Collect Italy, as you can visit it endlessly. Each time, a new combination of exquisite beach vacations and the centuries-old history of these places makes travelers return for a complete rest. On the world map, the Apennine Peninsula, where Italy is located, resembles the shape of a boot. It is situated in southern Europe and is washed by five seas.
The waves of the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian seas splash on the western coast. The Adriatic and Ionian seas caress Italy’s eastern shores. The tip of the Italian “boot” in the south is immersed in the Mediterranean Sea. Thanks to the sea air, the climate in Italy is favorable for vacation almost all year round.
The variety of natural landscapes allows for diverse coastal vacations in Italy. Rocky shores, stunning mountain landscapes, and smooth sandy beaches replace each other. Italy is called a museum country. Every city has historical places and works of art that attract curious travelers.
Combining such interest with a beach holiday by the sea can be done in any city in Italy located on the shore of one of the five seas. The Ligurian Sea coast is famous for its resorts. Let’s tell you where you can have a wonderful vacation in Italy by the sea in more detail.
Genoa
The capital of Liguria, Genoa, is aptly named. In the Middle Ages, this city was called Janua, which means “door” in Latin. In ancient times, this city was the key and door to the cities of the Mediterranean. Columbus and Paganini were born in this ancient city. At every step here, architectural and visual art masterpieces await, and history comes alive.
Despite being primarily a port, Genoa offers the possibility of combining spiritual rest and the sea, thanks to the cleanest sea water and well-maintained pebble beaches. The local beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag, an international award given for high water quality and surrounding territory.
Portofino
Among the beautiful cities of the Ligurian coast, the small but very beautiful town of Portofino deserves mention. The emerald-clear sea water, marked with the Blue Flag, small cozy beaches, and the unique Mediterranean relaxed atmosphere invite a relaxing holiday. Portofino is located in a National Park established in 1935. The Mediterranean flora and fauna, whose diversity will delight any nature lover, feel well protected here.
The surrounding rocks, on which the churches of San Martino and San Giorgio were built in the 12th century, hold medieval secrets. The fortress “Castello Brown,” which served as a defensive structure, and the abbey located on the western outskirts of the city near Mount Portofino, were built during the Roman era. In 259, the ashes of Saint Fruttuoso, the bishop of Tarragona, were placed in the abbey.
Portovenere
The romantic town of Portovenere in the province of La Spezia in Liguria is listed by UNESCO. The history of this provincial town dates back to the 6th century BC. The ruins of the Varignano villa, built in the 2nd century BC, attract history enthusiasts. Slow walks through the town’s streets, contemplation of ancient buildings, the surrounding peaceful landscape, combined with silence and tranquility, attract creative people and lovers of secluded rest.
A notable aspect of a holiday in Liguria is the local cuisine, based on simple ingredients. Aromatic herbs, walnuts or pine nuts, and mushrooms are nothing special individually, but local chefs skillfully combine these ingredients when preparing sauces for fish, meat, and seafood.
The result is a work of art that attracts gourmets from around the world. Further south lies the Tyrrhenian Sea, washing the shores of the Neapolitan Riviera.
Naples
The capital of Campania, Naples, excites the senses. This city is a celebration. The temperamental Neapolitans enjoy life and know how to have fun. Various street performances and noisy markets distinguish this city. Neapolitans consider their language special and take pride in their mentality.
Emotions run high here, perhaps because just a few kilometers away, Vesuvius rises above the bustling world, having covered Pompeii with its ash. Today, Pompeii is an open-air museum. The streets and squares of the resort are adorned with many beautiful churches, temples, and palaces.
The southern Italian sea and the gentle sun leave no traveler indifferent, and after the spiritual nourishment in the churches and squares, it is time to relax in the warm waves of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Landscapes captured in photos from this celebration of life and sea resemble Van Gogh paintings. Tired but happy travelers will definitely try the local cuisine, as Naples is the birthplace of pizza.
