If there’s one thing Italians know how to do well, it’s spend a day at the beach. And with summer finally here, the timing couldn’t be better. Even the first warm weekends of spring are enough to send entire families towards the sea, cars packed with umbrellas, beach bags, folding chairs, and enough food to feed a small army. And by August, it seems as though half the country has migrated to the coast.
Of course, everyone has their favourite stretch of coastline, and everyone swears theirs is the best. And honestly, they might all be right. Some people swear by the long sandy beaches of Sardinia, others prefer the wilder, rocky coves in Cilento. Some go for the beach clubs and aperitivo scene, while others are happiest with nothing more than a towel spread on a quiet patch of sand.
Of course, a day at the beach in Italy is about much more than sun and sea. It’s the seafood lunch that somehow stretches well into the afternoon, the stroll along the waterfront before dinner, the beach bar where you stop for a coffee and end up staying for an hour, catching up with friends between dips in the sea.
Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to spend my summer vacations on beaches all over Italy, from famous stretches of sand to more hidden corners that still feel almost untouched. Here are some of my favourites.
Our Guide to Italian Beaches
By: Sophie Minchilli
Updated: June 9, 2026
Rena Bianca, Sardinia
You’ll find Rena Bianca just below the center of Santa Teresa Gallura. With its fine white sand that turns a blush pink in places thanks to tiny coral fragments, this beach boasts clear and shallow waters that make it ideal for families or snorkelers. There are good facilities like bars, umbrellas and parking, but it never feels too fancy. For a stay nearby, check into Mangia’s Santa Teresa, a newly renovated five-star resort where you can unwind in style and enjoy excellent food after a day at the beach.
Riviera del Conero, Le Marche
This stretch of coastline on the Adriatic has forested cliffs, hidden bays, bright water and small beaches that feel untouched. It’s a bit more rustic but breathtaking. We like to stay at Locanda Rocco da Francesco, a charming and cozy hotel set in a historic building in the heart of Sirolo.
Mondello, Sicily
Just a short drive from the center of Palermo, Mondello is the city’s seaside escape, where locals head to swim, sunbathe and socialize. The beach is always buzzing, especially on weekends, with golden sand, colorful umbrellas and lively beach clubs. If you want both city access and the sea, stay in Palermo at Grand Hotel et Des Palmes or in Mondello at Domìa Boutique Hotel.
Torre dell’Orso, Puglia
Torre dell’Orso, in our beloved Puglia, has everything I look for in a beach: golden sand, steep cliffs, and water that fades from pale turquoise to deep blue. Despite being one of the area’s best-known beaches, it manages to feel relaxed and unpretentious, with enough facilities to make a day here comfortable without ever losing its charm. If you’re looking to stay nearby, I recommend Posia Retreat and Spa as an ideal choice if you’re after quiet luxury with sea views.
Palinuro, Campania
Palinuro feels very laid-back but still spectacular. Think long sandy beaches, natural caves to explore and hillsides draped in greenery. Set along the Cilento Coast, about two hours south of Naples, it’s a peaceful spot surrounded by nature. A short drive away, you can visit cultural highlights like the Valley of the Temples at Paestum, a UNESCO World Heritage site where ancient Greek ruins rise dramatically from the Italian countryside.
La Feniglia, Tuscany
A long, sandy stretch that shelters a lagoon on one side and opens to the sea on the other. Set in Monte Argentario, it’s spacious, less crowded and long loved by Rome’s summer regulars. One of my favorite things to do here is rent a bike and ride through the pine forest behind the beach, emerging farther down the coast where the crowds thin out and the setting feels a little wilder. Stay at La Roqqa, a charming boutique hotel perfect for an evening aperitivo with panoramic views of Porto Ercole’s harbor.
Sperlonga, Lazio
One of Italy’s best-kept secrets, Sperlonga has that classic old-Italia seaside charm, with whitewashed houses and a picturesque centre tucked just behind the beach. The water here is crystal-clear, and during July and August the shore fills with local families from both Rome and Naples. Stay at Casolare Country House, a peaceful family-run haven set in a citrus grove, mixing seaside and countryside vibes.
Santa Marinella, Lazio
Just an hour north of Rome, Santa Marinella is perfect if you’re visiting the city and don’t have time for a full beach holiday. Easily reached by train or car, the water is incredibly clean and the beach has a relaxed, authentic vibe, making it ideal for a quick escape from the city. As it’s popular with families from the area, booking an umbrella and chairs in advance at one of the many stabilimenti (beach clubs) is always a smart move.
Tropea, Calabria
If you head further south, all the way to the tip of the boot, Tropea is simply magical. This cliffside town, with its church perched above the sea, overlooks a sandy beach framed by dramatic rocks, creating one of the most striking coastlines in southern Italy. End the day over a dish of Tropea’s famous sweet red onion and a tartufo calabrese, the local chocolate and hazelnut gelato dessert with a molten center.
If you enjoyed this, you’ll like our newsletter.
A monthly round-up of Via Rosa guides, recipes, and travel tips, sent directly to you.
