Italy has more coastline than Texas, Florida, and Louisiana combined.
(And far fewer alligators, for those keeping score.)
As wonderful as your favorite US beach destinations are, you deserve to spoil yourself on a warm stretch of Italian sand.
And we don’t mean bailing on your sightseeing city excursion, either. Italy’s best beaches aren’t restricted to the resorts on the Amalfi Coast or the Sicilian set pieces you've seen on The White Lotus (though both superb spots to stencil sexy tan lines on your skin).
From Genoa and Puglia to Sardinia and Liguria, you’ll discover that the most beautiful beaches in Italy are a short train ride away from Rome, Florence, Naples, and more.
5 most beautiful beaches in Italy
Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre
Monterosso may have the better beach for swimming, but Riomaggiore in Cinque Terre wins the beauty contest. Old wooden fishing boats and colorful houses make this small pebble beach and harbor effortlessly picturesque.
Positano Spiaggia, Amalfi Coast
If only the best beach resorts in Italy will do for your carry-on full of swimsuits, then the Amalfi Coast delivers the glam you got in mind. Make the iconic “pyramid” of Positano’s postcards your backdrop during a selfie sesh on Positano’s main beach. Then, show your loyal subs a view from above as you sit smiling from a resort’s pool deck with a limoncello in hand.
Punta Molentis Beach, Sardinia
Just, wow. That’s really all we can say about Punta Molentis Beach. Sardinia in general has some spectacular sands (quite literally at Piscinas Beach) but Punta Molentis might be the most photogenic. Shallow swimming in a sheltered cove gives you 360° views of bold blue waters and granite rock formations blanketed in dark green brush.
Porto Selvaggio, Puglia
Puglia has an abundance of Blue Flag Beaches (read: top marks in environmental operations) and Porto Selvaggio is one rocky wild beach that’s worth the ten-minute walk through a dense, protected forest. Those set against such a lush green backdrop, the crystal clear waters draw a crowd so you should have no trouble finding it on Puglia’s peninsula.
Shore of Tropea, Calabria
Which beach in Italy has the best white sand? Survey says: Tropea, at least on the mainland. Don’t let its historic center atop the cliffs trick your eyes; avert your gaze from the endless sea views and you’ll see a bright white stretch of sand stretched out against the Tyrrhenian.
What is the best beach in Italy?
One of the top contenders is undoubtedly the beaches around Favignana, a beautiful island off the coast of Sicily. Though some of the beaches are rocky, they offer an authentic Italian experience. If you're after a sandy spot, you can easily hop on a bike and explore Favignana's next cove.
No familiar with Favignana? It's part of the Egadi archipelago (also known as the Aegadian Islands), located off Sicily's northwest coast. The archipelago includes three main islands: Favignana, Levanzo, and Marettimo.
While Favignana may not have many beaches, the ones it does have are stunning, with some of the clearest waters in Italy. This makes it a prime destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is small enough to explore on foot or by bike, and it’s easily accessible by ferry.
What’s the most underrated beach in Italy?
Paraggi, located in northern Italy, is a hidden gem that many tourists overlook. While Portofino's luxurious resorts often steal the spotlight, it's worth noting that Portofino itself doesn’t have direct beach access. Many visitors assume that lounging by the pool is the only way to enjoy the water in this upscale area. However, the beautiful beaches along the Bay of Paraggi prove otherwise, offering crystal-clear waters and a serene escape along the Ligurian coast, perfect for a refreshing swim away from the crowds.
What’s the best way to get to Italy’s beaches?
Traveling by train is much easier than navigating the coastal roads by car. Plus, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy an afternoon Aperol along the way.
You heard it here, folks. Trains run from the canals of Venice and ruins of Rome to the most beautiful beaches in Italy. No need to rent a car, fail to find parking, and risk violating the ZTL limited traffic zones. Download the Trainline app and let the rails keep your beach vacation on track.