If you’re planning an Italian vacation this summer, checking out some of the countries world-famous beaches is a must. Here are the 16 best beaches in Italy.
Italy has some of the most amazing beaches anywhere in the world. Located in the Mediterranean and surrounded by a myriad of seas, including the Mediterranean, Adriatic, and Ionian, Italy has plenty of coastlines to offer gorgeous beaches to its visitors, no matter what part of the country you’re planning on going to.
So let’s take a look at the 16 best beaches in Italy for your trip in 2021, so you can plan the trip of your dreams!
Amalfi Coast
One of the best places to go in all of Europe for relaxing and peaceful days at beautiful beaches is Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Situated south of Naples, the Amalfi Coast opens up into the beautiful Mediterranean Sea.
There are many beaches along the coast that you can visit, and this region is a short drive from some of the most popular destinations in Italy, including Naples, Pompeii, and even just a couple of hours from Rome. So a visit to the Amalfi Coast is ideal for anyone wanting to truly experience Italy.
La Pelosa, Sardinia
As one of the most famous islands in the area that’s known for its beaches, Sardinia has a few options that you’ll see on this beach. One of the most unique beach experiences on the island is at La Pelosa.
The amazing white sand beach and shallow waters perfect for a calm day of relaxation are complemented with a castle just offshore. This unique backdrop to the pristine beach makes La Pelosa a must for anyone who wants something a bit different!
Baia dei Turchi, Puglia
Puglia, Italy, is situated along the heel of the Italian boot. Within this area, a nature preserve holds the entrance to a lesser-known white sand beach that is absolutely stunning — Baia dei Turchi.
This beach offers some of the cleanest and clearest waters you will ever see, and is one of the few beaches in the country that has been able to achieve the Blue Flag award for cleanliness. So if you want to see some of the prettiest water you ever will, head to Puglia!
Costa Verde Beaches, Sardinia
Another stretch of incredible beaches on the gorgeous island of Sardinia is located along the Costa Verde or Green Coast. While the summer crowds all gather at some of the other beaches on the island, consider venturing to the island’s southwest to this hidden gem.
Costa Verde is a huge stretch coastline that has numerous white-sand beaches, including Scivu beach (pictured above). Many of the Costa Verde beaches are nestled between the Sardinian mountains and the neighboring Mediterranean Sea. Its lack of crowds does not fit its stunning beauty, but we’re not complaining!
Cala Pulcino, Lampedusa
Lampedusa is one of Italy’s Pelagie Islands situated in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s actually the largest of these islands, and its location affords visitors some of the most amazing beaches that you’ll find anywhere in the country, including Cala Pulcino.
Another one that isn’t accessible by car or boat, you’ll have to do a bit of hiking to reach the sandy shores of Cala Pulcino. The effort is worth it, however, and you’ll get lo
st in the beauty of this fantastic beach.
Isola Bella, Sicily
Isola Bella is a small island itself that sits off the coast of the much larger and much more famous island of Sicily. When translated to English, Isola Bella means “beautiful island,” so you can rest assured knowing that it’ll be amazing to see.
The beaches along the coast here are more rocky than sandy, so it’s not for those who like feeling the sand beneath their toes. But anyone who loves sunbathing or snorkeling will be able to take in the incredible views of the island while enjoying the gorgeous beach as well.
Marasusa, Calabria
If you’re spending any time in the little-traveled city of Calabria, be sure to go to Tropea and the amazing nearby Marasusa Beach. Like many other beaches on this list, Marasusa offers stunning white sand and piercing blue waters.
After sightseeing in Tropea, Marasusa beach offers you everything you need for a day of relaxation and bliss, including boat rentals, diving tours, and snorkeling. So no matter how you spend your days at the beach, Marasusa will be perfect for you!
Cala Goloritze, Sardinia
On the opposite end of Sardinia than the aforementioned Costa Verde, Cala Goloritze is among the most beautiful beaches that you’ll find on the island, even if it is a little smaller than most.
Getting to this hidden treasure is not as easy as most other options on this list, as it requires a hike that is at least an hour long. But the hike itself is worth the journey and the amazing views. And being rewarded with one of the most idyllic beaches in Italy is worth every ounce of effort!
Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa
The second beach on this list that is part of Lampedusa is Spiaggia dei Conigli. One of the most perfect stretches of white sand shoreline in all of Italy, this beach is a must-see for anyone who loves the perfect view.
With a unique backdrop of a city built on the cliffside behind the beach, it’s an unforgettable beach experience no matter which way you’re looking while you’re out in the waters — endless blue sea or incredible cliffside view. It doesn’t get much better than this.
Cavoli Beach, Elba
One of Italy’s most beautiful regions is Tuscany, with its rolling hills and stunning countryside. A lesser-known aspect of Tuscany that is worth every second spent there, is Elba Island. You’ll find many beaches on Elba, and Cavoli is one of the most popular.
There’s usually a good reason for something to be so popular, and Cavoli Beach is no exception. With a backdrop of cliffs and rolling countryside, the views while wading the perfect waters at Cavoli beach make it worth the crowds.
Cala Tonnarella, Sicily
Another beach that’s inaccessible by road and that you’ll need to break out your hiking shoes to access is Cala Tonnarella, nearby Sicily. As with the other beaches on this list that require hiking, the reward is worth every bit of effort it takes to get there.
A hidden gem among Italian beaches, Cala Tonnarella offers visitors some of the most amazing beach views that you will ever see. The perfect water is accentuated by pristine beaches and hills in the distance. It’s truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Lido, Venice
If you’re in Venice and you’re looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend time relaxing, then venturing to the quiet island Lido is the perfect way to spend a day — or even your whole trip.
You can access this unique beach town by taking the famous Vaporetto water bus from Venice or other types of water transportation. On the island, you’ll find pristine beaches and plenty of restaurants and bars that will keep you intrigued for as long as you want to stay.
Cala Rossa, Sicily
On another one of the small islands around Sicily, Favignana, you’ll find one of the most visually stunning beaches in the world without endless white sand beaches, Cala Rossa. This beach is another one that is composed mainly of rocks and rock formations but don’t let that deter you.
The incredible blue water colliding with the gorgeous rock formations offers some of the most amazing views and sounds of any beach anywhere. Cala Rossa does get pretty crowded during peak times of the year, but there’s a good reason for that.
Isola di Spargi, Sardinia
Yet another beach option just off the gorgeous island of Sardinia is Isola di Spargi. The stunning views that you’ll get of the sea and the neighboring islands while you’re on the coast of Isola di Spargi are some of the most unforgettable you’ll ever see.
The luscious, white sand beaches and shallow blue waters are perfect in just about every way. So whether you plan on lying in the sun or exploring the crystal clear waters, the beaches along the coast of this small island should be at the top of your list.
Spiaggia di Sansone, Elba
As you’re venturing through Tuscany and decide to visit Elba Island as alluded to earlier, another one of its beaches you should consider spending some time at is Spiaggia di Sansone. Amid the backdrop of the hills and rock formations of the island, this beach offers some of the best views in all of Italy.
The sandy beaches and knee-deep crystal clear waters make it perfect for a calm day of wading or an exciting day of snorkeling. No matter what you want to do at the beach, Spiaggia di Sansone is perfect.
San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily
Artem / Adobe Stock
If you’re among those beachgoers that love to relax in the sand amid a group of palm trees swaying overhead, then travel to Sicily and spend some time at the beach of San Vito lo Capo on the north coast of the island.
This modern town is relatively less-known than some of the other beaches in the area, so you’ll be able to have plenty of time to yourself to enjoy and spend however you choose.
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