When planning a vacation in Italy, tourists choose not only the resorts and hotels where they plan to stay but also consider the type of beach they will encounter. Some tourists prefer pebbles, as the sea is usually cleaner in such cases. Others prefer sand, which is pleasant to sunbathe on, and children can be entertained by building “castles” and “fortresses.” Italian resorts with sandy beaches await you.
Rimini
A popular resort, its sandy beaches stretch for 15 km, with both paid and free sections. Families with children will find extensive shallow areas, instructors who teach kids to swim, and numerous activities for both younger and older generations. Young people will enjoy the nightclubs, plenty of peers to socialize with, interesting excursions, and diving centers.
However, Rimini lacks historical attractions. But in Italy, with its transportation network, this is not a problem. Two hours by train and you are in Milan, three hours and you are in Venice. Rimini is also attractive due to its moderate prices. Moreover, there are many Russian tourists, and local businesses have adapted to them — with signs, brochures, and menus in Russian.
In short, if you dream of a beach vacation with European service at a moderate price, Rimini is the place for you. The best time to visit is June and September, when there are fewer people, but the quality of the holiday remains high.
Lido di Jesolo
A magnificent family resort, very popular among tourists. The sandy beaches stretch for 15 km. The seabed gradually slopes down, making it suitable even for young children. Most of the beaches belong to the hotels, so if you stay in one of them, you won’t have to pay for a sunbed and umbrella. Traditionally, the most expensive hotels are located on the first line. On the second line are cheaper hotels, shops, bars, and restaurants. On the third line are budget hotels, with public transportation stops nearby.
Notably, this resort has one of the best water parks in Italy. There are also museums and parks, and plenty of beach activities. You can rent a yacht, jet ski, catamaran, go scuba diving, and engage in various sports. The climate is pleasant, with temperatures usually not exceeding +30°C. Swimming is possible from May to September. As for excursions, Venice and Padua with their numerous attractions are nearby.
San Remo
One of the most luxurious resorts on the western coast of Italy. Aristocrats have been vacationing here since the 19th century. Even the Russian Empress Maria Feodorovna with her court visited this place. The city is filled with blooming trees and shrubs, rose beds everywhere, and the scent of flowers is in the air almost year-round. And the cheerful and festive atmosphere, especially during festivals, is worth mentioning!
The beaches in San Remo are mostly sandy, and most of them belong to hotels. The entrance to the sea is very gentle, so diving enthusiasts will have to walk quite far. If you are looking for a 4-5 hotel, you will easily find a suitable option. But simpler hotels are also available — San Remo welcomes everyone. You can stroll through picturesque streets, visit shops, and sit in cafes and restaurants. There is even a beautiful Orthodox church.
A special pleasure is a walk in the garden with tropical plants. And of course, the entire resort city’s services are at your disposal. You can easily book excursions or choose suitable transport to explore the surroundings on your own. The nightlife is also vibrant, with nightclubs and discos where you can party until dawn. Be sure to visit the old part of the city — it is exceptionally beautiful.
Palermo
Palermo is undoubtedly the capital of Sicily and one of the largest cities in Italy. More than 600,000 people live here, and in the summer months, this number increases significantly due to tourists. Life here is bustling. The city’s appearance combines European and Asian features; you can see a Greek temple next to a mosque dome. The local markets, reminiscent of picturesque eastern bazaars, are rich and vibrant. You can try the most unusual food and buy beautiful souvenirs.
The sandy beaches are located near the city and are surrounded by luxurious hotels. You can reach them by public transport, taxi, or even better, rent a car for the entire stay on the island. The infrastructure is well-developed, offering a full range of beach activities, cafes, and entertainment.
Of course, Palermo has many attractions. Be sure to visit the “Catacombs of the Capuchins” museum, where mummies have been preserved for centuries — about 800 bodies in total. The Santa Rosalia Cathedral is beautiful, and the old streets are picturesque. Palermo regularly hosts concerts and festivals. Don’t miss trying the local cuisine, including delicate cheese, fish, fruits, and a variety of coffees.
Cefalu
A small town in northern Sicily. It is most convenient to buy tickets to Palermo (70 km from Cefalu). The climate is excellent, and you can swim as early as May, while September is the best month for a holiday — the weather is pleasant, the number of tourists decreases, and prices drop. The sandy beaches are beautiful. On paid beaches, you will find a spot to relax even in the high season, while on free beaches, finding a sunbed in July and August can be challenging.
Tourists also enjoy the picturesque landscape — gentle coastal areas alternate with steep cliffs. The sea is clean, and diving is enjoyable. Cefalu has a well-developed infrastructure with plenty of hotels, cafes, and clubs. Guests will also appreciate Sicilian cuisine. People have lived in these areas since the 4th century BC, and you can explore archaeological sites. Also worth visiting are the cathedral, city museum, and Osterio Magno Palace. For a breathtaking view, climb the cliffs to see the resort and the sea from above.