Ischia
The island of Ischia basks in the waters of the Neapolitan Gulf. The beaches along the coast are either private or municipal. Most are located at the edge of small bays with rocky shores. The shore is covered with pebbles and sand.
The largest beach is Moronti, characterized by its dark-colored surface, giving it an impressive look. The most popular resort area has formed around the Sorgeto Bay. This place has a unique set of natural components: thermal springs emerge from the sea bottom.
Hot waters create a natural spa complex. The water temperature never drops below +28…+36°C throughout the year. Bathing in Sorgeto Bay is compared to “youth” baths. Thermal waters rejuvenate the body, help with skin and gynecological diseases.
However, caution should be exercised during water procedures to avoid burns. The beach is equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. A rescue service operates. There are cafes and restaurants on the terrace.
Rimini
Further along the coast in the Emilia-Romagna region lies the popular resort of Rimini, a wonderful gem of the Adriatic Sea. The mild subtropical climate is conducive to summer holidays, as there is no scorching heat. Comfortable temperatures of +27…+28°C and the warm sea attract many tourists.
The well-developed infrastructure, clean and well-maintained sandy beaches, gentle entry into the sea, and the pride of Italy—the crystal-clear emerald sea—are all pluses. The attractions of this ancient city are not limited to the famous Rubicon River.
Apulia
The “heel” of the Apennine Peninsula is occupied by the Apulia region. It has all the prerequisites for the development of sea holidays: the longest coastline, a long beach season (May to September), and a clean, warm sea. The rugged coastline results in many small, secluded beaches. Popular ones include the “Green Grotto.” Tourists are attracted by the opportunity to visit a beautiful cave and swim in clear sea water.
Divers favor Porto Cesareo. For those who combine beach relaxation with active holidays, the Gargano Peninsula (“spur” of the Apennine boot) is of interest. A national reserve with rare flora and fauna operates here. A narrow strip along the shore separates the marine area from saltwater lakes Varano and Lesina. In peak season, the flow of travelers heads to Monopoli, which has 25 beaches.
San Vito Lo Capo
The title of “Best Resort in Sicily” belongs to San Vito Lo Capo on the Tyrrhenian coast. This small town primarily caters to local tourists from various parts of Italy. However, foreigners also come here to relax. They are drawn by the well-equipped sandy beach, one of the best on the continent. The beach area offers all the amenities for a comfortable stay: sun umbrellas, sunbeds, showers, lockers, changing rooms, toilets, sun loungers, and a medical center.
Many services are paid. The beach is meticulously maintained. Garbage is cleaned daily, and the sand is leveled. The sea water is clear. The sandy bottom gradually deepens. The peak season is July-August, with minimal crowds in May and late September. The beach area is adjacent to the city promenade, home to numerous cafes and souvenir stands.
Amalfi
Amalfi is a coastal area in southern Italy between Naples and Salerno. Most picturesque beaches belong to hotels, and outsiders cannot access them. The most luxurious beach is Santa Caterina, equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and loungers. The area has a pool and cafe. Hotels Aurora, Excelsior, and Miramalfi offer cozy beach areas.
For “wild” travelers, the city beach of Amalfi is available. Near Atrani is another municipal beach with distinctive black volcanic sand. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available for a fee. A similar system operates in Santa Croce.
Viareggio
Along the coastline of Tuscany lies a chain of cozy resort towns: Viareggio, Marina di Pietrasanta, Lido di Camaiore, Torre del Lago Puccini. They form the so-called “Versilia Coast.” The recreation area is primarily for wealthy people. Since the early 20th century, the Italian elite has favored it. The Tuscan coast attracted creative bohemians like poets Byron and Shelley, composer Puccini, and others. Viareggio is famous for its clean sandy beaches and crystal-clear sea water.
The improvement of the coastal area has been highly praised and awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union. Beaches are divided into private and public. They differ in price range for provided services: from 3 to 20 euros per day. The service package includes various options: playgrounds, bars, pools, showers, etc. The beach area is fenced and closed at night. All recreation zones close at 6 PM.
