The Best Beaches in Italy

Italy is famous for its sun-drenched beaches. From sand that's raked to perfection to water that's neither too shallow nor too deep, Italy has some of the best beaches in the world.

But how do you pick the one that's right for you? We've come up with a list of the top beaches in Italy -- the ones that stand out above the rest.

For a comfortable trip, many tourists prefer to use car rental services in Italy. The average cost of renting a car in Marco Polo Airport is 15 euros per day, in Milan - 18 euros per day.

Cinque Terre

If you love a good beach, you’ll love this slice of the Italian coastline. Perched on the sea, Cinque Terre (five lands) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy.

While most people come to this region to explore its villages, it also offers some great sun & swim spots. Its sand beaches aren’t as popular as the ones in other parts of Italy, but they can be found in Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza and Riomaggiore.

Most of the villages are surrounded by a dramatic cliff that is protected by rock walls and dotted with small beaches. Each village has a different atmosphere, so it’s important to plan a few days to explore all the villages and take a few half-day walks or boat trips along the coast.

Located on a rocky promontory above the water, Corniglia’s beach is one of the most spectacular in the area. Not only is the beach secluded and uncrowded, but it also offers a stunning view of the sea.

Another secluded beach is Guvano, which has never been crowded and is the most remote of all the Cinque Terre’s beaches. This pebbled strip is at the foot of a cliff and slides gradually into the turquoise sea.

You’ll have to climb a few steps to reach this beach. However, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning, uninterrupted view of the Mediterranean Sea.

It’s also possible to hire a sun lounger and have a dip in the ocean here, or you can go for a stroll along the seafront to check out some of the other charming sights. You’ll need to be prepared to walk in the heat and be aware that there isn’t much shade, so bring a hat and sunscreen, or hire a parasol if staying local.

Porto Venere

Porto Venere is a small but charming seaside town on Italy’s Ligurian coast that doesn’t get the attention it deserves. It’s one of the best places in the area to see history, culture, food, and natural landscapes without the crowds that come with the Cinque Terre.

The enchanting town of Porto Venere is known for its spectacularly picturesque harbor, the Bay of Poets. Its rocky shoreline is lined by colorful houses that make up the Palazzata, a structure of connected dwellings. These homes were built into the cliffs to withstand pirate attacks.

Despite the village’s medieval roots, today it’s a lively and modern seaside town. The colorful houses and a wide promenade are filled with cafes and restaurants serving panoramic views of the glistening bay.

There’s also an old church atop a rocky promontory. Its Gothic style is built over a 5th century Palaeo-Christian church, with black and white stripes of marble lining the interior walls.

Another thing to explore in Porto Venere is the ancient Doria Castle, an imposing clifftop fortress with spectacular views of the Gulf of Poets. This 12th-century fortress was once part of the Genoese Empire and offers a fascinating glimpse into its military history.

You’ll also want to visit the Byron’s Grotto, named after the English poet who swam here. The grotto was a popular swimming spot in the past and is still a nice place to swim or sail today.

A great way to spend your time in Porto Venere is to walk its cobblestone streets and explore its historic sights, such as the Doria Castle. It’s also possible to take in the views from nature trails up above the village.

Forte dei Marmi

Forte dei Marmi, located between the sea and the Apuan Alps in northern Tuscany, is a cosmopolitan beach town that attracts trendsetting travelers with an appetite for luxury tourism and a desire to experience the local way of life. The city offers a mix of glittering nightlife, relaxing atmosphere, and pristine beaches, all in an idyllic setting.

While the town has grown over the years, it still possesses that special magic of old-world Italian charm. Its wide waterfront promenade, jetty, and historic fort make it an ideal destination for strolling and exploring the area.

The sandy coastline is backed by pine groves and dotted with exclusive beach clubs, which offer plenty of private, quiet space for sunbathing or swimming. You can also choose a romantic walk along the jetty or amongst the beautiful streets further inland.

