August 15, 2024, 3:45 pm | Read time: 10 minutes

If you enjoy beach vacations, Italy is the place to be: More than 7,500 miles of coastline surround the country with its distinctive boot shape, along with the offshore islands, especially Sardinia and Sicily. While the Adriatic coast between Trieste and Rimini features miles of wide sandy beaches equipped with colorful loungers and umbrellas, other regions offer hidden coves that are still true insider tips. TRAVELBOOK showcases twelve of Italy’s most beautiful beaches.

1. Cala Mariolu – Sardinia

Many people love it and return every year: the island of Sardinia. Everywhere you find secluded coves and beaches with fine sand. Particularly beautiful is Cala Mariolu, nestled between Cala Biriola and Cala Goloritzé in the north of Arbatax against stunning rock walls. The white sand consists of fine and very soft pebbles made of white marble, making the cove especially attractive for divers and snorkelers. You can see more underwater here than in most other coves. The seabed is very shallow, making it perfect for families with children. However, Cala Mariolu is only accessible by boat or on foot. The short hike is well worth it, leading through ancient cork and oak forests along the Codula di Sisine stream. Alternatively, you can rent an excursion boat from Arbatax, Cala Gonone, or Navarrese. Our tip: The cove is completely in the shade from late afternoon. To enjoy the sun as long as possible, it’s best to arrive early.

2. La Pelosa Beach – Sardinia

The expansive La Pelosa Beach is located in Stintino on Sardinia. The beach’s atmosphere is reminiscent of the Caribbean. Unfortunately, this is no secret, so quite a few people gather here during the peak season. Before July and after August, the Caribbean feeling can be enjoyed even better. In the off-season, there are also plenty of parking options available. Our tip: Many restaurants and bars with breathtaking sea views are located near the beach. Particularly recommended are La Pelosetta and the Chiosco Bar La Torre. Additionally, the coastal town of Stintino is just a stone’s throw away and offers a charming harbor and some shopping opportunities.

3. Spiaggia di Tropea – Calabria

Those lying on the beach of Tropea at the tip of Italy’s boot enjoy what is probably the most beautiful beach setting in the country: a peninsula with the small church of Santa Maria dell’Isola perched on it. In clear weather, the view even extends to the volcanic island of Stromboli and the other Aeolian Islands. For us, it’s definitely one of Italy’s most beautiful beaches! Tropea is worth a visit not only for its stunning beach but also for its well-preserved old town. Here you’ll find many small shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Right on the beach, there are several campsites with private beach access, including Camping Marina Dell I’sola and Camping Marina del Convento. Our tip: The best ice cream in town is at Gelateria Mimmo, and the most delicious Italian cuisine is at Restaurant La Lamia.

Also interesting: The Pontine Coast – a hidden gem in Italy

4. Spiaggia dei Conigli – Lampedusa

At sunset, wild rabbits can be observed on this beach. The small inhabitants likely gave the beach its name and are the crowning highlight of a long beach day. The white sandy beach, located on a small uninhabited island right off Lampedusa, is regularly ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Europe and the world. No wonder it also counts among Italy’s most beautiful beaches for us. Thanks to the turquoise water and almost white sand, you feel almost like you’re in the Caribbean. The only thing missing is the palm trees. Therefore, be sure to bring sunscreen along with enough provisions! There are no food or drink options at Spiaggia dei Conigli, but the nearest restaurant, Trattoria Pizzeria Da Nicola, is not far away.

5. Spiaggia delle due Sorelle – Marche

Anyone who looks at photos of the “Beach of the Two Sisters” in the eastern Italian region of Marche immediately understands why it appears on our list of Italy’s most beautiful beaches. The two white rocks at the end of the beach, the so-called “two sisters,” gave the long bay with bright sand at the foot of Monte Conero its name. If you don’t arrive by boat but by land, you should wear sturdy shoes, as the path down to the bay is narrow, not safe, and unfortunately not accessible. Also, there is no kiosk or similar at the beach, so remember to bring umbrellas, drinks, and snacks. Our tip: Not far from the beach is the beer garden La Cima, which offers drinks and various dishes. The nearest town is Sirolo, with its charming, winding alleys in the old town, and is definitely worth a visit.

