Italy Beaches

Baia delle Zagare

Baia delle Zagare can be found at the bottom of a luscious, grassy hillside, which verges on the pebbled beach; surrounded by the sparkling ocean and incredible rock features.

The white rocks located here are the perfect backdrop for a family picnic by the coast, and there is even a lift down to the beach making it easily accessible.

Chairs can easily be rented from the hotel at the top of the hill, so you can sit and enjoy the glorious sunshine all day long. Plus, there are plenty of small coves to uncover and idyllic rocky islands to swim out to.

If you're an adventure seeker, venture to Vignanotica beach from Baia delle Zagare for a rural beach experience and an easy hike, being surrounded by popular hiking trails. Rent out a kayak to explore the rocks and glistening water which surrounds the gorgeous beach, or just sit out and sizzle in the balmy sunshine.

Cala Goloritzé

Cala Goloritzé is a breathtaking beach in Sardinia, Italy, that combines crystal clear blue waters with scenic walking nearby. There is a car park conveniently located nearby where you can park your car, before making your way down to the beach for the day.

Relax on the beach throughout the day and splash about in the shallow waters, while admiring the rising rock features and forest that covers the hillside behind you. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can explore the winding tracks that lead away from the beach to explore the rocky valley nearby, and keep cool under the shade of the forest.

This beach is away from the hustle and bustle of the busier beaches in sardinia, but still has a lively buzz, so make sure you pack a picnic and drinks, before sizzling away in the sun next to the turquoise ocean.

Cala Tonnarella

Cala Tonnarella is a beautiful blue cove situated within the Orientata dello Zingaro nature reserve, offering plenty of easily accessible trails, as well as beach fun and sun. There is a cafe and facilities as you enter the site, so be sure to pick up some water before heading to the beach, or head back up there for lunch.

Make your way along the well-maintained trails and take in the picturesque scenery as you wind your way down to the cove, where you can expect to see wildflowers and trees offering lots of shade along the way.

Cala Tonnarella tends to be less crowded than other beaches in this region, so stretch out and enjoy peace and quiet, while listening to the ocean. Bring your own umbrella and towels to set up on the beach, where the kids will love playing in the crystal clear water throughout the day, and snorkelling to find small colourful fish.

Chiaia di Luna

Chiaia di Luna is a majestic coved beach in Ponza, where visitors can enjoy swimming in shallow warm waters and admire the towering cliffs encircling the sea. This coastline is truly impressive and you can hike up to the summit of the cliffs, to see blue ocean stretch out below you.

This is the perfect place for a romantic day out, with its stunning views and tranquil atmosphere and because of the high cliffs, receives very little wind. This beach is named after the moon because of the coves crescent shape, and in the evening it is particularly beautiful with your other half, a bottle of wine and an Italian sunset, so make sure to bring a picnic.

Ponza Island has plenty more for couples and families to explore, from its glorious grottos to its underground Roman tunnels. Or, enjoy a peaceful walk in the botanical gardens; the dazzling Italian coastline really does have so much to offer.

Marina Grande Beach

Marina Grande Beach, in Capri, houses the marina of this quaint fishing village, where you can dip your feet in the azure waters, take advantage of the delicious seafood restaurants dotted around this beach, or embark on one of the many boat tours.

There are fantastic views down to Marina Grande Beach from the town, surrounded by gentle cliffs and lush forests. Stroll down by the beach to Ristorante da Gemma, which is right next to the water, and serves exquisite seafood caught straight from the waters surrounding you. It is particularly romantic at night, so make sure you stay for a candlelit dinner and enjoy an evening by the water.

There are also plenty of boat tours you can jump on at Marina Grande Beach, that will take you around the magical Blue Grotto nestled in the rocks, on tours of the nearby Pompeii, or to see the many quaint towns up and down the coast.

Oasi Biderosa

Oasi Biderosa in Sardinia is an excellent beach for exploring, especially if you want to see some wildlife and enjoy a nature walk, before settling down to a day bathing at the beach. There is car parking available near the coast and compared to many other beaches in Italy, this one feels much more secluded and peaceful.

Image source: Flickr. Copyright Josef Grunig.

Instead of steep cliffs going down to the beach, the hills are filled with trees and bushes, perfect for exploring on warm days when the breeze is just right. Take in the serene, peaceful atmosphere while setting up on the beach, where you can relax in the sparkling water, or sizzle away under the Italian sun.

Nearby, there are a host of activities to try, such as dolphin sighting tours which are located up and down the coast to ensure you see these majestic creatures. Or, venture on a sailing experience, where you can test your seafaring skills while stopping for a picnic and wine.

Scala dei Turchi

Scala dei Turchi is an incredible natural rock formation in Sicily, and a truly unique and wondrous sight to behold. Park up in the car park close to the entrance of the site and make your way down to the giant curved steps, which are pure white, just like the cliffs surrounding them.

Make sure you lounge around and sunbathe on the smooth and curved steps, before making your way down to the beach. Like many of the beaches in the area, the knee-deep crystal clear water is easy to wade through, so you can explore the beach below, and take in the incredible sight of the natural rock formation above you.

The Valley of the Temples is a spectacular historic site only a 15-minutes drive from Scala dei Turchi. So, if you're seeking a little bit of history along with your beach trip, then head to this area which is filled with Roman artefacts, featuring handy sitemaps and transport options within the site.

Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle

Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle, also coined as the ‘Beach of Two Sisters’, is a unique beach that can only be reached by boat when the tide is high, or by hiking down the grassy hillside on foot.

The towering white cliffs are truly spectacular to behold, and the shallow clear waters are great to explore with the whole family. Plus, this beachside paradise is only 45 minutes from the popular Urbani beach, and there are plenty more secluded sandy spots along this cliffside, too.

Boats pick up and drop off groups to Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle, making it extremely family-friendly and ideal if you don’t want to embark on the hike down.

For the adventurous, kayaks are available to hire, where you can navigate the calm blue ocean for 30 minutes before arriving at the bay. Be sure to pack a picnic and sun cream to make the most of this secluded, natural wonder.

Spiaggia di Sansone

Spiaggia di Sansone is a blissful beach on Elba Island, which has earned itself a shining reputation for its picturesque views and clear blue waters.

Families, couples and friends all enjoy the pebbled beach which stretches out across the coast, featuring plenty of small colourful fish to spot while embarking on a thrilling snorkelling adventure.

Kids will love swimming in the warm shallow waters in the bay, with the many rock pools and idyllic inlets to explore. Parking is located at the top of the hill; from there, you can easily walk down to the beach below. This beautiful beach also offers plenty of sunbeds and parasols for you to rent out, so you can enjoy a whole day bathing under the sun.

Just above the beach, there is a cafe selling snacks and drinks, where there are also showers, changing rooms and bathrooms for you to use. Savour sandwiches for lunch with a coffee or lemonade, while the kids feast on delicious Italian ice cream.

Tropea Beach

Tropea Beach can be found right on the edge of Tropea; a picturesque southern Italy town, oozing with charming character. When you settle down in the sand with a deck chair and umbrella, the high white cliffs will be just behind you, and nestled on top of the cliffs are the beautiful buildings of Tropea.

Like many beaches in this region, it offers a gentle surf and is surrounded by the clear turquoise ocean; its location also means it has very little wind, making it ideal for a family day out. Explore the many rock formations that can be found up and down the beach, and go rock pooling with the little ones, too.

The old town of Tropea has plenty for both families and couples to do, from making your way around the beautiful churches and cathedrals, or getting to make and test taste authentic Italian pasta. Make the most of amazing snorkelling tours, and exploring this incredible coastline here.