Are you curious what are the 15 most beautiful beaches in Italy? Well, selecting only the top 15 of them is almost impossible. However I did my best to choose the best beaches in Sicily, Sardinia, Elba and the mainland onto this list. If you think that some of the beaches you know should be on this list, just comment on below.

1. Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre, Liguria

This is a secret gem – a small town Monterosso al Mare in the province of La Spezia lying between Genoa and Pisa is one of the five towns, which are known worldwide as the Cinque Terre. In the past, the town was accessible by boat or on foot only, today you can come here by train or driving through the narrow, 20 km long road. And it’s worth it. The beach is sandy, surrounded by sharp cliffs and the water is crystal clear. Just above the beach, on the rocks, is towering the picturesque old town with castle ruins.

Every year thousands of tourists come here. And you can use all the beach equipment like parasols or sun beds, there are a number of restaurants. The area is great for those who also love hiking, as there are numerous hiking trails in the Cinque Terre.

Monterosso al Mare beach, Cinque Terre, Liguria by Lee & Chantelle McArthur

If this list of best beaches in Italy is still not enough for you, you can also like another article about beaches in Italy – 5 best beaches not to miss on your next holiday to Italy.

2. San Vito lo Capo, Sicily

On the cape, near the cities of Palermo and Trapani, you can find a picturesque beach of San Vito lo Capo. It is sandy, washed by crystal clear water and stretches for several kilometers. It is secured by the lonely mountain known as Mount Cofano, which is sought-after by the climbers. A few caves can also be found in this mountain.

Every year, in July, there is a Kite Festival. Then, in September, you can taste the couscous at the popular Cous Cous Fest, which is an international festival of culture and gastronomy.

Kite Festival at the beach of San Vito lo Capo, Sicily, Italy by Salvatore Ciambra

3. Vieste, Gargano, Puglia

Vieste, which is located in the Apulia region at the Adriatic Sea, is the most visited city on the Gargano Peninsula. It is situated on a rocky promontory high above the sea, decorated with white houses and narrow streets. There are sandy beaches washed by an incredibly blue sea (its serenity was awarded the blue flag).

Here you can easily escape from the Travel industry, just pack your swimsuit, towel and a picnic basket and ask the locals where they go to sea. There are a lot of small and hidden beaches between cliffs with sharp rocks. You can try, for example, Pizzomunno beach, la Baia dei Campi or la Cala della Pergola.

Pizzomunno beach, Vieste, Gargano, Puglia by pizzodisevo

4. Otranto, Puglia

In Otranto, at the Adriatic region of Puglia, you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the south of Italy. This place has also a further bonus: picturesque narrow streets leading to the cathedral from the 11th century and the Castello Aragonese. The sandy beach here is ten kilometers long. Make sure to take a diving goggles with you as snorkeling around the local reefs is worth it.

Behind the town is small beach surrounded by rocks that will impress everyone. The most beautiful beaches in the region, however, can be found in the town of Porto Badisco.

Porto Badisco, Otranto, Puglia by Hydruntum

5. Riccione, Rimini, Emilia-Romagna

Another nice Italian beach can be found near San Marino and Rimini on the Adriatic coast. This is one of the most popular summer holiday regions in all of Italy. The beaches here are sandy, stretching for kilometers, the water is clean and there is everything a visitor could want and need. Umbrellas, chairs, lifeguard surveillance, ice-cream parlors, pizzerias, paddle boat rentals and other services.

In the evening, the beaches turn into a big disco, which cannot be missed by the young people. It is a popular holiday destination since the 30’s of 20th century. If you are looking for fun and full service touristy holiday then this place will be ideal for you.

Riccione beach, Rimini, Emilia-Romagna by Sarahhoa

6. Lignano Sabbiadoro, Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Lignano Sabbiadoro is another seaside resort located at the northern part of the country, just above Venice. It was just a lazy fishing village in the middle of the 20th century, however today it is a modern seaside resort with miles of clean sandy beaches.

There are slides for children, aerobics, concerts on the beach. Just a few steps from the beach is the main street with dozens of shops, restaurants and bars. There are several entertainment venues such as Punta Verde, a zoo with more than 1,500 animal species.

Alba beach, Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy by Marco De Fanti

7. San Teodoro, Sardinia

Breathtaking beaches can also be found in the town of San Teodoro on the northeastern coast of Sardinia. There are now twelve beaches, a visit to any of them will not be a disappointment. The beach La Cinta is overcrowded, as everyone wants to see this three kilometers long beach in the lagoon.

