With such a long and illustrious coastline, Italy is often considered to be one of the best summer holiday destinations in Europe. This comprehensive congregation of best beaches in Italy aims to introduce you to some of the most sought-after locations you can visit and enjoy. Since it would be exceedingly subjective to praise one beach over another, we’ll focus on the most visited beaches and give them the largest amount of attention, while the order in which we mention all the others won’t matter at all.

Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy: Abruzzo Region

The Abruzzo Region might not be the most renowned one in Italy, at least when it comes to breathtaking beaches, but it definitely has some hidden gems for you to discover. Moreover, its reputation for divine wines and extra-virgin olive oil precedes it, making it a must-see for all the connoisseurs out there. Have a glass of Trebbiano d’Abruzzo or Montepulciano (or both) when you’re not treating yourself to ample amounts of sunlight at some of its pristine Blue Flag Beaches. The Adriatic Sea awaits, and so do all the delicacies of this southern region of Italy. It also happens to be quite close to the city of Rome, about 50 miles from the western border of Abruzzo.

Top 3 Beaches in Abruzzo, Italy

As we’ve previously mentioned, Abruzzo has its fair share of Blue Flag beaches. They dot the 80-mile (130 kilometers) long coastline of the region and give way to many hotels, resorts, and restaurants that attract visitors from all over. New coastal towns are constantly springing up, turning once wild beaches into great destinations and putting them on the map.

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1. Tortoreto Lido Beach

One of the most visited beaches on the Adriatic Sea, Tortoreto Lido boasts fine, white sands, clear see-through water, and almost 2 miles (3 kilometers) of space for you to settle down and enjoy your day at the beach. Rolling hills protect the beachgoers from unwelcome winds for a perfect day at the beach.

Tortoreto Lido Beach Location

2. Montesilvano Beach

Being one of the Pescara Beaches, Montesilvano wears the gorgeous coastline with pride, with the old city and a myriad of bars, restaurants, and other venues in the background. The airport is also fairly close, making Montesilvano a prestigious (and easy to get to) destination for many people. Make use of its endless stretches of gentle, powdery sand and pristine water.

Montesilvano Beach Location

3. Vasto Beach

Unspoiled and beautiful, Vasto Beach remains of the less developed areas in Italy. Unlike Montesilvano and its rich tapestry of developed areas, private businesses, and historic landmarks, Vasto has little going on around it besides gentle waves of the Adriatic Sea rolling on its shores. With undulating hills to the west and the calmness of the sea to the east, Vasto Beach is completely surrounded by the raw beauty of nature.

Vasto Beach Location

Other Incredible Beaches in Abruzzo

• Alba Adriatica
• Ortona
• Giulianova
• San Salvo
• Martinsicuro
• Villa Rosa
• Francavilla al Mare

Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy: Aosta Valley Region

If you were hoping to find some gorgeous beaches by the great mountain lakes or charming rivers in Aosta Valley, we’ll have to disappoint you.

Valle d’Aosta is the smallest region of Italy, known for beautiful, towering mountains looming over it, including Mont Blanc. While you may be able to go skiing here or climbing the peak of Europe (don’t worry, you can take the cable car up), the few lakes of the region aren’t really the kind to have beaches for you to go swimming or enjoying the sun. In fact, Aosta Valley is a rather cold place with awesome cheeses, but for a day out at the beach, you’ll have to travel farther south.

Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy: Apulia Region

The very heel of the Italian boot, ‘Le Puglie’, as Apulia is otherwise known, has a long stretch of coast with many breathtaking beaches. Rocky and sandy beaches alternate as you travel across this majestic region, looking for a place to plant your parasol down. Both the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas roll onto its shores, both of them equally mesmerizing to the traveler. Besides its reputation as being the heel to the famous European boot, Apulia also hosts amazing folk music festivals. Murgia National Park awaits if you find the time to spare.

Top 3 Beaches in Apulia, Italy

With Gulf of Tarantino in the Ionian Sea on one side and the Adriatic Sea on the other, Apulia has a rich and varied coastline. You might even find a beach or two at the Strait of Otranto where the two seas meet! No matter which side of Apulia you’re on, good times and relaxation await.

1. Santa Maria di Leuca Beach

At the very tip of the heel, you’ll find a picturesque little town with as much history as any other prominent city in Italy. Of course, we’re talking about beaches here, and Santa Maria di Leuca doesn’t disappoint in this respect either. This is exactly the place to be to feel the waters of both seas of Apulia. The 19th-century lighthouse constantly looms over the entire rocky beach and all the resorts below, a great sight to behold, but even greater when you climb to the top.