Vasto
A gem of the Adriatic coast of Italy is the city of Vasto in the Abruzzo region. The settlement occupies an elevation (144 meters) located at a semicircular bay. The coastal area is called Vasto Marina. It includes children’s camps, campgrounds, hotels, and private apartments. The beaches have a sandy-pebble cover. The bay warms up well in summer.
The region’s rich history creates conditions for combining educational tourism with beach relaxation. Active types of recreation are also developed in Vasto. Vasto Marina is suitable for excellent time-spending for people of all ages.
Porto Cervo
Part of the Sardinian coast is called the “Emerald Coast” due to the unusual shade of the sea. The combination of emerald-green water with white sand on the beach leaves no one indifferent. A chain of small resort settlements stretches along the coast: Porto Cervo, Cala Granu, Mortorio, Dolce Sposa, Piccolo Romazzino, and others.
The area around Porto Cervo is surrounded by giant boulders, creating a unique landscape. The shores of the small bays are covered with juniper and pine trees, saturating the air with phytoncides and creating a healthy microclimate.
A definite plus of a holiday in Porto Cervo is the absence of fees for using the beach. Despite its modest size, the town has all the necessary infrastructure for a full-fledged vacation. Along the main pedestrian artery of Porto Cervo are concentrated boutiques, restaurants, clubs, and hotels. Besides, the resort attracts active holiday lovers—divers and golfers.
Bellaria-Igea Marina
An ideal place for a family holiday is the town of Bellaria-Igea Marina, easily accessible from Rimini. The main advantages of the resort are a long coastline (7 km), sandy beach cover, gentle sea entry, and shallow water. The shallow depth allows the water to warm up quickly, so the swimming season opens in May and lasts until the end of September.
The local coast’s conditions are favorable for holidays with children, including toddlers. At the same time, Bellaria-Igea Marina is suitable for surfing, yachting, and other water sports. The beach area is in excellent condition and equipped with everything necessary for relaxation. It has received the honorary Blue Flag of the EU for its cleanliness and comfort.
Lido di Jesolo
Recreation is rapidly developing in Lido di Jesolo, thanks to its advantageous geographical location. It lies close to major Italian centers—Venice, Verona, Ravenna, and Padua.
The swimming season lasts five months, from late spring to early autumn. In summer, the sea water temperature reaches +30°C. The shallow water and sandy bottom make the resort attractive for holidays with children. There are almost no storms or high waves here.
The Aqualandia Water Park and Luna Park offer tourists many exciting attractions. Numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, hotel complexes, etc., stretch along the entire length of the coastline (14 km). There are no large industrial facilities near the town, which positively affects the environment’s cleanliness. The ecological cleanliness of Lido di Jesolo is another significant argument in favor of a holiday at the Adriatic resort.
Minori
Many Italians and foreign tourists choose Minori on the Amalfi Coast for a short summer holiday. It is easily accessible by boat or small ship. The Minori beach is 200 meters long. Umbrellas and sunbeds are available for a fee of 25 euros. The shore cover is sandy-pebble. The shallow water warms up to +28°C.
The recreation complex consists of hotels and apartments. Rooms should be booked in advance. The price range depends on the hotel category. After enjoying the beach, tourists can visit a mini-factory producing limoncello. They can observe the lemon peel drink’s production process and taste it at the end of the tour.
Sardinia
Many tourists choose the island of Sardinia for their summer holiday. It concentrates 25% of all Italian beaches on a limited area. The island’s coastline stretches for 1.85 thousand kilometers. Bays and coves in different parts of the island vary. Several resort areas are distinguished along the coast: Capriccioli, Spiaggia del Principe, Costa Smeralda, and more.
