100 meters that stretch well hidden along the coast, the beach reserves other surprises: this protected natural oasis is in fact one of the places where sea turtles that populate the vast waters of the Mediterranean lay their eggs.
The beach is connected to the road by a dirt and limestone path, which can be covered on foot in about 15 minutes. At the end of the path opens the extraordinary beach of clear and very fine sand beyond which extends a sea with shallow crystalline waters.
Probably one of the Best Italian Beaches
Location: Spiaggia dei Conigli, 92010 Lampedusa and Linosa, AG, Italy
Tropea, Calabria
Tropea
A wonderful beach at the foot of an ancient Roman settlement
Tropea beach stretches for about 350 meters at the foot of the Byzantine city of the same name that overlooks it from the top of the cliff. The landscape is extraordinary: on the one hand, the white sand that is lost in the waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea and, on the other, the towering cliffs above which impressive medieval buildings rise, such as the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola dating back to the sixth century.
The wide beach and the mildness of the sea make this place perfect for swimming and diving with mask and snorkel. The resort is well equipped, with many bars and shops where you can find everything you need for water sports.
Location: Tropea Beach, 89861 Tropea (VV)
La Pelosa, Stintino (Sardinia)
White beach, turquoise waters and a castle
Lying on the northernmost tip of Sardinia, Stintino is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Italy. The main beach, called La Pelosa, offers an incredible panorama: a soft stretch of white sand 300 meters long and a shallow sea of an extraordinary blue. On the horizon you can see the profile of Isola Piana and the Watchtower built in the 16th century on the Islet of La Pelosa, right at the entrance to the Asinara Strait.
Position: La Pelosa Beach, Viale La Pelosa, 07040 Stintino (SS)
Cala Goloritzé, Baunei (Sardinia)
A hidden gem among huge limestone cliffs
Along the rugged east coast of Sardinia lies Cala Goloritzé, a small bay surrounded by impressive limestone structures. Those who venture up the difficult path that leads to the beach are rewarded by a wonderful panorama, almost as unique as its origin, given that this natural wonder is the result of a landslide that occurred in 1962.
The rock formations of Cala Goloritzé are well known to the climbing enthusiasts, in particular the so-called Aguglia di Goloritzé which rises 143 meters above the cove, while on the northern side of the bay it is possible to admire a large natural stone arch that plunges into the sea.
Position: Cala Goloritzé, 08040 Baunei (NU)
Porto Giunco, Villasimius (Sardinia)
A maritime oasis in the south of Sardinia
After Villasimius, a well-known locality in the south-eastern tip of Sardinia, you come across the Marine Protected Area of Capo Carbonara. The oasis is famous for the incredible biodiversity of the vast meadows of oceanic Posidonia, as well as for the Pond of Notteri, a paradise for pink flamingos. If this were not enough, nearby is the Porto Giunco beach, a strip of fine white sand that separates the lagoon from the shallow waters of the open sea, creating a dream landscape.
Position: Porto Giunco beach, Villasimius (CA)
La Baia del Silenzio, Sestri Levante
A picturesque cove surrounded by colorful buildings overlooking the beach
The coastal town of Sestri Levante in Liguria includes two very beautiful bays, the most famous of which is the Baia del Silenzio. The warm-colored buildings overlook the beach, a few meters from the calm sea of the Eastern Ligurian Riviera and close to a green hill.
The small fishing and pleasure boats that dot the waters of the bay increase the charm of this suggestive place. The town can be reached in an hour from the Genova Brignole station, by taking a train heading east.
Location: Bay of Silence, 16039 Sestri Levante (GE)
Best Italian Beaches 2022 – The Definitive Guide
Cala Mariolu, Baunei
A beach of white pebbles lapped by the Tyrrhenian Sea
This extraordinary beach is located along the eastern coast of Sardinia. Close to the famous Cala Goloritzé, Cala Mariolu enriches the stunning series of hidden beaches in the Baunei area. But unlike Cala Goloritzé with its impervious rock formations, Cala Mariolu is dominated by low limestone hills made milder by the flourishing vegetation. Large rocks emerge from the calm blue waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, while the high cliffs that surround the beach cast long shadows in which to protect yourself from the sun.
Location: Cala Mariolu, 08040 Baunei (OG)
Cala Rossa, Favignana (Sicily)
The enchanting seascapes of the largest of the Egadi Islands
Favignana is the largest of the three Egadi Islands, about 7 km from the Sicilian coast, and is famous for tuna fishing, as well as for the beautiful coastline lapped by an incredibly transparent sea.
Cala Rossa is one of the most famous beaches, with the small rocky bay dominated by limestone formations, reachable through a path that can be traveled on foot or by bicycle. Not exactly easy to access, Cala Rossa rewards visitors with an enchanting panorama and peaceful atmosphere.
Position: Cala Rossa beach, 91023 Favignana (TP)
Maria Pia, Sardegna
White sand and pine forests on the shores of the Sardinian Sea
The relaxing atmosphere of Maria Pia in Sassari cradles beach lovers who visit north-western Sardinia. A 10-minute drive north of Alghero’s historic center, this stretch of soft white sand stretches over a kilometer along the calm, shallow waters of the Sardinian Sea. Beautiful dunes flanked by small pine forests cover half the length of the shoreline. Maria Pia is easily accessible by wooden walkways.
Position: Maria Pia Beach, 07041 Alghero (SS)
Marina Piccola, Capri
The abode of the sirens
Overlooking a suggestive bay along the southern coast of the island of Capri, Marina Piccola is the scene of one of the most famous episodes of the Odyssey.
According to tradition, in fact, it is from here that the sirens tried to seduce Ulysses and his companions with their irresistible song. Immerse yourself in the blue waters that open up in front of the narrow beach of pebbles and rocks, or take a boat away from the shore and let your imagination run wild to imagine the scenes described by Homer. In summer, Marina Piccola can get quite crowded.
Location: Marina Piccola, 80076 Capri (NA)
San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily
A paradise by the sea
The small seaside resort of San Vito Lo Capo is located in a sheltered position along the Trapani coast. The homonymous beach is a slightly golden sandy shore that follows the wide curve of the bay and is dominated to the east by the large rocks of Monte Monaco. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and fun for all ages.
Location: San Vito Lo Capo Beach, Via Litoranea Lungomare, 91010 San Vito Lo Capo (TP)
Mondello, Palermo
A long sandy coast near the Sicilian capital
Sea lovers visiting the ancient city of Palermo cannot fail to visit the nearby coastal town of Mondello and its extraordinary beach. The long stretch of fine sand is well equipped for tourists, with plenty of activities to do on the shore and in the waves, as well as bars and restaurants where you can refresh yourself during the day.
The atmosphere is made even more unique by the panorama of the nearby steep mountains, which form the backdrop to the clear beach and the crystal clear waters of the sea. In summer, however, the beach tends to get very crowded.
Location: Mondello Beach, Viale Regina Elena, 90149 Palermo (PA)