6. Plage de Cala Rossa – Favignana Island

In the south of Favignana Island, west of Sicily, lies the idyllic Cala Rossa Bay, whose beach is considered one of the island’s most beautiful. It consists of two small sandy bays from which you can enjoy a magnificent view. From Sicily, it is accessible by ferry. For us, Plage de Cala Rossa is definitely one of Italy’s most beautiful beaches. Along the coastline, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars. Particularly noteworthy is the Rancho Plage restaurant with a beautiful terrace, sea view, and great seafood dishes. Our tip: The nearest town is Porto Vecchio, perfect for ending a long beach day in style. A sunset boat tour is recommended here, as the city’s scenery appears in full splendor when viewed from the water.

Also interesting: Vacation in Sicily – the best tips

7. Cala Goloritzé – Sardinia

From the Golgo plateau in Sardinia, you can reach the white pebble bay of Cala Goloritzé by hiking. Sturdy footwear is a must for those who want to reach the beach on foot, as this beach is unfortunately not accessible. After a short walk, the imposing rocks reveal the view of the embedded bay. There is no infrastructure here; the beach scores with naturalness and wilderness, and the scent of pine needles is everywhere. By the way, you can no longer take the pebbles from the beach–too many have done so in the past. Our tip: In the neighboring town of Baunei, there are many small hotels, bars, supermarkets, and restaurants. We recommend the Restaurant Bar Belvedere, which is slightly elevated, offers a terrace with a sea view, and typical Sardinian cuisine.

8. Baia del Silenzio – Liguria

Many say that Baia del Silenzio becomes a favorite beach for life once you’ve been there. The secluded “Bay of Silence” belongs to the charming fishing village of Sestri Levante in Genoa. The sunset here is especially beautiful and should not be missed after a day at the beach. During the peak season in August, the beach gets quite crowded, but since it’s mostly locals who swim here, this beach is still a real insider tip among tourists. So head to one of Italy’s most beautiful beaches! Our tip: Delicious Italian dishes with a view of the harbor can be found at the Bistromare restaurant. It’s advisable to make a reservation in advance.

Also interesting: The perfect road trip through Italy

9. Spiaggia Porto Selvaggio – Apulia

Spiaggia Porto Selvaggio is located in the middle of the Nardò Nature Park and is thus surrounded by forests. For many, it is the beach par excellence, and it is said that once you’ve been there, you’ll definitely return. Even in winter, this is a beautiful, warm place and is perfect for a picnic, as the landscape is stunning. During the peak season, however, it’s best to try to arrive early in the morning to secure a nice spot. Also, the beach’s atmosphere in the morning is incomparable. Since there is no infrastructure nearby, the beach’s charm is preserved, but you should remember to bring umbrellas and enough provisions. Our tip: After a beautiful day at the beach, we recommend a visit to nearby Gallipoli. The small coastal town boasts old alleys and really good restaurants, such as Pizzeria Don Vincenzo.

10. Spiaggia La Cinta – Sardinia

Spiaggia La Cinta has also made it onto our list of Italy’s most beautiful beaches. The main reason is its vastness. At 3.2 kilometers long, it is one of the island’s longest beaches and practically begs for extensive beach walks. These are especially beautiful in the winter months! Because Spiaggia La Cinta slopes gently, it is perfect for families with children. Our tip: Right next door is the Puntalida Golf Club with a sea view. We also recommend the Sardinian dishes at the Restaurant La Taverne degli Astisti in the nearby town of San Teodoro.

Also interesting: The 11 most beautiful beaches in Portugal’s Algarve

11. Spiaggia Rosa – Budelli Island

Budelli is a small island off Sardinia and holds the secret of a very special beach. Spiaggia Rosa, as the name suggests, has pink sand. The unusual color is due to shell fragments of a particular type of coral found in the seagrass meadows off the island. A few years ago, access to the beach was closed to protect it–but you can admire it from a distance by boat and take great vacation photos. For swimming, you can head to the nearby Spiaggia di Cavalieri.

12. Isola Bella – Sicily

Below Taormina lies a tiny island in the sea called Isola Bella. The “Beautiful Island” is connected to the Sicilian mainland by a sandbank of white pebbles, offering a spectacular view from the coastal road above. The water around the island is crystal clear, making it perfect for snorkeling. If you can’t find a spot on the sandbank in the summer, you’ll surely find one at the adjacent Lido di Delfino beach, which offers a beautiful view of the island. Our tip: The Regional Naturalistic Museum of Isolabella is worth a visit and offers cool rooms. Right next door is also a good pizzeria.

Also interesting: Ponza – this Italian island is still a real insider tip!