The fastest way to secure a perfect Italian summer? Pick a beach town where the water is clear, the streets have history, and the days stretch long. These are the best beach towns in Italy, the ones that get it right.
Italy does seaside towns better than just about anywhere, but you have to know where to go.
The beaches? Some are spectacular. Others, less so. Some towns get all the attention but don’t live up to the hype. Others have water so clear it’s almost rude but barely enough action to keep you entertained past sunset. The sweet spot is a place where the town is as good as the beach—swimmable, walkable, and just the right amount of lively.
This list skips the overrated and goes straight for the winners. No complicated logistics, no settling for average. Just 10 Italian beach towns worth the flight.
1. Tropea, Calabria
Tropea is easily one of the best beach towns in Italy for those who want postcard views without the crowds. Perched high above the bluest water you’ve ever seen, the town itself is a maze of old palazzos, sun-faded shutters, and restaurants serving fresh swordfish like it’s no big deal.
The Beach
This is where Tropea wins. Spiaggia della Rotonda sits right below the cliffs, a long stretch of soft sand and absurdly clear water that feels closer to the Caribbean than mainland Italy. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria dell’Isola watches over it all from a rocky outcrop, making this one of the most photogenic swims in the country.
Things to Do
When you’re not in the water, wander through the Centro Storico, grab a cone of tartufo di Pizzo (a next-level chocolate-hazelnut gelato ball), and catch sunset at Piazza del Cannone, where the view turns the whole place gold.
Getting There
International travelers should fly into Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP). From Rome or Milan, you can take a domestic flight to Lamezia Terme, which is the closest airport to Tropea. From Lamezia, a regional train takes about 1.5 hours to reach Tropea. Renting a car is an option, but parking in the town can be challenging.
Best For:
Travelers who want the classic Italian Riviera experience without the crowds and unreasonable price tag.
2. Cefalù, Sicily
Sicily does beach towns better than most Italian regions, and Cefalù is proof. It’s got the medieval streets, the golden sand, and the kind of sunsets that turn the whole town into a Renaissance painting. It’s lively but not overwhelming, touristy but still local, and the kind of place where an afternoon swim casually turns into a four-hour seafood dinner.
The Beach
Cefalù has a classic, long, sandy beach right in the heart of town. It sits right beneath the towering Rocca di Cefalù, making your swim feel like a scene from a movie. The water is warm, shallow, and exactly where you want to be when Sicily’s summer heat kicks in.
Things to Do
If you ever leave the beach, the Norman Cathedral (a UNESCO site) dominates the town with its twin towers and Byzantine mosaics. Climb La Rocca for a ridiculous panoramic view, then end the day at one of the beachfront trattorias, where seafood and Sicilian wine do all the heavy lifting.
Getting There
Fly into Palermo Airport (PMO), which has direct flights from some European cities but usually requires a connection from Rome, Milan, or another major hub. From Palermo, Cefalù is an easy one-hour train ride along the coast. A rental car isn’t necessary unless you plan to explore more of Sicily.
Best For
People who want beach time without sacrificing history, good food, or nightlife.
3. Positano, Amalfi Coast, Campania
The Beach
Spiaggia Grande is the one you’ve seen all over Instagram—black sand, bright umbrellas, and a front-row seat to Positano’s postcard skyline. It’s beautiful but packed, so for a quieter swim, head to Fornillo Beach, just a short walk down the coast. The water is deep, clear, and perfect for floating while you stare up at the cliffs.
Things to Do
Besides baking in the sun? Shop for handmade sandals, linen shirts, and ceramics in town. Grab a lemon granita and walk up to Le Sirenuse for sunset drinks (if your wallet can handle it). If you have time, explore all the other towns in the Amalfi Coast or visit Capri, to swim in legendary waters.
Getting There
The nearest major airport is Naples (NAP), which has direct flights from some U.S. cities and easy connections via Rome. From Naples, the best way to reach Positano is by ferry from the Naples port, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a train to Sorrento and transfer to a bus or ferry. Driving is possible but not recommended due to heavy traffic and scarce parking.
Best For
People who don’t mind paying extra for one of the most iconic beach towns in Italy.
4. Alghero, Sardinia
Alghero is the kind of place that makes you wonder why more people aren’t talking about it. A mix of Spanish and Italian influences, it’s got the old-world charm of a medieval walled town, but with Sardinia’s absurdly clear water right at its doorstep. It’s got history, it’s got beaches, and it’s got just the right amount of energy without feeling overrun.
The Beach
Alghero’s town beach, Spiaggia di Maria Pia, is a dream—soft white sand, shallow turquoise water, and shady pine trees lining the shore. If you want something wilder, drive north to Le Bombarde or Lazzaretto, where the sea is straight out of a travel ad.
