Whether you’re seeking a sandy stretch that feels like it’s your alone, hidden bays or buzzing beach bars, we have all the top spots when it comes to the very best beaches in Italy.
Nowhere does golden sand and turquoise waters quite like Italy… From the Amalfi Coast to Sicily, consider this your essential vacation guide…
The Best Beaches in Italy
1. Baia delle Zagare – Puglia
With white cliffs overhanging the sea, and impossibly clear blue water, it’s no wonder this beach is award-winning. The coastline water ranges in shades from blue to turquoise, to emerald.
There’s three beaches in the bay; one can be reached through a path, another is only for hotel guests of Hotel Baia delle Zagare, and the last can be reached only from sea.
2. Monterosso Al Mare – Cinque Terre
The largest of the five coastal towns that make up the famous Cinque Terre region, Monterosso’s beach has beautiful reefs and crystal clear waters. It does get crowded during peak summer-time, but lounging underneath an umbrella here is worth the busyness.
3. Mondello Beach – Sicily
You can’t come to Sicily and not make your way to one of the relaxing beaches. At Mondello Beach, you’ll find a long stretch of beach with a wide array of bars, restaurants, and rental places for sun chairs and water-sports equipment.
4. Fiordo di Furore – Amalfi Coast
You’ll have the best views of this beautiful ‘fjord’ from the arching high bridge, which is popular with cliff divers.
The path to the beach is closed to the public due to rockfall, so you can only access it via boat. If you do want to drive just take note you’ll have the view, but you won’t be able to get onto the beach.
5. Cala Rossa – Sicily
Not only is Cala Rossa one of the best beaches in Italy, it’s quite simply one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The water when the sun shines is the most fantastic shade of aquamarine blue. Absolute bliss.
6. Sella del Diavolo – Sardinia
The ‘Devil’s Saddle’ is is a tiny beach away from the masses of tourists that will involve a 30 minute trek to get to – unless you have a boat, that is. Totally worth it though, and the perfect place to spend an afternoon in total peace.
7. Chia – Sardinia
Some of the whitest sand and clearest water you’ll ever see is on this beach, which is just a short drive from the capital Cagliari.
Get here early though, because it does get busy in the summer months.