On the eastern side of Sardinia is Cala Luna Beach, which is among the island’s top ten best places to relax. The shore, covered with fine sand, gradually slopes into the water. The shallow area is well-warmed and popular with families with children. An interesting feature of Cala Luna is the presence of underwater caves and grottoes. A freshwater lake adjoins the beach from the south. The surrounding rocks are densely covered with typical Mediterranean vegetation. The beach is accessible by sea from Cala Gonone.
Near Alghero, in the northwestern part of Sardinia, the coast is called the “Coral Riviera.” It is named after the rare purple corals found in local waters. The beach area stretches for 90 kilometers. A corner called “Spiaggia della Speranza” is used by “wild” tourists for relaxation. The area is remote from roads and settlements, making it sparsely populated. The Burantin Bay resembles a heart shape. This romantic place often attracts couples.
The most comfortable beach in Alghero is Spiaggia del Lido, located within the city and equipped with necessary amenities. Enthusiasts of the unusual choose Sardinia’s “rice beaches” for relaxation. Their uniqueness lies in the fact that the surface is covered with quartz crystals resembling rice grains. It is not very comfortable to lie or walk barefoot on the beach, but the white surface attracts sunlight, and the body tans faster. However, precautions should not be forgotten to avoid sunburn and heatstroke.
Sicily
The largest Italian island, Sicily, is washed by the waters of three seas—the Ionian, Tyrrhenian, and Mediterranean. In ancient times, they were collectively called the “African Sea” since Sicily is only 135 kilometers from the Black Continent. On the island and surrounding areas, recreational zones cater to all tastes and budgets. The elite beach Naxos near Taormina offers luxury rest. Luxurious hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs are nearby.
Mass tourist inflow during vacation seasons is observed in Palermo, where beaches are overcrowded. Those seeking solitude should head to the Aeolian Islands, sparsely populated and less visited by travelers. At the foot of the active volcano Etna stretches La Playa Beach for 18 kilometers. Periodic eruptions add excitement to the relaxed beach routine.
Terracina
On the western part of the Apennine Peninsula lies a recreational zone known as the “Ulysses Riviera.” It stretches from Rome in the north to Naples in the south, with the central position occupied by Terracina. It is considered the “capital” of the coast.
Terracina is known for its golden sandy beaches, stretching almost 15 kilometers. The fine sand, gradual water entry, and mild climate create optimal conditions for a comfortable holiday. Besides usual relaxation, vacationers benefit from health improvements. The air in Terracina is rich in iodine vapors (2nd place in the world in concentration) and phytoncides produced by coniferous plants.
Swimming in the sea is possible from May to almost October. The average air temperature in peak season (July) is +23°C. Potential clients can choose from hotels of various categories. The price includes beach use with sunbeds and umbrellas. The high level of service and clean beach area earned the European Union’s “Blue Flag” quality mark.
Capri
The limited area (10 sq. km) did not prevent the island of Capri from becoming one of the world’s famous resorts. The history of sea holidays here dates back to ancient times. This small piece of land in the Neapolitan Gulf was chosen as a permanent residence by the Roman Emperor Tiberius.
During his reign, the “Blue Grotto” was first discovered, known for its peculiar light effect. Sun rays refracting in water create an illusion of bluish glow. The cave was rediscovered in the early 19th century. Tourists enjoy visiting it to admire the beauty of this extraordinary place.
Today, Capri has turned into a luxurious vacation zone. Elite hotels with pools and solariums cater to tourists with significant financial means. Seven specially designated points are available for swimming. Many of them offer water entry but lack sunbathing areas.
Seasoned tourists recommend paying attention to the beaches da Luigi ai Faraglioni, Lido del Faro, and Bagni di Tiberio. They are equipped with necessary amenities and have pebbled surfaces. Water access is via a staircase.
Italy offers a myriad of beautiful coastal towns and beaches where you can enjoy both relaxation and the rich history surrounding you. Whether you prefer the luxurious spots of Capri and Portofino or the family-friendly beaches of Bellaria-Igea Marina, there’s something for everyone.