The best beaches in Italy

Summer is getting closer, and so is the time to make your holiday plans for 2024. If this year you have decided to plan a getaway in Italy and explore its best hidden corners, here is the guide you have been waiting for!

Discover some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, pack your bags, and sail off to magical seaside destinations with cheap ferry tickets on the Ferryhopper App.

Panoramic view of Saraceni Bay in Liguria

The most beautiful beaches in Italy

Every year, millions of visitors are mesmerized by impressive coves, secluded bays, endless coastlines, and awe-inspiring sunsets. So, which beaches are the most beautiful in Italy?

Here are our 10 favorite Italian beaches:

1) Baia dei Saraceni, Liguria

One of the most beautiful beaches in Liguria, Baia dei Saraceni (Saraceni Bay) has a Blue Flag and offers stunning views! This narrow beach, which is approximately 400-meters long, is surrounded by lush vegetation and is famous for the color of its waters.

Access to the beach is free. You can reach it in just 20 minutes by car from Savona!

2) Mezzavalle beach, Marche

The Conero Riviera is one of the most stunning areas in Italy and is home to many wonderful coves. One of them is Mezzavalle beach, just 9 km from Ancona. Wild and immersed in nature, it can be reached by boat or on foot (a steep 10-minute walk).

Since the beach is not equipped with amenities, we recommend bringing your own umbrella and towel. However, there is a restaurant where you can enjoy mouthwatering local tastes with a sea view!

3) Furore Fjord, Amalfi Coast

If you always wanted to visit the Amalfi Coast, Furore beach should definitely be in your bucket list. This 25-meter natural jewel stretches between overhanging rocks, and the entire setting of the seaside village is unique.

The sun only hits the beach in the early afternoon, which means that it’s perfect for a swim after exploring the town of Amalfi in the morning!

Furore Fjord, a magical landscape on the Amalfi Coast

4) Porto Selvaggio bay, Puglia

This beautiful bay is located in Salento and is part of the Porto Selvaggio natural park. Surrounded by cliffs, the stunning cove has shallow waters and an amazing position at the end of an enchanting pine forest.

This little paradise is popular among snorkelling enthusiasts and is about 1 hour from the port city of Brindisi.

5) Rotonda beach, Calabria

Also known as the "Pearl of the Tyrrhenian Sea", the town of Tropea in the province of Vibo Valentia boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. Rotonda bay on the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods) is famous for its turquoise water and amazing location at the foot of the village.

Don't forget to visit the church of Santa Maria dell'Isola and enjoy amazing views from above!

Tip: from Villa San Giovanni port, you can reach Tropea in about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Turquoise waters on the Rotonda beach in Tropea

6) Cala Rossa, Favignana

The island of Favignana, in the Egadi Islands, is located near the western coast of Sicily, and is home to one of the best beaches in the archipelago: Cala Rossa. Small and scenic, it is located inside impressive tuff quarries and is surrounded by cliffs. You can reach it by boat or on foot along a 10-minute path.

Tip: you can easily reach Favignana from Trapani by ferry every day in about 30 minutes.

7) Spiaggia Bianca, Lipari

In Lipari, the largest of the Aeolian Islands, you will find a dazzling beach to say the least. The Acquacalda beach, also known as “Bianca beach” is located on the northern coast of Lipari. The entire coastline is dressed in white thanks to the pumice stone.

Prepare to get mesmerized by the striking contrast between its dark volcanic pebbles and the chalky pumice stone, and dive into its transparent seabed.

You can reach the beautiful island of Lipari by ferry from Milazzo, Messina and Palermo (Sicily), from Reggio Calabria and Vibo Valentia (Calabria), as well as from Naples.

8) Conigli beach, Lampedusa

Have you heard of Lampedusa? It’s an Italian island, located between Tunisia and Malta and also a thriving summer destination that is best known for its heavenly beaches. In fact, Rabbit beach (Spiaggia dei Conigli) has been ranking among best beaches in the world.

You can find it on the southern part of the island snuggled in a sheltered bay with fine white sand and turquoise shallow waters. It’s a protected marine area and is easily (and only) accessible during the day. Tucked away in a cove far from the crowds, it’s the ideal spot for Caretta-caretta turtles to lay their eggs.

You can reach the island of Lampedusa from Porto Empedocle by ferry, thanks to several daily crossings, available all year round.

Emerald waters at Rabbit beach in Lampedusa

9) La Pelosa beach, Sardinia

The Gulf of Asinara in northern Sardinia is a true paradise for sea and nature lovers. From the famous resort of Porto Torres, you can reach La Pelosa beach in Stintino village in just 30 minutes.

Surrounded by the rocks of Capo Folcone, it stands out for its white sand, calm waters, and peaceful atmosphere. Thanks to its shallow waters, it’s great for families with children.

Tip: ready to explore the magical Sardinia? Find out all about Sardinia ferry routes and prices in 2024, and plan the perfect trip.

10) Principe, Sardinia

In the 1960s, the Arab prince Karim Aga Khan IV visited this beach and fell in love with it. In fact, the wild and isolated Spiaggia del Principe ("The beach of the Prince) owes its name to him. Its fine white sand , lush nature, and ever-changing hues of turquoise make this beach one of the most beautiful places to visit on the Costa Smeralda.

Tip: the beach is just a 30-minute drive from the port of Olbia.

Principe beach in Costa Smeralda

Discover the most beautiful beaches in Italy with Ferryhopper

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