The 15 Best Beaches in Italy

Make the most of summer in Italy with a refreshing dip at these spectacular waterfront destinations.

There's plenty to recommend about Italy: the rolling hills of Tuscany, the canals of Venice, the charm of Cinque Terre, the wine and food of … well, everywhere. After all, there's a reason it's consistently ranked among the most-visited countries in the world. Add the incredible number and variety of beaches to the equation, and suddenly Italy becomes a mandatory destination for every traveler.

Here, we've compiled 15 of the best Italian beaches. Whether you're hoping for a rustic lakeside retreat in the mountains, a sunny getaway for luxury and leisure, or an authentic look at life in a coastal town, there's a locale on this list to meet your needs. And if your vacation to Italy is already in the works, you're in luck: No matter where in the boot you'll be heading, there's a place on this list that's within range for a detour. Decompress after a busy Florentine adventure with a few days on the Ligurian coast, or spend a morning at the Lido to cleanse your palate after too many gondola rides in Venice. Tourist-free beaches exists even on the popular Amalfi Coast and Italian Riviera.

Ready to traverse Italy? Read on to start plotting the perfect itinerary.

Acquafredda di Maratea Beach, Basilicata

Six miles from the hamlet of Maratea, this rugged stretch of shoreline has the same blue water and dark-gray sand of the Amalfi Coast, but it's farther south and much less crowded. It's a prime place for beachgoers in search of rustic beauty. In spite of neatly arranged sun loungers and beach umbrellas placed by local hotels, the rocky shoreline and cliffs jutting up on either side of the cove preserve the untamed feel of the area.

Marina Grande Beach, Campania

As if the views of vivid greenish-blue seas weren't enough, the stacks of pastel houses hugging the cliffs make Positano's main beach feel like something plucked from a midcentury postcard. With over 300 yards of dark sand — large swaths of it dedicated to tidily arranged rows of beach umbrellas and lounge chairs in vibrant shades of orange and blue — this spot always feels roomy even amid summer crowds. Start in town with a leisurely outdoor lunch overlooking the Mediterranean, then sleep off the limoncello buzz with a snooze on the sand.

Camogli Beach, Liguria

Northwest Italy's coastal towns tend to live in the shadow of the neighboring French Riviera, but that means beaches like Camogli's have all the Mediterranean beauty with a fraction of the crowds you'll find in Nice or St. Tropez. The beach in this little fishing village is pebbly but picturesque — the ancient Basilica of Santa Maria Assunta is perched on a promontory at the harbor's northern end near Bagni Lido, with mountains rising behind it. This spot has something for every traveler: swimming lessons to keep the kids busy, beachside drink service for the laid-back crowd, and rowboats, canoe rentals, and diving lessons for the adventure-seekers.

Scalo Maestro, Sicily

Just off the western tip of Sicily, the sparsely populated island of Marettimo has the kind of wild beauty that makes every moment here dreamlike. The tiny beach of Scalo Maestro offers a gentle slope and clear, calm waters that are particularly swimmer- and snorkeler-friendly. Once you've had your fill of beach time, charter a boat for a tour of the island — it's the only way to access Marettimo's hidden sea caves. You can't truly appreciate the magic of the Aegadian Islands until you've gone swimming in a sun-dappled Mediterranean grotto.

Related: 10 Reasons to Visit Sicily on Your Next Trip to Italy

Porto Campana, Sardinia

Three miles of golden sand make up the Campana beachfront, and within that expanse you'll find something to suit every type of beachgoer. Look for rental kiosks to try your hand at surfing, kiteboarding, or paddleboarding; kick back on a rented lounger with a cocktail; sign up for a scuba session with a local outfitter; or admire Campana's dunes — some as high as 65 feet.

Otranto Beach, Puglia

This bay in the center of Italy's easternmost town is all soft white sand and shallow turquoise water — a tiny sliver of the Caribbean perched on the Adriatic. And while the beach itself is all-purpose (great for swimming, sunning, and snorkeling), the best way to enjoy Otranto also happens to be the easiest: Stop in town to pick up a crisp white wine, a hunk of fresh bread, and a ball of Puglia's creamy, buttery burrata, then while away a few hours sipping and snacking in this little slice of seaside heaven.

Polignano a Mare Beach, Puglia

Nestled in an inlet bound by steep limestone cliffs, this spot is off the beaten path for most tourists, but it's well worth the detour. Bring a beach chair for comfort — there's no sand here, only smooth, salt-worn pebbles — and a pack a pair of water shoes if you're the adventurous type. Then follow the lead of the locals: Climb a few feet up the cliffs, shimmy out until you're over deep water, and take the leap. Toast your courage in a cliffside cove above the Adriatic at nearby Grotta Palazzese, possibly the most romantic restaurant in the world.

