12 Cheap Beach Getaways in Italy Where You Can Save Big and Still Relax in Style

Cheap beach getaways in Italy, like Tropea in Calabria and Vieste in Puglia, combine breathtaking scenery with affordable daily travel costs. Italy’s coastline offers some of the most stunning beaches in Europe, and the good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to enjoy them.

With over 7,600 kilometers of coastline, Italy provides countless opportunities for sun, sea, and sand. Imagine lounging on Tropea’s pristine beaches with its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, or exploring Vieste’s historic old town before relaxing on its golden shores. Even popular spots like San Vito Lo Capo in Sicily offer budget-friendly options without compromising on beauty or charm.

We selected these destinations by analyzing traveler reviews, affordability rankings, and accessibility, ensuring each provides an unforgettable experience for those traveling on a budget. From hidden gems in Liguria to lesser-known gems in Sardinia, these 12 affordable beach destinations in Italy offer the perfect mix of relaxation and value.

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Which cheap Italian beach spot are you most likely to toss your towel down on?

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Cheap Beach Getaways in Italy Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre 1/5

Rimini 2/5

Cheap Beach Getaways in Italy Catania Stazzo

Catania 3/5

12 Top Agriturismo Properties in Italy Baglio Occhipinti, Sicily

Palermo 4/5

Cagliari 5/5

Results

Cinque Terre

9 7

Rimini

10 6

Catania

9 7

Palermo

9 7

Cagliari

10 6

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Catania

Despite an average daily travel cost of $163, Catania is one of Italy’s most affordable beach destinations. Catania is a breathtaking port city along Sicily’s east coast. It’s best known for its impressive architecture, lively atmosphere, and mesmerizing coastline.

It’s also an excellent base for exploring Sicily, with Mount Etna and Parco dei Nebrodi just a short drive away. You’ll probably spend most of your time in Catania visiting the most famous tourist attractions, walking along the coast, and sunbathing on one of the many beaches.

If you visit in summer, you can also cool off in the crystal-clear, turquoise-colored Ionian Sea. You don’t want to miss points of interest in Catania, including Piazza del Duomo, Ursino Castle, and Spiaggia Pubblica.

Cagliari

Cagliari’s average daily travel cost is $158, making it one of Italy’s most affordable beach destinations. This is an excellent choice for travelers who seek the best of both worlds. When you’ve had your fill of the Italian coast, a beautiful city lies in wait, ready to be explored.

Located on the island of Sardinia in the Mediterranean Sea, Cagliari offers beach lovers long sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and warm weather. If that doesn’t draw you in, we don’t know what will.

Meanwhile, the city is home to many exciting things, including a hilltop castle. During your visit, visit Spiaggia del Poetto, the Tower of San Pancrazio, and Bastione di Saint Remy.

Rimini

If you look at Booking.com, you’ll find exceptional accommodation in Rimini for less than $70 nightly. Therefore, even if you spend $70 or $80 daily on everything else, you won’t spend more than $150. Sounds great, right?

Rimini is a popular coastal city along Italy’s famous Adriatic Coast. It’s a big hit with families and beachgoers who seek a more affordable summer holiday. It offers a gorgeous seafront with golden sand and calm waters.

However, besides the beautiful beaches, Rimini offers travelers many things to do, such as BoaBay Waterpark and Italia in Miniatura. Other noteworthy attractions include Arco di Augusto, Domus del Chirurgo, and Fiabilandia.

Pesaro

Pesaro is one of the most affordable, hidden-gem beach destinations in Italy. On Booking.com, you can find outstanding 5-star hotels for only $70. Accommodation prices like this allow you to keep your daily costs below $150. Pesaro is a charming town with scenic beaches, spectacular architecture, and authentic Italian charm.

Beachgoers spend most of their time walking along the beach in Pesaro, but there is much to see in the town, too. For example, you don’t want to miss the Museo Officine Benelli, Parco Miralfiore, and Museo Nazionale Rossini.

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Regarding beaches, there are several excellent options. However, the very best beaches in Pesaro are Spiaggia Levante Pesaro, Bagni la Palma, and Spiaggia Libera.

Bari

Bari is one of Italy’s lesser-visited beach destinations, but that doesn’t mean it has little to offer. This lovely city is located in the Puglia region. One of the best things about the city is how it has something to offer everyone.

Beach lovers can sunbathe on Pane e Pomodoro Beach and Torre Quetta Beach. Theatergoers can enjoy live performances at Teatro Petruzzelli. History enthusiasts can visit Saint Nicholas Basilica and Bari Old Town, and shopaholics can shop until they drop in the local markets and shopping centers.

Topping things off nicely, the summer temperature in Bari consistently hits 86°F (30°C). Meanwhile, the average daily travel cost is only $123.

Pescara

The average hotel price for one night in Pescara is $90. As such, you could easily spend a beach vacation in the city for less than $150. Pescara is located on the Adriatic Sea in Eastern Italy.

