The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Italy. So if you are in Italy, I recommend visiting the following:
Scala dei Turchi Beach, Agrigento
Address – Scala dei Turchi, Punta Grande, Realmonte, Agrigento, Italy
Google Maps Link – 37°17’23.6″N 13°28’26.1″E
Scala dei Turchi is located in Agrigento, on the southern coast of Sicily. This impressive white sand beach, backdropped with towering rocks of the same pristine color, is one of the most popular beaches in Italy. With time, the waves have eroded the white stones into a stair-like shape that you have to climb down to arrive at the beach. This shape of the rocks can also be used as a natural balcony, to set up your stuff and sunbathe. The nearest restaurants and bars are on the main road, and the beach usually gets crowded on weekends, especially Sundays.
Atrani Beach, Salerno
Address – Spiaggia Di Atrani, Castiglioni, Salerno, Italia
Google Maps Link – 40°38’08.3″N 14°36’34.0″E
Atrani Beach is located in Salerno, in the western coast of Southern Italy. A black sand beach with pebbles and seashells, backdropped with the picturesque city of Atrani. The waters are calm and safe to swim for small kids, and you can rent umbrellas and beach chairs. The beach is divided in two areas; a private beach and a public beach, the latter being smaller. There are restaurants and small bars in the area, with views over the beautiful beach and sea.
Chiaia di Luna Beach, Ponza
Address – Beach Chiaia di Luna, Latina, Ponza, Italy
Google Maps Link – 40°53’46.5″N 12°57’11.4″E
Chiaia di Luna Beach is located in Ponza Island, part of the Italian Pontine Islands. A secluded, golden sand beach with a crescent moon shape and green-ish waters, backdropped with towering cliffs. You can either reach this beach by boat or through a tunnel carved by the Ancient Romans. To admire the beach to the fullest, join the pilgrimage heading to the top of the hills every day before sunset. There is a restaurant on the main road, and resorts to the left end of the beach.
San Fruttuoso Beach, Camogli
Address – Bagni San Fruttuoso Beach, San Fruttuoso, Camogli, Italy
Google Maps Link – 44°18’57.8″N 9°10’29.0″E
San Fruttuoso Beach is located in Camogli, in Northwest Italy. This small, hidden beach backdropped with a picturesque monastery, with clear waters and verdant trees. You can only reach San Fruttuoso Beach by boat or on foot, making it fairly unknown to tourists. However, during the high season, it gets crowded in the afternoons. There are diving schools around the area where you can get equipment for scuba diving or snorkeling. Besides, with small food stalls and bars around, there are many options for dining and picnics at the beach.
Marasusa Beach, Valentia
Address – Lido La Grazia, Parghelia, Valentia, Italy
Google Maps Link – 38°40’55.4″N 15°54’44.7″E
Marasusa Beach is located in Valentia. A thin sand of a light color, backdropped with cliffs covered by green trees, and clear waters of a turquoise color. The water is warm and great for swimming, perfect for diving and snorkeling. Besides, you can climb the rocks to admire the sea and the beach from a different point of view. Once you reach the top, you can explore the ancient settlements. There are restaurants, cafes and shops around the area, where you can enjoy a tasty meal with beautiful views.
Baia dei Turchi Beach, Lecce
Address – Baia dei Turchi Beach, Otranto, Lecce, Italy
Google Maps Link – 40°11’31.4″N 18°27’52.1″E
Baia dei Turchi Beach is located in Lecce, in the eastern coast of Southern Italy. A thin stretch of white sand lined with umbrellas, with clear waters and backdropped with rocks covered in green vegetation. To arrive at the beach you have to walk along a path through the jungle, so the beach is not suitable for kids or people with walking disabilities. There is a small food stall selling refreshments and cool drinks. The beach can get crowded during weekends, especially in the afternoon.
Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle Beach, Ancona
Address – Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle Beach, Sirolo, Ancona, Italy
Google Maps Link – 43°32’49.4″N 13°37’37.7″E
Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle Beach is located in Ancona, in the eastern coast of Central Italy. Both sandy and pebbled, this beach is renowned for the Due Sorelle (Two Sisters), two towering rocks rising from the water and adding to the stunning scenery. You can reach this beach by boat or after a long hike from the parking lot. It can get really crowded at midday, especially on weekends, since the sun hides behind the cliffs, leaving the beach dark at around 3 P.M. There are no facilities in the area; make sure you bring all your supplies and food.
Baia delle Zagare Beach (Spiaggia di Baia dei Mergoli), Foggia
Address – Spiaggia di Baia dei Mergoli, Baia delle Zagare, Foggia, Italy
Google Maps Link – 41°44’43.0″N 16°08’40.2″E
Baia delle Zagare Beach is located in Foggia, in the Southern Italy region. Also known as Baia dei Mergoli, this pebbled beach has public and private areas, with towering limestone rocks adding to the stunning scenery. With the stunning views, the quiet atmosphere and warm sun, the beach is great to relax and disconnect. There are no umbrellas in the public part, at the right side, but the cliffs backdropping the beach cast enough shade over the sand. A small beach bar in the private area offers snacks and drinks; bring your own food if you are staying on the right side.
Acquafredda Beach (Spiaggia Acquafredda), Maratea
Address – Spiaggia Acquafredda, Acquafredda, Maratea, Potenza, Italy
Google Maps Link – 40°02’09.2″N 15°40’03.7″E
Acquafredda Beach is located in Maratea, in the west coast of the Southern Italy region. With dark pebbles and sharp rocks contrasting against bright blue waters, and a relaxing atmosphere, this small beach is the definition of peace and quiet. You can bathe on the warm, clear waters, and relax after a beach volleyball match. Besides, a seabed a few meters from the shore calls for you to try and snorkel. It can get crowded on Saturdays and Sundays, especially at midday. There are beach bars and restaurants in the area with fairly varied menus and reasonable prices.
Positano Beach (Positano Spiaggia), Salerno
Address – Positano Spiaggia, Positano, Salerno, Italy
Google Maps Link – 40°37’39.0″N 14°29’14.9″E
Positano Beach is located in Salerno, in the Southern Italy region. This active beach, with dark pebbles, dark sand, and blue waters, is not a place to get bored; here, there is something for everyone. You can rent kayaks or canoes and admire the beach from the sea, the mountain and the Amalfi coast. Besides, there is a venue with live music playing daily, an outdoor gym and a club at the left end of the beach. With restaurants, bars and cafes scattered nearby, you have a wide range of dining options, each of them delicious. And finally, if you wish to take a souvenir, visit the pottery store at the right side of the beach.