Santa Maria di Leuca Beach Location

2. Torre dell’Orso Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in Italy on the Adriatic, Torre dell’Orso is a bay of less than a mile of sand (one kilometer), but considering its rather introverted nature, not many people come here. It’s at least as gorgeous as the beaches of Chalkidiki in Greece, which also happen to feature pine trees. Sylvan shade and sand dunes await you at this beach, so come on down and bring a towel!

Torre dell’Orso Beach Location

3. Gallipoli Beach

We wouldn’t do Apulia justice if we didn’t mention at least one beach lying purely in the Ionian Sea. Gallipoli Beach might not be the biggest one out there, but it’s right next to the rustic town and its many historic buildings. People here are big on wine and fishing, both of which can be enjoyed at this quaint little beach.

Gallipoli Beach Location

Other Incredible Beaches in Apulia

• Galatone
• Castro
• Alessano
• Ugento
• Peschici
• Monopoli
• Diso

Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy: Basilicata Region

Following the road west from Apulia, up to the instep of the Italian boot, we come across Basilicata Region. It is a place where many cultures have clashed throughout history – Arabian, Greek, Roman, and French. Each has left its mark on the culture of the southern region of the country. This vast cultural heritage is kept in the museums of Basilicata as well as archeological dig sites. The beaches are not lagging behind in their value either.

Top 3 Beaches in Basilicata, Italy

Basilicata spans a decent area, most of which is comprised of mountain ranges and lush green forests. However, the portions of the coast it boasts are equally stunning, with access to two seas – Ionian and Tyrrhenian. The latter possesses only a minuscule portion of Basilicata beaches, but magnificent nonetheless.

1. Metaponto Beach

The beach at the ancient Greek town of Metaponto is a divine holiday destination. With clean, sandy beaches and crystal-clear water, it’s often the perfect choice for families with children. Located between two rivers, Basento and Bradano, it really is a spectacular place to see. Cafes and restaurants are at arm’s length, as well as remains of the ancient Greek culture.

Metaponto Beach Location

2. Lido di Scanzano Beach

Just like Metaponto, Lido di Scanzano is also blessed by the waters of the Ionian Sea. Unlike Metaponto however, this beach is far less touristy, yet equally beautiful. Coming here means fewer amenities to enjoy, but far greater peace and quiet and guaranteed relaxation, especially thanks to all the shade nearby pine trees provide.

Lido di Scanzano Beach Location

3. Maratea Beach

Let’s not leave the Tyrrhenian coastline out of the picture – it is an equally beautiful part of the region. The most commonly visited beach this side of Basilicata, Maratea is way more dangerous looking than the previous two beaches, Towering cliffs and boulders leave many sandy beaches and coves hidden away from sight. But they are there, and the more adventurous will enjoy hunting for them.

Maratea Beach Location

Other Incredible Beaches in Basilicata

• Policoro
• Pisticci
• La Secca
• Santa Teresa
• Terzo Cavone
• Lido Sirena
• Lido Nettuno

Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy: Calabria Region

Keep heading west and you’ll finally reach the tip of the famous Italian boot – Calabria. Much like Basilicata, Calabria Region is also a host of two seas, Ionian and Tyrrhenian. However, unlike the neighboring region of Basilicata, Calabria features a far longer and more varied coastline, with way more beaches to boast. Suffice it to say that it proudly displays historical riches and beautiful woodland areas alike, not just beaches. You’ll have to go inland for both of those, though. Separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina, Calabria rarely disappoints its guests.

Top 3 Beaches in Calabria, Italy

If there’s one thing Calabria doesn’t lack, it’s beaches. It’s one of the regions of Italy displaying not only the highest amount of both sandy and rocky beaches but also forests. Picking only a couple of these beaches as the best is simply impossible, so bear with us as we go over 500 miles (800 kilometers) of coastline.

1. Le Castella Beach

A fine sandy beach at Le Castella is all that any family really needs. The gorgeous castle nearby really dominates the scenery, and while we understand that the beautiful Le Castella beach is going to be impossible to resist, try and jam a visit to Le Castella in your itinerary. Great pine trees guard your rear, make use of the shade they provide to avoid the scorching sun.

