Best Beaches in Italy: 5 Stunning Shores for Your Next Summer Trip

At first glance, Italy’s world-renowned monuments like the massive Colosseum or the ancient ruins of Pompeii are likely to capture your attention. But if you dive a little deeper, you’ll find that the Bel Paese’s beach scene is a side of the country that you shouldn’t skip! 

From pure, white sand to crystal clear water to captivating coves, Italy’s one-of-a-kind beaches are perfect spots for soaking in the sun. If you’re looking for a detour from busy city streets and ancient structures this summer, it’s definitely time for you to hit the Italian coast and enjoy the vast Mediterranean Sea! 

Read on to discover the best beaches in Italy that need to be on your itinerary! 

On the northwestern coast of Sardinia is the dreamlike La Pelosa Beach–or Spiaggia La Pelosa–one of the most popular beaches in Italy, known as where the “sea touches the sky.” With crystalline water stretching as far as the eye can see, powder-white sand, and rock formations framing the shore, there’s no denying its awe-striking beauty! 

Thanks to its curved bay, you can enjoy shallow, tranquil water ideal for swimming and unwinding with your whole family. You can also see the historical 16th-century Torre della Pelosa watchtower on a smaller island near the shore, adding to the magic of this beach! 

Looking for more Sardinia beaches to explore? Dive into fun with a guided snorkeling trip around Lu Palau, a beach northeast of the island! Sail across La Maddalena and the islands of Lavezzi and Cavallo to snorkel in their stunning waters.

Did you know that the Amalfi Coast is a 34-mile-long UNESCO World Heritage Site home to 100 beaches? Among them is the charming Atrani Beach–a small yet lively light-sand beach leading to the Tyrrhenian Sea situated in front of Atrani, the smallest municipality in Italy. 

This beach town is hidden along the coastline, but its turquoise water, picturesque ancient architecture, and smaller crowds make it one to seek out! Its peaceful, welcoming ambience makes Atrani Beach one of the best beaches in Italy to visit with your family and friends.

To discover more of the Amalfi Coast, you can even join a guided group tour around its enchanting villages, local shops, and unique beaches across the towns of Sorrento, Positano, and more! 

If you’re looking for a beach with an iconic view, you have to visit the Marina Piccola! Found in the southern coast of Capri, Marina Piccola is a harbor that boasts a gorgeous, azure sea and soft sand beach backdropped by the magnificent Faraglioni sea stack formations. 

When you want to take a break from exploring the marina’s coves and crevices, indulge in a multitude of cafes, restaurants, and other small shops by the bay! 

You can also spend an afternoon sunbathing, swimming, and boat-watching—or even ride a boat yourself! If you’re planning to visit beaches near Rome, you can book a day tour of Capri that’ll take you through the colorful streets of Naples to the featured sights of Capri.  

Plaja di Catania, or La Playa, is the longest beach in Sicily, stretching 18 kilometers wide. While this modest seaside strip is certainly fit for a sunbathing session and a calming sunset stroll, the place is packed with an exciting punch: it shifts into a buzzing beach party at night! 

When the sun goes down, you can expect local restaurants, bars, and clubs to host parties and activities for tourists to delight in! 

For a fun-filled day in Sicily, you can explore multiple Sicily beaches through a thrilling snorkeling adventure around Catania's coastline, then end the night celebrating on the La Playa shore!

Polignano a Mare is a colorful town in Puglia along the southern coast of Italy. This municipality is home to one of Italy’s iconic beaches, Lama Monachile, making it a tourist favorite destination! 

Also known as Cala Porto, this beach is a natural wonder of white-pebble sand and crystal-clear waves resting between towering limestone cliffs–a picturesque scene sure to make every beach lover swoon.

Surrounding the seaside is a historic centre lined with restaurants, artisanal shops, and boutiques that all visitors are bound to love! Get the ultimate experience by joining a group boat tour around Polignano a Mare’s beaches, caves, and rock formations to fully appreciate the rich history and beauty of this beach town!  

1. Which part of Italy has the best beaches?

The best beaches in Italy are in southern regions like Sardinia, Sicily, and Puglia. The pleasant weather in these areas, along with the warm, crystalline water and smooth, white sand of their beaches, makes them enjoyable year-round. 

2. Where is the most beautiful water in Italy? 

For beautiful, blue water, the best beaches in Italy to visit are in the southern regions, where the Mediterranean Sea is accessible. 

3. What Italian beach has the clearest water? 

The coastline of Sardinia is famous for its crystal clear water! La Pelosa is the perfect beach to visit to see this natural phenomenon up close. 

4. Where are the white sandy beaches in Italy?

Sardinia, Sicily, and Puglia are a few must-visit Italian regions that offer white-sand beaches! 

Whether you decide to journey to all five beaches or just have one in mind, your summer is sure to be well spent by the unforgettable Italian coast!