You can find a beach in Italy pretty easily. Finding one with soft sand, swimmable water, and a bar that doesn’t charge €25 for a cocktail? That’s trickier. This guide covers the best beaches in Italy—the ones we’d actually go back to. You’ll get a regional breakdown of spots that are either worth the detour or worth spending the day.
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Best Beaches in Italy You Won’t Want to Miss
Italy’s beaches have been shaped by empires, trade routes, and the practical need to cool off in the Mediterranean heat. Today, they range from ancient Roman swim spots to modern beach clubs with espresso service and Champagne menus. But not all beaches are created equal—and many travelers make the mistake of going to the most famous ones without realizing what else is nearby.
In this guide, we’ll break down what makes each region’s coastline different, what type of beach you’ll actually find there, and how to make the most of it.
The Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most iconic coastlines. The beaches here aren’t massive or sandy—but they are dramatic, full of character, and almost always framed by some combination of pastel buildings and Aperol spritzes.
Spiaggia di Positano Marina Grande (Positano)
Popular Beach | Restaurants & Shops | Crowded But Worth It | Boat Dock
Let’s get this out of the way: Spiaggia Grande is crowded. But it’s also easy to access, full of beachside restaurants, and features one of the most jaw-dropping views on the Amalfi Coast. Bring water shoes if you want to swim and some cash if you’re eager to rent a sunbed. Then, order a prosecco and enjoy your prime seat on Positano’s glamorous front porch.
Address: Via del Brigantino
Marina di Praia (Praiano)
Hidden Gem | Cliffside Cove | Seafood Spots | Late-Day Sun
Walk or drive down a narrow road, and you’ll find this cliff-wrapped inlet, filled with colorful boats bobbing and beachgoers crammed into the small stretch of sand. It stays sunny later than most Amalfi beaches, making it ideal for a slow afternoon followed by dinner on the beach.
Address: Via Praia
Spiaggia di Maiori (Maiori)
Long Sandy Beach | Easy Access | Family Friendly | Restaurants Nearby
Maiori’s beach is where you go when you don’t want to work for it. The long, sandy stretch is easy to access and loaded with sunbeds, umbrellas, and family-friendly places to eat. It’s not the most authentic spot on the Amalfi Coast—you’ll see more tourists than locals—but it gets the job done.
Address: Strada Statale Amalfitana
Bagni Regina Giovanna (Sorrento)
Hidden Cove | Cliffside Ruins | Crystal-Clear Water | Local Favorite
This isn’t a beach you stumble on—it’s one you hunt for. Bagni Regina Giovanna sits outside Sorrento and rewards your effort with a cliff-enclosed lagoon that feels far from the modern world. You’ll swim beneath Roman ruins, float through impossibly clear water, and maybe even join locals leaping off the rocks.
Pro tip: If you’re not jumping for joy over the 40-minute walk, you can also drive out and look for parking. Or, take the 5070, hop off at Capo Sorrento, and conquer the final 10 minutes on foot.
Address: Traversa Punta Capo
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Top Things to Do Around the Amalfi Coast.
Puglia
Puglia covers a lot of coastline, and not all of it’s created equal—some spots get overcrowded, and others feel too sleepy. But once you know which beaches are worth the detour, you’ll find chilled-out clubs, unspoiled bays, and the kind of laid-back charm that northern Italy just doesn’t have.
Tayga Beach
Golden Sand | Chic Beach Club | Gourmet Dining | Laid-Back Vibe
I’d describe Tayga as the beach club for people who hate beach clubs. It’s not an all-day party, beach chairs aren’t jammed together, and it often veers toward “almost too quiet,” if that’s a thing. Come here if you have room in your budget to splurge and are seeking cocktails and a long, slow lunch.
Address: SP122
Cala Maka
Chill But Fun | Gourmet Sushi | Rocky Shore
If you’re after something a bit more ‘upbeat’ than Tayga but still quiet enough to enjoy a nap in the sun, Cala Maka is your spot. Order cocktails straight to your sunbed, or head to the restaurant area to enjoy freshly made sushi, carpaccio, and tempura. I will say the sand was a bit rocky, and prices are steeper than others on the coast. But, given it’s an easy 10-minute drive from Monopoli, it’s an excellent option for a stress-free beach day.