Le Castella Beach Location

2. Tropea Beach

To be fair, despite Tropea Beach being huge, sandy heaven and one of the most beautiful beaches this side of the country, it’s not really the sea nor the beach that attract so many visitors throughout the year. It’s the fact that the old town is perched on a giant cliff overlooking the beach, with yet another, separate cliff protruding from the sea on the other side. The latter features Santa Maria dell’Isola church at its top, reached by climbing a flight of stairs that scale the cliff.

Tropea Beach Location

3. Scilla Beach

Much like Tropea, Scilla Beach also shows all of the beauty of Calabrian natural features. The beach itself is perfectly rectangular, with fine, white sand covering it. However, watching your back are high mountain ranges covered in forests, looking immensely down on the beach. It really is a spectacular place for a holiday.

Scilla Beach Location

Other Incredible Beaches in Calabria

• Diamante
• Briatico
• Palizzi
• San Lucido
• Melissa
• Davoli
• Tortora

Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy: Campania Region

Ah, the lovely and mysterious Campania! A bit northwards from Basilicata and Calabria, with the latter not even bordering Campania, a land of music and food awaits. Don’t give up yet, as there is far more to say about this region than just its beaches – we’ll get to them in a second. After all, we are talking about the region where the famous city of Naples resides, where the mighty Vesuvius looms and sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum await to be discovered and their lesson learned. Campania is an astonishing place, so make sure to see more than just its pretty beaches.

Top 3 Beaches in Campania, Italy

Facing the Tyrrhenian Sea through the Gulf of Policastro, Campania lines its beaches and welcomes those appreciative of its beauty. You’ll find that many of the beaches here have unique features or are located in great natural surroundings. Most of all, you’ll discover all the relaxation and laziness you could ever hope for.

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1. Cilento Beach

Beaches in Cilento are many, and most of them are tucked away from prying eyes. The beautiful sandy coves are sometimes difficult to get to, but the reward is worth it. You’ll be greeted by gorgeous sand and turquoise water, the likes of which you can only imagine. Although, these beaches really aren’t family friendly as they can be tricky to access.

Cilento Beach Location

2. Sorrento Beach

More often than not, Sorrento Beach is going to be packed with people. Whether you find that to be troublesome or not, the fact is that it’s got the cleanest water imaginable. Above the beach are cliffs on all sides, with colorful houses dotting each and every shelf available. It really is a spectacular beach with most unusual surroundings.

Sorrento Beach Location

3. Agropoli Beach

This is not just your run-of-the-mill beach. It’s a fully fledged tropical paradise with a huge beach expanding in all directions, that is until you hit the cliffs where the town of Agropoli lies. Palm trees line the beach and add to the overall ‘holiday at Bali’ atmosphere. Make sure to wander the streets of this rustic little town, as there’s no telling what you might find.

Agropoli Beach Location

Other Incredible Beaches in Campania

• Amalfi
• Torre del Greco
• Ravello
• Pompeii
• Napoli
• Minori
• Maiori

Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy: Emilia-Romagna Region

On the other side of Campania lies the picturesque Emilia-Romagna Region. Known for its fertility and wealth of food, towns (and the beaches) of Emilia are pure slices of heaven. Locked between River Po in the north and the Apennines to the south, with the Adriatic Sea bathing its eastern border, thus region truly is something special. Moreover, the town of Busseto in Emilia-Romagna is the birthplace of the great composer Verdi, making a slight detour on your journey quite worth it. Speaking of detours, the third smallest country in Europe, San Marino, is right next door!

Top 3 Beaches in Emilia-Romagna, Italy

As we’ve stated, we’re back at the glorious Adriatic Sea and its mild, rejuvenating waters. Home to great cities such as Bologna, Ravenna, and Rimini, it would take a decent time to uncover all the secrets of this great region. For a summer vacation though, you’re probably more interested in hitting the beaches.

1. Rimini Beach

Rimini is a historic city, and quite naturally, rife with activities and sights to see. But you came for the beach, and that’s what you’ll get. A huge sandy beach stretches as far as the eye can see, and at the very center of it are all the nightclubs and parties. This means it’s far better suited for the younger crowd, but if you’re arriving with your family, don’t fret. The farther you go from the center, the quieter and tamer it gets, so you’ll be able to enjoy the gift of the Adriatic Sea in peace.

Rimini Beach Location

2. Riccione Beach

Clean, spacious, and relaxed – these three descriptors paint the picture of Playa del Sol in Riccione perfectly. Most of the beach is private though, which of course explains all the cleanliness, and you might need to chuck out more money for splurging over here, but it’s more than worth it.

