12 Beautiful Beach Destinations in Italy That Will Make You Rethink Your Next Vacation
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What does a great beach destination look like to you? If you are thinking of a combination of sparkling sea, long sandy shorelines, laidback Mediterranean vibes, and numerous Instagram-worthy photo opportunities, then Italy has a lot in store.
Whether you prefer to explore the beaches on the mainland of Italy or go with those on the Italian islands, you are in for a treat.
Are you looking for a beach destination whose scenery would blow your mind away? These 12 beautiful beach destinations in Italy are nothing short of dreamy; they guarantee you a vacation you will remember.
Sardinia

Sardinia is an island of a thousand contracts, featuring archaeological sites, mountains, small towns, and charming villages. Despite its enormous size and numerous contrasts, there is one constant throughout the island: the ideal Mediterranean beach scene that features clear turquoise waters, sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and balmy weather.
Sardinia has many seaside towns from which you can choose. Whether looking for a laidback, undeveloped resort town or a vibrant and lively coastal town, you will find your slice of paradise in Sardinia. Some of the most sought-after beach resort towns with the best beaches in Sardinia include Cagliari, Alghero, Costa Rei, and Villasimius.
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Sicily

Being the largest island in the Mediterranean should tell you how much exploration you can do in Sicily. This island is a unique blend of rich history, stunning coastline, sandy beaches, rocky coves, and crystalline waters against the backdrop of ancient ruins and picturesque towns.
The island’s coastline is characterized by turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, and hidden caves, creating breathtaking views at every turn. Sicily boasts a wide variety of beaches catering to different preferences. There’s something for everyone, from the soft white sands of San Vito Lo Capo to the dramatic cliffs of Scala dei Turchi.
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Capri

Known for its glamorous reputation, Capri is a destination that offers upscale services, natural beauty, and irresistible crystal waters. Nestled at the foot of cliffs, Marina Piccola is a small beach known for its clear blue waters and panoramic views of the Faraglioni rock formations. Talking of Faraglioni rocks, these iconic sea stacks are one of Capri’s most recognizable attractions; ensure to make some time for them.
Bagni di Tiberio, one of Capri’s loved beaches, is an absolute stunner that you have to explore when visiting.
Another of Capri’s most famous attractions, the Blue Grotto, is a sea cave known for its intense blue light illumination. When in Capri, take boat tours to this ethereal sea cave – it is super photogenic.
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Rimini

Rimini is a destination that offers beachgoers a mix of relaxation, entertainment, and long sandy beaches. With over 9 miles (15 kilometers) of sandy beaches along the Adriatic Coast, Rimini is one of Europe’s largest and highly sought-after seaside resorts.
Beyond the expansive Rimini Beach, you can explore the history-soaked Rimini Old Town, the bustling Lungomare Promenade known for its vibrant nightlife scene, and theme parks such as Aquafan.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the beach, exploring ancient ruins, or dancing the night away, Rimini offers a lively and memorable vacation experience.
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Puglia

Puglia offers a quieter and more authentic Italian beach experience than many touristy destinations. Its diverse landscape features pristine sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and hidden coves. Located in the northern part of Puglia, the Gargano Peninsula boasts some of the region’s most beautiful beaches, including Baia delle Zagare and Mattinata Beach.
In the southern part of Puglia, the Salento Peninsula is home to some of Italy’s most stunning beaches, such as Porto Selvaggio, Punta Prosciutto, and Torre dell’Orso.
Perched on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Ostuni, known for its whitewashed buildings, offers fantastic views of Puglia and opportunities for historical exploration.
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Elba

If you want to experience the unspoiled beauty of Italy, Elba Island is a great destination to add to your travel list.
Located on the northern coast of Elba, Procchio Beach is one of the island’s most popular beaches, known for its golden sand and shallow, turquoise waters. It’s ideal for families and water sports enthusiasts. On the southern coast of Elba, Cavoli Beach is famous for its fine white sand and transparent waters. It’s a favorite spot for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.
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Beyond the beaches, you can explore the colorful seaside town of Marciana Marina, take a cable ride to the top of Mount Capanne for panoramic views of the island and the surrounding sea, or discover the historic town of Portoferraio, where Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled in 1814. In Portoferraio, you can visit Napoleon’s former residences, including the Villa dei Mulini and the Villa San Martino, which now serve as museums.
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Sorrento