Spiaggia di Tuerredda, Sardinia

This island idyll is a must-see in any season. The sea here is such a perfect shade of pale blue it doesn't seem real, and since it's sheltered from the bracing mistral winds, the water is warm enough for swimming well into fall. There's a smattering of casual beachfront restaurants and amenities if you're interested in paddleboarding or kayaking, but be sure to find time for a languid stroll along the shore. Between the pristine setting, the sound of the waves, and the occasional whiff of Sardinia's juniper trees on the breeze, you'll be in relaxation mode in no time.

Marina del Cantone Beach, Campania

This beach is the place to go if you want authenticity: Despite its proximity to the Amalfi Coast's tourist hot spots, Marina del Cantone is free of the overdevelopment (and accompanying sky-high prices) you'll find in neighboring coastal towns, and you're likely to be surrounded by locals. Be sure to wear sturdy sandals to shield your soles from the rocky beach, and if you're feeling ambitious, hike the nearby footpaths for unbeatable views of the bay and the town from neighboring cliffs. Once you've worked up an appetite, head into town for lunch with a view at Lo Scoglio. Its spaghetti con ricci di mare — pasta tossed with a sauce of sea urchin, olive oil, and garlic — is creamy, salty-sweet, and the perfect capstone to an Amalfi afternoon.

Rabbit Beach, Sicily

It takes a bit of determination to make your way to this secluded spot — the tiny island of Lampedusa is more than 100 miles off the coast of mainland Italy, closer to Tunisia than Europe — but the effort pays off. The water is shallow and perfectly clear even at the edges of the bay, and cliffs flanking the beach keep it sheltered from strong winds and waves. The visibility and abundant sea life (turtles included) make snorkeling a must, but the remote location means you won't find much in the way of facilities and amenities, so pack gear and provisions before you go.

Spiaggia di Chiaia di Luna, Lazio

This is Italy's answer to the White Cliffs of Dover. Sheer golden bluffs plummet more than 300 feet down to sea level, where they're bordered by a thin crescent of sand. Instagram-worthy tableaux abound if you stroll along the beach or atop the coastal cliffs. Though the beach is the main draw, be sure to carve out enough time for inland exploring. Ponza has been settled since the Neolithic period, so the island is scattered with Roman and Etruscan ruins that archaeology buffs will love. For bonus points, pack "The Odyssey" for beach reading: Ponza is rumored to be Homer's inspiration for the isle of Aeaea, where Odysseus meets the enchantress Circe.

Related: 29 Most Beautiful Places in Italy

La Cattedrale, Lazio

From Ponza, charter a boat to the neighboring island of Palmarola for even more jaw-dropping scenery. The harbor beach on this practically uninhabited isle is beautiful enough, but for the real showstopper, head to La Cattedrale, a series of rocky arches jutting into the sea, so named for their resemblance to the vaulted naves of medieval churches. An afternoon spent swimming in the grottoes, dozing in the shade of the cliffs, and spotting the dolphins that play offshore is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Lido Beach, Lazio

Every visitor to Venice should make Lido Beach a mandatory part of the itinerary. When you find yourself maxing out on museums and piazzas, take the vaporetto to this seven-mile island on the edge of the Venetian Lagoon. At the height of summer, rent a cabana and kick back with a negroni to capture a bit of la dolce vita without having to battle for towel turf on the public beach. Take a long walk on the expanse of shore and recharge — the quietude and open air are guaranteed to leave you feeling refreshed.

Lago di Braies, South Tyrol

It might not be on the sea, but this gem nestled in the Dolomites is guaranteed to satisfy beachgoers in search of beautiful scenery and a refreshing dip in a mountain setting. The lake boasts clear, blue-green waters and white sand — a striking visual contrast to the dense pine forest and snow-dusted peaks that surround it. A day hike is the best way to see everything Lago di Braies has to offer. Pack your swimsuit, a towel, and a lunch, then venture out on the beginner-friendly footpath that circles the perimeter. Pause to picnic and swim at the first beach that suits your fancy. Be sure to stop at the Braies bungalow — built on stilts over the lake, it's a cross between an alpine ski lodge and a Tahitian overwater cabana — for photo ops and rowboat rentals.

Scala dei Turchi, Sicily

One of the most visually striking beaches in the world, Sicily's Turkish Steps are a must-visit for aesthetic reasons alone. The bright-white marlstone has been slowly eroded, creating a sloping staircase that leads right into the sea. Go at low tide for the best views, and wear sturdy shoes for the journey — the climb is not for the faint of heart. If you're feeling particularly ambitious, pack a flashlight and stay until the sun sets. You'll be hard-pressed to find a better visual than that of the cliffs awash in gold and silhouetted against a fiery sky.

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