Riccione Beach Location

3. Cattolica Beach

Cattolica has had an upswell in the number of tourists in the last couple of years, a trend that doesn’t seem to be stopping at all. When you see the width of its beaches, you’ll understand why it’s so popular and never truly crowded despite the throng of visitors. There’s enough powdery sand for everyone, and the same goes for the Adriatic.

Cattolica Beach Location

Other Incredible Beaches in Emilia-Romagna

• Cervia
• Gatteo
• Ravenna
• San Mauro Pascoli
• Cesenatico
• Misano Adriatico
• Savignano Sul Rubicone

Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy: Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region

While Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s beauty doesn’t rely on beaches alone, although they do make the big part of it. In the background of these illustrious beaches on the Adriatic Sea are the Dolomites and the Julian Alps. Not too much farther are Slovenia and Austria, because we are now far up north, away from the aforementioned regions. It would make for a wonderful holiday and an overwhelmingly positive experience if you could spend some time exploring this spectacular expanse in northern Italy. But for now, let’s move on to the beaches.

Top 3 Beaches in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy

The northern end of the Adriatic Sea is no less glorious than any other part of it. The water is equally clean and turquoise, with many dreamy beaches. Take a look at some of the destinations you can choose in Friuli-Venezia Giulia for your summer holiday.

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1. Bibione Spiaggia Beach

The nearby Tagliamento River is well known for its high biodiversity, so make sure to respect that and avoid leaving behind you more than a footprint. After all, there’s so much fine, powdery sand in Bibione Spiaggia that you probably won’t need much else. You’ll be able to lay back and enjoy your vacation at either a private or public part of the beach.

Bibione Spiaggia Beach Location

2. Lignano Sabbiadoro Beach

Lignano Sabbiadoro is quite a spacious stretch of golden sand. It’s a very popular summer destination, but don’t worry about finding a place for you and your family. The sea is calm and mild here, so it’s also really family friendly, and there is a multitude of amenities on this beach. You’ll barely have to bring anything with you to the beach.

Lignano Sabbiadoro Beach Location

3. Barcola Beach

Located in Trieste, Barcola Beach might provide a change of pace for you and your family. This beach stretches the length of the nearby promenade, a famous walkway for people of Trieste. It probably won’t be the most comfortable day at the beach, but it’s the perfect place to catch a sunset.

Barcola Beach Location

Other Incredible Beaches in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

• Lignano
• Grado
• La Spiaggia di Pluto
• Valle Vecchia
• Bagno Castelreggio
• Lignano Riviera Spiaggia
• Riviera 6

Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy: Lazio Region

At the very heart of Italy, you’ll find Lazio, the center of the once great Roman Empire. It’s the place of all the ups and downs of Roman glory, an important center of culture, politics, and power. Today, all of the remnants of its magnificent past can be found in museums, villas, and baths scattered about the cobblestone streets of Rome. But, besides the immense cultural wealth, Lazio Region also displays the most varied terrain. Alternating between stern mountains, picturesque lakes, and calm beaches, it shows that all is possible in Italy.

Top 3 Beaches in Lazio, Italy

Lazio traces in the footsteps of the Tyrrhenian Sea, leaving gorgeous beaches and charming landscapes in its wake. Many resorts and wild beaches coexist, leaving you with plenty of options for your vacation. Take a look at some of the most interesting beaches out there.

1. Sabaudia Beach

It’s always good to know a place where, even despite it being the peak of the season, there’s still plenty of room for everyone. Sabaudia Beach in Lazio is a destination just like that, perfect for spending a day at sea in a popular area and still be able to chill out. You’ll notice Torre Paola here, a tower constructed during Pope Pius IV’s reign to fight off Saracen invaders.

Sabaudia Beach Location

2. Circeo Beach

The gorgeous Circeo Beach is also, much like the above, a place of immense size, with enough sand to cater to an army. Despite myriads of people making their way here every day during the summer season, it remains uncrowded and enjoyable.

Circeo Beach Location

3. Lido di Ostia Beach

Unlike the previous two, Lido di Ostia can get pretty crowded, seeing how most of this beach is actually private and you need to pay to be able to enjoy a day at the beach. However, to make up for it, the cleanliness is at its peak and there are awesome things you can buy while you’re there.