Things to Do
When you’re not in the water, wander through the cobblestone streets of the old town, where Catalan-style architecture meets Italian seafood culture. Stop for a plate of fregola with clams and a glass of Vermentino. If you’re up for an adventure, Neptune’s Grotto—a sea cave full of underground lagoons—is just a short boat ride away. Few places balance history, atmosphere, and water as clear as this, which is why Alghero holds its own among the best beach towns in Italy.
Getting There
International travelers should fly into Rome (FCO) or Milan (MXP) first, then take a connecting flight to Alghero Airport (AHO), which is about 20 minutes from town. Once in Alghero, public transport is limited, so renting a car is the best way to explore the coastline and nearby beaches.
Best For
Travelers who want Caribbean-level turquoise waters with a side of history and culture.
5. Monterosso al Mare, Cinque Terre, Liguria
Cinque Terre isn’t exactly known for its beaches—steep cliffs and tiny rocky coves are more the vibe—but Monterosso is the exception. It’s the only town in the famous five that has an actual, lay-down-and-stay-all-day sandy beach, making it the go-to choice if you want to swim without dodging sea urchins.
The Beach
Spiaggia di Fegina is the main event, long, golden, and lined with umbrellas and beach bars. It’s rare to find this kind of setup on the Ligurian coast, which is why it gets packed fast in summer. The water is clear, deep, and great for swimming, with a backdrop of Monterosso’s colorful buildings and steep vineyard-covered hills.
Things to Do
Once you’ve had enough sun, explore Monterosso’s historic old town, grab a pesto-laced focaccia, and hike the famous Sentiero Azzurro trail to Vernazza for views that make every uphill step worth it. If hiking sounds like too much work, just hop on a ferry or train to explore the other villages.
Getting There
Fly into Milan (MXP), Florence (FLR), or Pisa (PSA), as Cinque Terre does not have its own airport. From Milan, Florence, or Pisa, take a train to La Spezia, the main transport hub for Cinque Terre. From La Spezia, there are frequent direct trains to Monterosso al Mare, taking about 30 minutes. A car is unnecessary and also not practical here.
Best For
Anyone who wants Cinque Terre magic with an actual beach to relax on.
6. San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily
San Vito Lo Capo might not have the international fame of other Italian summer destinations, but most locals would agree that is one of the best beach towns in Italy. San Vito Lo Capo main beach has water is so clear it barely looks real, a sand is soft and blindingly white, and the whole town moves at that perfect laid-back pace.
The Beach
Spiaggia di San Vito Lo Capo is the kind of place you see on postcards and assume must be heavily filtered. It’s not. Shallow, warm, turquoise water stretches out in front of a dramatic mountain backdrop. The beach is long, sandy, and way more spacious than most Italian beach towns, which means you won’t feel packed in like sardines.
Things to Do
San Vito is mostly about beach life, but if you need a break from swimming, head to Riserva dello Zingaro, a stunning nature reserve with hidden coves and hiking trails. The town itself is small but full of great seafood spots. You’re in the heart of couscous country here, so order a plate of couscous alla trapanese and thank me later.
Getting There
Fly into Palermo (PMO), which has international connections but may require a stopover in Rome or Milan. From Palermo, San Vito Lo Capo is about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive. Public transport options are limited, so renting a car is the easiest way to get there.
Best For
Sandy beach purists. If you just want to swim in absurdly clear water, this is the spot.
7. Vieste, Puglia
Vieste sits on the edge of the Gargano Peninsula, a chunk of coastline that feels nothing like the rest of Puglia, with wild limestone cliffs, hidden sea caves, and beaches that stretch for miles. It’s less famous than other areas in Puglia but just as stunning, with far fewer tourists and way more space to breathe.
The Beach
Vieste has multiple beaches, but the standout is Spiaggia di Pizzomunno, a massive stretch of golden sand watched over by a 25-meter limestone monolith (legend says it’s a petrified lover, because of course it is). The water is shallow, clear, and warm, making it perfect for swimming, while the long coastline means you can actually find a quiet spot, even in August.
Things to Do
When you’re not at the beach, get lost in Vieste’s whitewashed old town, where the alleyways twist and turn before spilling out onto sea-view terraces. Take a boat tour to explore the Grotte Marine, a series of hidden sea caves only accessible from the water. Or drive down the coast to Baia delle Zagare, one of the most scenic beaches in Italy.
Getting There
The closest major airport is Bari Airport (BRI), which has flights from major European cities but usually requires a connection from Rome or Milan for long-haul travelers. From Bari, the drive to Vieste takes about three hours, and renting a car is the essential since public transport to this part of Puglia is limited.
Best For
Travelers who like their beach towns a little wilder, a little less polished, and way less crowded.