Cala Brandinchi, is often referred to as the most beautiful beach, this is why it is also called Tahiti. Since the town is a few kilometers away, you will need a car to get there. On the beach you will find everything you need , you can also rent a small boat. The beach has very fine, light-coloured sand and is suitable for families with children.

Cala Brandinchi beach, Sardinia, Italy by Gaspar Torriero

8. Fetovaia, Elba, Tuscany

The whole island of Elba, in the northwest of Italy, is worth visiting. However if you’re not so lucky and have just limited time for your holidays you should definitely not miss swimming in the sea of Fetovaia beach, as it belongs to the best experiences you can enjoy on the island.

Golden sand and clear sea attract more and more travelers. However it is still not among the biggest resorts in Italy. Rather you can expect more quiet places full of greenery and peaceful atmosphere.

Fetovaia beach, Elba, Tuscany by Donald

9. Positano, Campania

If you do not mind go further south, you must definitely visit the Amalfi coast. This is known as one of the most beautiful places in the world. And this is why it is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. At the coast there are several seaside villages like Praiano, Furore or Amalfi. However it is Positano where you will find some of the most beautiful beaches.

The town is located on a steep hill at the sea and is built of white houses with half-round windows rather typical for the Arab countries. From the main beach, wide Spiaggia Grande, make your way along the cliffs to the narrow long beach Spiaggia Fornillo. Beautiful sea and beaches are also around nearby Capo di Conca.

Positano and Spiaggia Grande, Campania by ho visto nina volare

10. Conigli beach (Rabbit Beach), Lampedusa, Sicily

Conigli beach is ranked as the most beautiful European beach at all. However it is situated closer to Africa than to Europe, and in these days, the island of Lampedusa is more popular because of thousands of refugees coming from Africa. It is still paradise on earth and if you really want to see and enjoy the best beach in Europe, you will have to come to Lampedusa as well.

Conigli beach, Lampedusa, Sicily, Italy by Silvia Albini

11. Balzi Rossi, northern Italy

Balzi Rossi beach is located in northern Italy near the town of Ventimiglia. But if you’re looking for a sandy beach, do not stop here, as all you find here is a nice white pebbles.

The beach is bounded by high cliffs and such provides plenty of privacy. If you want to avoid the crowds and large beaches, where hopelessly looking for your towel, this can be a great place for you.

Balzi Rossi, Ventimiglia, Liguria by Lemone

12. La Pelosa, Stintino, Sardinia

The beautiful white beach La Pelosa with shimmering turquoise sea is situated five kilometers north from the town of Stintino. It is a very popular place among tourists so if you wander around the island, visit this part, you will not regret it.

La Pelosa beach, Sardinia by Michela Simoncini

13. Cala Mariolu, Orosei, Sardinia

The beach of Cala Mariolu is the proud of the Gulf of Orosei, and can be found in Punta Ispuligi. The water is clear and the beach is sandy mixed with pebbles. The area is full of sea caves, one of which opens directly at the beach. Nearby is the famous Grotta del Fico, that can be reached by boats departing from ports of Arbatax, Cala Gonone and Santa Maria Navarrese.

The beach is characterized by shallow waters, making it quite safe for children to play. If you like high cliffs right at the beach, big stones in the water and you also like diving in the clear waters full of fish, then Cala Mariolu will be a best choice for you.

Cala Mariolu, Orosei, Sardinia by Roberto Cossu

14. Baia del Silenzio, Sestri Levante

Baia del Silenzio has been selected by popular travel company TripAdvisor as one of the ten most beautiful beaches in Italy, giving it the fifth place. And there is no doubt that this beach is really amazing, offering great swimming along with nice views of the typical Italian town of Sestri Levante.

Baia del Silenzio, Sestri Levante by Jiuguang Wang

15. Spiaggia di Tuerredda, Teulada, Sardinia

Spiaggia Tuerredda is located in a bay between Cape Malfatano and Cape Teulada, in the municipality of Teulada. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches of Sardinia. It is characterized by snow-white sand and crystal clear sea. The coast is surrounded by lush vegetation.

In front of the beach, just a few hundred meters from the shore, there is an islet of Tuaredda that can be reached by swimming in a few minutes. Here, in this small island, you can spend a few hours lying on the sand, or explore its land.

Spiaggia Tuerredda (on the right) with islet of Tuaredda (on the left) by Giorgio Michele

Beaches with blue flag

Dozens of Italian beaches have received quality awards within the last few years – the blue flag, from the non-governmental organization Foundation for Environmental Education, which is headquartered in Denmark. Beach must be clean, with garbage bins, clean toilets and drinking water. It requires the presence of a lifeguard. Italy has around 250 blue flag beaches.

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