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Sorrento offers stunning beaches, historic sites, and delicious cuisine, all set against the spectacular backdrop of Mount Vesuvius. When in Sorrento, visit its picturesque fishing village, Marina Grande, with its colorful boats and waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood.
You can also explore Marina Piccola, a small beach located below the cliffs of Sorrento’s historic center. This beach is known for its clear waters and unparalleled views of Mount Vesuvius.
You can also swing by Sorrento’s main square, Piazza Tasso, lined with cafes, shops, and historic buildings. It’s the perfect spot for people-watching and enjoying an espresso or gelato. While exploring the town, find limoncello shops where you can sample limoncello liqueur made from locally grown lemons. You can also learn about its production process.
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Sabaudia

Sabaudia is known for its natural beauty, with stretches of unspoiled coastline backed by dunes, pine forests, and Mediterranean vegetation. Sabaudia Beach is a paradise for sun-seekers and nature enthusiasts, stretching several miles along the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its fine golden sand and shallow waters make it ideal for families and swimmers of all ages.
If you are a history buff, explore Sabaudia’s old town, known for its pastel-colored buildings, narrow streets, and lively piazzas. While there, enjoy a stroll, browse artisan shops, and sample local cuisine at traditional trattorias.
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Ischia

Ischia is a destination known for thermal wellness. If you have wanted to take a digital detox, work on your mental and physical health, and immerse yourself in the beauty of a stunning coastline, go on a trip to Ischia.
Due to its volcanic origin, Ischia is an island blessed with natural hot springs and thermal waters believed to be therapeutic. Negombo and Poseidon Thermal Gardens are two of the most popular, offering a range of thermal pools, natural saunas, and spa treatments.
With its scenic beaches, charming villages, and rich history, Ischia offers a unique and relaxing escape. The 1.9-mille-long (3-kilometer-long) Maronti Beach, one of Ischia’s largest and most beautiful beaches, is loved for its soft sands, clear waters, and the nearby hot springs and fumaroles that add to its allure.
If you are an outdoor person, you will love the hiking opportunities this island’s volcanic landscape offers.
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Cinque Terre

The five colorful cliffside villages and breathtaking coastal landscapes of this beach destination will surely make for a vacation you will remember. Monterosso al Mare, the largest of Cinque Terre villages, is known for its expansive sandy beaches like Fegina Beach, which are ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
The second village, Vernazza, is known for its beautiful harbor, colorful houses, and scenic viewpoints. Its small beach near the pier is perfect for a refreshing dip.
The third village, Corniglia, is perched on a cliff and is known for its charming narrow streets and scenic viewpoints. It is the only Cinque Terre village without direct sea access. However, you can hike to the nearby Guvano Beach, which is even more ideal for beach lovers who like hiking.
Manarola, the fourth village, is where photographers and anyone who appreciates Insta-worthy moments should focus on. The postcard-perfect views are a scene out of this world. While it has no traditional beach, you can swim off the rocks in the harbor area.
The fifth and last village, Riomaggiore, features colorful houses cascading down to a small rocky beach and a picturesque harbor. It’s an excellent spot for snorkeling and kayaking.
Whether you’re lounging on the beach in Monterosso, hiking the scenic trails, or enjoying a seafood dinner with a view, Cinque Terre embodies the charm and beauty of the Italian Riviera.
Read also: Cinque Terre Travel Guide
Positano

The Amalfi Coast is dotted with stunning beach towns, but if you want one that will let you experience the ultimate dolce vita, your choice would have to be Positano. Positano is known for its unique vertical landscape with colorful houses perched on cliffs overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. Positano’s picturesque cliffside village offers unparalleled coastline views, making it one of Italy’s most photogenic destinations. It is the perfect definition of a dream beach destination, thanks to its charming atmosphere, luxurious lifestyle, and stunning scenery.
Positano’s main beach, Spiaggia Grande, is known for its vibrancy, clear waters and white sands. You may, however, want to go with a quieter alternative to Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach which is accessible via a scenic coastal walk.
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Portofino

If you are looking for some time off to embrace the art of doing nothing – dolce far niente – Portofino would provide the best setting for you. Known for its picturesque harbor, upscale ambiance, natural beauty, and refined elegance, Portofino is the perfect destination for beach lovers looking to take it slow and savor some of the best the Mediterranean offers.
Paraggi Beach, known for its emerald-green waters and sandy shores, is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. The secluded beach is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a charming spot to just sit back and enjoy the view.
If you would like to sample more of Portofino’s beaches, consider San Fruttuoso, Camogli Beach, and Baia del Silenzio.
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