8. Santa Teresa di Gallura, Sardinia
Santa Teresa di Gallura is Sardinia at its best—white sand, turquoise water, and just the right amount of buzz. It’s got that perfect mix of laid-back beach town energy and lively piazzas, plus a front-row seat to Corsica, which sits just across the water. It’s less flashy than the Costa Smeralda but just as stunning, without the billionaire yacht crowd taking up all the space.
The Beach
Spiaggia Rena Bianca is right in town, which means you can walk straight from your morning espresso to one of the best beaches in Sardinia. The sand is powdery white, the water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom, and the whole place is framed by rugged granite cliffs. If you’re up for a short drive or boat ride, La Marmorata and Cala Spinosa are next-level gorgeous.
Things to Do
This is a beach town first, but there’s more to do than just swim. Take a ferry to Corsica for the day, drive up to Capo Testa, where giant rock formations look like a set from a sci-fi movie, or just hang in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele with an Aperol spritz and some fresh seafood. The nightlife is surprisingly fun for a town this size, with plenty of bars and live music spots.
Getting There
Fly into Olbia Airport (OLB), which is the closest major airport. Olbia has some seasonal international flights but may require a connection through Rome or Milan. From Olbia, Santa Teresa Gallura is a 1.5-hour drive. Renting a car is highly recommended, as public transport is sparse.
Best For
People who want Sardinia’s ridiculous beaches without the Costa Smeralda price tag.
9. Camogli, Liguria
Camogli is the Ligurian beach town everyone wishes they knew about sooner. It’s also the kind of place where you can spend the day swimming, eat your weight in fresh focaccia, and watch the sunset with a spritz in hand, wondering why you ever considered going anywhere else. If Cinque Terre feels too hectic, this is the quieter, effortlessly beautiful alternative, and one of the best beach towns in Italy.
The Beach
Camogli’s main beach is pebbly, but the water is deep blue, crystal-clear, and perfect for long swims. If you want something even better, take a short boat ride (or a serious hike) to San Fruttuoso, a tiny hidden cove with an emerald-green bay and a medieval abbey right on the shore. Easily one of the most beautiful places to swim in Italy.
Things to Do
Spend the morning exploring the harbor and old town, where fishing boats and boutiques blend perfectly into daily life. Grab a cone of fried seafood from a street vendor and walk along the seafront. If you’re up for an adventure, hike to Portofino, where you’ll find even more incredible views and some of the best seafood spots in Liguria.
Getting There
Fly into Genoa Airport (GOA), which has some European connections but usually requires a stopover in Rome or Milan. From Genoa, Camogli is a 40-minute train ride. Milan Malpensa (MXP) is another option, with a 2.5-hour train ride to Camogli. No car is needed.
Best For
Travelers who want Cinque Terre vibes without the chaos, plus some of the best swimming spots on the Italian Riviera.
10. Polignano a Mare, Puglia
Polignano a Mare has one of the most dramatic coastlines in Italy and a beach wedged between cliffs so perfectly placed, it almost looks fake. This is the kind of town where you can spend your morning swimming in clear waters, the afternoon wandering through a IG-worthy whitewashed old town, and end the day eating fresh seafood on a terrace overlooking the sea. Simple, but kind of perfect.
The Beach
Lama Monachile is the star of the show—a small, pebbled beach sitting between towering limestone cliffs, with impossibly blue water. It’s tiny and can get extremely packed in summer, but the setting is so stunning it almost doesn’t matter. If you want more space, hop on a boat to Cala Paura or drive to San Vito Beach, just a few minutes away.
Things to Do
Polignano isn’t just about the beach. The old town is a maze of white stone streets, with balconies that hang over the sea and tiny cafés serving espresso as strong as jet fuel. For something different, visit the Grotta Palazzese, a restaurant built inside a seaside cave (it’s pricey, but dining inside a grotto is a flex).
Getting There
The best airport for international travelers is Bari (BRI), which has some European connections but usually requires a stopover in Rome or Milan. From Bari, Polignano a Mare is an easy 30-minute train ride or a 40-minute drive. A car isn’t necessary unless you plan to explore more of Puglia’s coastline.
Best For
Anyone who wants ridiculously photogenic swimming spots, a lively town, and a real taste of Puglia.
Final Thoughts: Best Beach Town in Italy
Best for a luxury experience: Positano, Amalfi Coast – The most iconic, with a price tag to match.
Best for a classic Italian summer town: Cefalù, Sicily – Golden sand, medieval streets, and all the Sicilian energy.
Best for an off-the-beaten-path gem: Vieste, Puglia – Wild coastline, fewer tourists, and a laid-back vibe.
Best for pure beach quality: San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily or Santa Teresa di Gallura in Sardinia – Both have soft white sand and water that looks straight out of the Caribbean.
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