Many of the beach clubs have restaurants or cafes, changing rooms, showers, and plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas. They're a good choice for families, and most have facilities that are accessible to wheelchair users.

Another great thing to do in Forte dei Marmi is to spend some time shopping. The pedestrian area is crammed with designer boutiques, and there are lots of restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat. There are even a few good Michelin-starred restaurants.

If you're looking for something different, check out the street market every Wednesday morning from 8 am to 1.30 pm. This is an excellent opportunity to grab a bargain on designer clothes, hand-made shoes, and high-fashion accessories!

In addition to shopping, the town's a popular tourist destination for its Michelangelo-inspired statues and its world-class marble. The marble quarries near the town are famous for their white Carrara marble, which is coveted by museums across Europe.

Camogli

The fishing village of Camogli is hemmed in by steep hills and the sparkling sea of the Ligurian Riviera. It is one of the most popular and romantic towns in the Golfo Paradiso, the coastal region of the Riviera di Levante.

Despite being a tourist-centric town, Camogli is still incredibly well-preserved. Most of the buildings are painted in muted pinks, yellows, and terra-cottas. Many are multi-story palazzi, with deep-green shutters and trompe l'oeil flourishes.

In the late Middle Ages, Camogli was a significant seaport that was known as the "city of a thousand white sails." The fishing tradition is strong here, and most of the town's commerce still revolves around the sea.

With its rich maritime history, Camogli is a must-visit for any tourist looking to get an insight into the country's naval heritage. Its Civic Maritime Museum Gio Bono Ferrari is worth a visit for its extensive collection of paintings, documents, statues, equipment and more.

For sea history enthusiasts, the Marine Museum is also worth a visit. Its exhibits include a reproduction of a typical Camogli house, a port and sailboats inside a bottle, and part of a German torpedo that sank an English Steamship in World War I.

A stroll down the seaside promenade is another must-do in Camogli. There are numerous restaurants and bars along this stretch, most of which offer beautiful views over the sea.

It's a great place to relax and watch the sun set over the sea. Plus, you can get some of the best gelato in town! Alternatively, take a walk up to the San Fruttuoso Abbey, arguably Camogli's most striking feature. You can also enjoy a boat ride or hike to the beach from here, though this requires a bit of planning as it's not accessible by car.

Ischia

With a mixture of volcanic beaches, secret caverns and ancient curiosities, Ischia is an idyllic destination for those who want to experience some genuine Italian magic. Whether you’re seeking to soak up the sun on a secluded cove, laze and relax in a luxury beach club or hike the island’s mountains, there’s something for everyone here.

Ischia is one of the Bay of Naples’ most popular islands, drawing up to six million visitors a year for its volcanic thermal spas and picturesque towns. The island’s main attractions include its striking Aragonese castle, whose walls were once a refuge for locals fleeing volcanic eruptions, and Monte Epomeo, a volcano that stands 790 metres above sea level and offers 360-degree views across the gulf.

It’s also home to some of Italy’s most luxurious five-star hotels, from whitewashed villa-style hideaways to contemporary design hotspots, many with spas and natural spring waters. For adults-only getaways, the Botania Relais and Spa has three hectares of beautifully manicured gardens to explore, while the one-Michelin-starred Regina Isabella Resort and Spa has its own private beach for romantic walks and fine dining.

A boat tour is a must-do on any trip to Ischia, as it takes you along the dramatic southern coastline, where villages cling to lofty cliffs and hidden coves await your discovery. It’s best to book a guided tour that lasts all day, so you can take breaks to swim in the sea and enjoy fresh, Italian food on board.

There are also some pretty magical grottos that are home to hidden secrets and mythical tales, like Grotta del Mago, the 'Magician’s Grotto' near Sant’Angelo. A boat or kayak trip will help you discover this enchanting site, where a crouching figure in a giant robe sits on a rock to protect sailors stranded at the coast.