Address: Via Eroi del Mare
Baia dei Turchi
Secluded Beach | Forest Access | Blue Flag | Limited Accessibility
Getting here requires a short but uneven hike through the woods, which might not work for strollers or anyone with mobility issues. However, if you can manage it, the payoff is an Adriatic bay with clear water and soft white sand that feels completely untouched. There’s one small beach club with drinks and chairs, but most people bring a picnic, sprawl out on towels, and stay the day.
Address: Località Baia dei Turchi
Lido Tabù Fashion Beach
Trendy Crowd | Sandy Shore | Island Views | Limited Shade
I have a soft spot in my heart for Lido Tabù, probably because it’s just really, really hard to worry about any of life’s little problems when it feels like you’re lounging in paradise. That said, shaded spots go fast, and on weekends, the energy tips from fun to full-blown packed. Still, it’s hard to argue with a front-row seat to the Ionian Sea and a cold spritz in hand.
Address: Via dei Bacini
Still deciding the best place to base yourself? Check out our article on Where to Stay in Puglia.
Sardinia
Sardinia is arguably the best beach destination in Italy, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, dramatic granite coastlines, and beaches that look straight out of a luxury catalog. It’s massive, under-touristed compared to the mainland, and packed with wild coves, beach clubs, and beyond scenic swimming spots.
Porto Cervo
Swanky Resort Town | Shallow Waters | Yachts & Cocktails | Pricey
Porto Cervo isn’t a single beach—it’s a high-end resort town on Sardinia’s Emerald Coast that billionaires love and most of us can only afford to visit for a day. That said, it’s worth the detour. In terms of beaches, Cala Granu is calm, small, and perfect if you’re with kids or just want a low-key swim. For something more polished, head to Spiaggia del Pevero for beach clubs and yacht envy.
Address: Arzachena
Costa Paradiso
Rocky Coves | Hiking Required | Villa Life | Incredible Sunsets
Costa Paradiso is Porto Cervo’s less bougie cousin—the one who lives off-grid, drinks Vermentino on the rocks, and has a favorite swimming hole they won’t tell you about. It’s tucked along Sardinia’s north coast and is a great base if you want to spend a week exploring hidden beaches. Hike to Li Cossi and Cala di Faa for shallow waters, wild Mediterranean views, and a shot at having a beach to yourself.
Address: 07038 Greuli Province of Sassari
Maddalena Archipelago
Island-Hopping | Turquoise Lagoons | Pink Sand | Boat-Only Access
This is one of those places I always hesitate to put in writing. Not because it’s not fabulous, but because it’s fabulous and inconvenient. The Maddalena Archipelago is a national park made up of 60+ islands and islets with no crowds, no beach bars, and very few signs of life. You’ll need to rent a small boat if you want to visit more than one spot in a day. But if remote, jaw-dropping beaches are your cup of tea, it’s worth the logistical headache.
Address: 07024 La Maddalena
Rena Bianca, Santa Teresa Gallura
White Sand | Calm Waters | Walkable from Town | Family Friendly
Santa Teresa Gallura is a pastel-toned village perched on Sardinia’s north coast, and Rena Bianca is its pride and joy. Just a short walk from the town’s historic core, this crescent-shaped beach offers soft white sand, stunning turquoise water, and views that stretch across to Corsica. You’ll find sunbeds and snack bars, but it never feels overdone.
Address: Spiaggia Rena Bianca
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Italy Guide for more resources.
Capri
Located in the Bay of Naples, Capri is famous for its dramatic coastline, upscale hotels, and the Blue Grotto. You won’t find much sand here, but the calm, swimmable coves and intimate beach clubs put this firmly on our list of best beaches in Italy.
For more, check out our article on the Best Beaches in Capri.
Spiaggia Bagni di Tiberio
Capri’s Best Beach | Family Friendly | Beach Club | Great Restaurant
Emperor Tiberius didn’t rule from a palace in Rome—he came to Capri, built a villa above this beach, and swam here instead. Bagni di Tiberio still feels like that quiet, secret escape, with clear blue water, a rocky cove, and a relaxed crowd that’s mostly families and locals. You can reach it by boat or on foot, and do yourself a favor by eating at the restaurant here.