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It’s best known for its beaches, vibrant city center, and natural beauty. Pescara has many breathtaking beaches, most of which feature long stretches of golden sand and emerald waters. Noteworthy beaches include Spiaggia di Pescara, Lido Del Carabiniere, and Thale Beach.

Away from the beach, there are many exciting attractions and landmarks for travelers to explore. Don’t miss the Museo delle Genti d’Abruzzo, Casa Natale di Gabriele D’Annunzio, and Ponte del Mare.

Barletta

Cheap Beach Getaways in Italy Basilica of San Nicola Pellegrino — © Ragemax / Adobe Stock

In Barletta, you can book a hotel room for less than $75 a night, making this one of Italy’s most affordable seaside cities. Barletta is a fascinating city best known for its historical architecture. However, it’s also home to many breathtaking beaches that are perfect for a beach getaway.

Spiaggia della Litoranea di Levante, Spiaggia della Litoranea di Ponente, and Spiaggia di Barletta offer miles of soft golden sand and calm emerald waters. Along these beaches, you can sunbathe, play games, walk, and participate in watersports. What’s not to like?

Meanwhile, back in the city center, you’ll find many exciting landmarks worth visiting. This includes Castello di Barletta, Colossus of Barletta, and Cathedral Basilica of Saint Mary.

Otranto

Hotel rooms in Tranto can be booked for less than $60 a night. Therefore, there is potential for budget travelers to spend less than $100 daily during their Italian beach getaway. Otranto is a relatively unheard-of coastal town in Southern Italy’s Apulia region.

As a result, it’s a fantastic place to escape the hustle and bustle of Italy’s more popular beach destinations. There is a selection of small sandy beaches in Otranto. Furthermore, there are many beaches with crystal-clear turquoise water on the outskirts of the town.

You can sunbathe and swim at Spiaggia della Riviera degli Haethei, Spiaggia dei Gradoni, and Lido della Staffa. Besides the postcard-perfect beaches, Otranto also features many historical attractions, such as the 15th-century Aragonese Castle and 11th-century Otranto Cathedral.

Gallipoli

Gallipoli makes this list of inexpensive beach getaways in Italy because it offers affordable accommodation, cheap eats, and a gorgeous coastline dotted with beautiful beaches. Budget travelers can easily get by in Gallipoli for approximately $100 or less daily. You’ll find this picturesque coastal town in Apulia, Southern Italy.

If you’re a beach lover, you’ll want to spend most of your time in Gallipoli on Spiaggia della Purità, a small yet beautiful golden sand beach. However, there are many things to see in the town, too.

For example, Gallipoli features a historic center on an island off the mainland. Here, you’ll find Crocefisso Bastion, Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata, and Castello di Gallipoli.

Livorno

Budget travelers staying in Livorno can get by on less than $100 daily. Livorno is an Italian port city on the west coast of Tuscany best known for its Renaissance-era architecture, seafood, and beautiful harbor. Luckily for beachgoers, Livorno also has a collection of sandy beaches to enjoy.

You’ll likely spend most of your days in Livorno discovering the city’s most iconic attractions, relaxing on the beach, and overindulging in Italian food and drink. Terrazza Mascagni, a seafront promenade, is a great place to start your journey in the city.

Notable points of interest you mustn’t miss include Fortezza Vecchia, Mercato Centrale, and Venezia Nuova. Meanwhile, popular beaches include Spiaggia del Felciaio and Spiaggia Della Rotonda.

Palermo

Travelers on a tighter budget should visit Palermo, one of Sicily’s cheapest beach destinations. Like Catania, Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is famed for its stunning architecture and historic landmarks. However, beachgoers will also be pleased to hear it offers a beautiful coastline.

Along the Pelermo coast, you’ll find several sandy beaches framed by dazzling turquoise waters. When you’re not sunbathing on one of the beaches, swim in the sea, ride a pedalo, and grab an Aperol Spritz in a beach bar.

You don’t want to miss Teatro Massimo, Palazzo dei Normanni, and the 12th-century Palermo Cathedral when exploring the city. The average daily travel cost in Palermo is $124.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s most spectacular beach getaways. Recognized worldwide for its awe-inspiring coastline, traditional architecture, and lush scenery, Cinque Terre is the place to go for an authentic Italian beach experience. Better yet, you can enjoy Cinque Terre without spending a fortune.

The average daily travel cost is approximately $160. Cinque Terre is a collection of five seaside towns along the Italian Riviera. These multi-colored towns will spoil you with pristine beaches, epic views, and fascinating attractions.

Must-visit locations include Monterosso Public Beach, Castello di Riomaggiore, the Ruins of Doria Tower, and the Church of St. Margaret of Antioch. Cinque Terre is an excellent alternative to more expensive beach destinations like Positano and Sorrento.