Lido di Ostia Beach Location

Other Incredible Beaches in Lazio

• Spiaggia di Serapo
• Spiaggia 300 Gradini
• Chiaia Di Luna
• Bau Beach
• Lido Beluga
• Cala Fonte
• Lido Aurora

Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy: Liguria Region

The Ligurian region is as picturesque as any other in Italy. Located in its northwestern part, it features some of the most unique landscapes consisting of green hills and the Ligurian Sea. Known for great music festivals and Cinque Terre (obviously), Liguria has always had a special place in many a traveler’s heart. Home to many great resorts such as Santa Margherita Ligure and Sestri Levante, it has been quite a popular summer destination for a long time now.

Top 3 Beaches in Liguria, Italy

With 186 miles of coastline (300 kilometers), Liguria can sure fetch a great number of tourists to come down to its lovely beaches. Some of them are more difficult to reach, usually hidden by an otherwise rocky coastline. But you better believe it, as there are dozens upon dozens of sandy beaches, only if you know where to look.

1. Monterosso Beach

Take the stone steps from Monterosso, the largest of Cinque Terre, and you’ll reach its magnificent promenade and the beach. It is covered in its entirety with fine sand, slammed by the waves of the Ligurian Sea. Rearing you are some of the most spectacular landmarks from Monterosso’s history.

Monterosso Beach Location

2. Lerici Beach

It might not be easy to get to (especially the public part of the beach), but Lerici will surely prove to be a paradise on Earth when you do. From this sandy cove, you can observe the islands of Tino and Palmaria as you’re enjoying your time at the beach. The water is sky blue and almost always mild.

Lerici Beach Location

3. Paraggi Beach

Paraggi is one of the places that best represent what we’ve said about Liguria – the terrain here is alternating between warm, gravel beaches and greenery of the nearby national park. You might want to skip this one if you’re specifically looking for sand and don’t stand those pesky pebbles.

Paraggi Beach Location

Other Incredible Beaches in Liguria

• Alassio
• Genoa
• Cervo
• Sarzana
• Rapallo
• Sanremo
• Noli

Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy: Lombardy Region

Now is the time for a little change in pace. The region of Lombardy in the north doesn’t really have access to any seas. Instead, being an area of rolling hills and towering mountains, there are plenty of beautiful lakes with beaches of their own. Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Ligurian, Ionian – these seas are well and good, but you don’t really need them. If you plan on visiting the great valleys of Valtellina, Camonica, and Valchiavenna in Lombardy, you will still be able to afford a day at the beach.

Top 3 Beaches in Lombardy, Italy

The lakes of Lombardy are picturesque bodies of clear water and beautiful surroundings. It might not be salt water, but some people do prefer it this way. The thing about lakes is that some of them aren’t really suited for families with children and are definitely a much harder lesson in swimming.

1. Jamaica Beach

One of the rocky beaches on Lake Garda is a wonderful place set against some Roman ruins from an age past. The water is clear and just a tad bit cold, but that shouldn’t discourage you. WIth mountains all around you, it’s a great place for a swim, but just be careful as you get in because you need to traverse sloping, slippery rocks before you’re in deep enough.

Jamaica Beach Location

2. Lido di Lenno Beach

This romantic beach sits at the edge of Lake Como, one of the favorite wedding locations this side of Lombardy. The beach is right next to all the venues found here, so you’ll be able to relax by the fresh waters of Como and sip drinks all day long.

Lido di Lenno Beach Location

3. Riva Bianca Beach

Also by the Lake Como, Riva Bianca Beach is a small stretch of tiny pebbles surrounded by patches of grass. It’s the most spectacular place to be, with towering mountains tearing the clouds in the distance as you enjoy a day of relaxation at this beautiful lake. Dogs aren’t allowed here, and you don’t get to swim wherever you like.

Riva Bianca Beach Location

Other Incredible Beaches in Lombardy

• Porto Torchio
• Spiaggia Fonte Torrente San Giovanni
• Lido Nettuno
• Spiaggia Parco Ulisse Guzzi
• Spiaggia Rivoltella
• Melissa Beach
• Spiaggia-Passeggiata Delle Muse

Most Beautiful Beaches in Italy: Marche Region

Located in the very center of Italy, much like the neighboring Lazio, Marche Region is steeped in history. It was the site of many barbarian invasions that would often tear it apart, as it was an important trading center. Today, it mostly relies on tourism, or at least the parts of it close to the Adriatic Sea do. It was blessed with an excellent climate, great sandy beaches, and a position between the Apennines and the Adriatic that helped boost its tourism and propelled the economy.