Address: Via Palazzo a Mare
Spiaggia Marina Grande
Bustling Atmosphere | Family Friendly | Food and Drinks
This isn’t Capri’s hidden gem. Marina Grande is busy, especially in summer, and you’re never far from a boat horn or rolling suitcase. But it earns points for being family-friendly, centrally located, and framed by white-washed houses and quaint cafés. It’s a solid option if you’re short on time or only looking for a quick dip.
Address: 80076 Marina Grande
Gradola
Quiet Beach | Locals’ Spot | Blue Grotto | Restaurants and Bars
There’s no soft sand here, just smooth rock platforms for sunbathing and ladders leading straight into Capri’s delightful blue waters. Take the Grotta Azzurra bus from Anacapri’s center, check out the nearby famous Blue Grotto, and top off the day at Da Giovanni or Riccio.
Address: Via Gradola
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Top 15 Things To Do in Capri.
Sicily
Sitting just south of mainland Italy, Sicily has been conquered, rebuilt, and reimagined by everyone from the Greeks to the Spanish—and it shows in every corner of the island. Between the wild coves and sun-drenched stretches, there’s always somewhere to cool off after a long day of exploring.
San Vito lo Capo
Velvety Sand | Calm Waters | Nature Nearby | Local Charm
If I could only pick one of these best beaches in Italy to return to every year, San Vito lo Capo would hands down be my choice. It’s a laid-back beach town with soft sand, calm turquoise water, and a slow-paced vibe that feels like the exact opposite of the Amalfi Coast. Plus, Zingaro Nature Reserve is just south of San Vito, which is home to five miles of untouched coastline.
Address: Via Lungomare
Isola Bella
Crowded Beauty | Natural Island Museum | Cliff Views | Snorkel-Friendly
Although far from my favorite beach in Sicily, I couldn’t leave this off the list. It’s chaotic, the “sand” is more rock garden than beach, and every other tourist within 50 miles seems to end up here by noon. But once you see the emerald cove framed by cliffs and connected to a tiny island-turned-museum, you’ll understand why. Book our half-day cruise to Isola Bella to experience it with insider knowledge.
Address: 28838 Stresa
Cefalu Beach
Old Town Charm | Soft Sand | Local Life | Cliffside Bar
For a beach day that’s far more than a beach day, Cefalù is an obvious choice—but not because it’s the “best beach” on any official list. It’s the beach where kids cannonball off the dock, locals haul in their catch, and nothing feels curated for tourists. You’ll find a scruffy slice of shore lined with stories, the town’s cathedral rising behind you, and a tiny beach bar built into the rock. If you don’t have time to stay for a few days, at least dedicate a full afternoon to Cefalù.
Address: 90015 Cefalù
Not ready to book a tour? Listen to the Sicily episode of our French People Arr. Rude podcast for insider tips.
Cinque Terre
Located in northern Italy’s Liguria region, Cinque Terre includes five villages connected by trails, trains, and ferry routes. While it’s not known for traditional beaches, you’ll find a mix of small coves, local swim spots, and one or two sandy stretches that stand out.
Monterosso Fegina Beach
Largest Cinque Terre Beach | Cliffside Views | Iconic Sunbeds | Steps From the Train
If you’re visiting the Cinque Terre, you’re gonna end up here at some point—which isn’t a bad thing. Fegina is the only truly spacious beach in the area, with both a public zone and a sea of rental umbrellas spread out along soft, gray sand and pebbles. You’re feet from cafes, bakeries, and gelato stands—so while it’s not peaceful, it is effortless.
Address: Via Fegina
Manarola Marina
Sunset Swim Spot | Rocky Platforms | Crowded But Charming | Secluded Coast Nearby
Manarola, the second-smallest Cinque Terre village, is known for its sunsets and cliff-perched pastel buildings. Just below town, you’ll find a rocky swimming zone separated from boat traffic, complete with ladders if cliff jumping isn’t on your agenda. Admittedly, flat spaces to spread your towel here are hard to snag.
Address: 19017 Manarola
Levanto Beach
Family Friendly | Ferry Hub | Budget-Friendly Base | Local Hangout
Levanto Beach is a wide, calm bay with room for towels, rentable sunbeds, and a long promenade that keeps your snack options close. There’s even a hidden cove west of the main stretch if you want fewer people and more shade—just follow the path over the rocky headland.
Address: Passeggiata a Mare
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our article on the Where to Stay in Cinque Terre.
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