Trapani
An extraordinarily poetic town in Sicily. While visitors come to enjoy the magnificent sandy beach — one of the best in the country (stretching about 3 km) — Trapani would attract tourists even without the sea.
Poetic windmills, which have become symbols of the town, an ancient fortress, the Salt Museum, houses that are true works of art, and the Basilica of Our Lady — all await you here. You might also catch one of the numerous local festivals, which are very colorful. The local fishermen bring in rich tuna catches, farmers grow olive trees, and Trapani wine is unparalleled.
Apulia
This eastern region of southern Italy is a charming place for a holiday. The capital is Bari, associated with Saint Nicholas. Apulia has many resorts that welcome thousands of tourists every year. Visitors come to enjoy the beach holidays — most beaches are pebbly, but there are sandy sections as well. There are also many ancient attractions. Churches with architectural splendor and saintly relics, monuments, and historic houses leave vivid impressions on tourists.
Mondello
Many people prefer this resort. It is easy to reach, located near Palermo. You can even stay in Palermo, enjoying the benefits of the big city, and take a bus to Mondello. The beaches here are truly wonderful, with both paid and free sections. The best time to visit is June and September. July and August can be too hot, especially if you are traveling with children. Moreover, it can be quite crowded during these months.
If possible, sunbathe on the paid beaches. You will have guaranteed access to a sunbed, and there will be fewer people around. There are cabins with locks where you can leave your belongings while swimming. You can always find a place to eat — cafes and bars are open, and ice cream is sold. The depth increases gradually, so you will have to walk 100-150 meters to dive. The shallow waters are convenient for families with children and those who can’t swim. The water warms up early, and you can start your holiday in late May. Italians love this place very much.
Sorrento
Sorrento is a very beautiful small town near Naples. It is popular, so it is best to plan your holiday in advance. The beaches here cater to all tastes. The sandy ones are mostly private. You either choose a suitable hotel or pay for entry. However, they are well-maintained with developed infrastructure. The pebble beaches are free, but they can be crowded, and the conditions are not as comfortable. Another option is to drive a little away from the town and relax in one of the numerous secluded coves.
If you choose Sorrento, it is very convenient to rent a car. You can visit Naples with its numerous attractions, explore Pompeii, Vesuvius, and find a good spot on the coast for swimming and sunbathing. In Sorrento, you will feel the true spirit of Italy. There are gardens and groves, numerous cafes and restaurants, and you can book a boat trip or an individual excursion to places of interest. Also, visit the local cathedral. Prices for a holiday are moderate, and it is by no means the most expensive resort in Italy.
Capri
A rather expensive resort, but the service is top-notch. Getting to Capri is easy. Fly to Rome or Naples, take a taxi to the ferry terminal, and you are on Capri. You will find 4-5 hotels, and the best beaches belong to them. So, consider this when choosing a hotel. There are also many fashionable boutiques and entertainment centers on the island. The nature here is stunning. Many celebrities choose Capri for weddings, anniversaries, and other significant events.
It is cheaper to stay at the neighboring Anacapri resort, located on a rocky plateau with simpler hotels and lower prices. What to do? Besides beach holidays, get acquainted with the island’s nature. It is best to hire a motorboat. You will see the Blue Grotto, where the water has an extraordinary hue. Explore the rocks and coves of Capri. It is also interesting to visit the Villa San Michele, which is both a garden and a museum. Overall, the resort is prestigious and expensive, and you should plan accordingly.
Amalfi
Start with the Amalfi Coast. It is a coastal line south of Naples, featuring mountains, cliffs, clear sea, and several sandy beaches. Most of them belong to hotels, so consider this when choosing a place to stay. If you have your own car, you can drive along the coast and find a suitable spot for swimming.
Amalfi is the largest resort on the coast. It has a well-developed infrastructure, many cafes, restaurants, boutiques, entertainment centers, and nightclubs. Almost the entire population works in the tourism industry, so you can be sure of high service standards. Prices are quite high, so saving money is unlikely. Exclusive dishes in restaurants, branded goods in shops, and 4-5 hotels will significantly lighten your wallet, but the impressions of the holiday will be the best.
Moreover, Amalfi has a rich history, once being the center of an entire republic. However, earthquakes and wars caused irreparable damage back then. Visit the local monastery and arsenal. You can also rent a yacht and take a sea trip along the coast. The best way to reach Amalfi is from Naples by bus or train.
Positano
A very beautiful resort, popular among creative individuals, especially artists. However, if you plan to vacation with children, this may not be the best option. There is almost no shallow water, and the depth increases quickly, which is not suitable for small children. There are not many sandy beaches at the resort, but they do exist, mostly belonging to hotels. So, consider this when choosing a place to stay.
The views in Positano are breathtakingly beautiful, and your photos will be wonderful. Overall, the holiday here is very peaceful, and if you come to Italy for bright impressions and strong emotions, choose a larger resort. But for a relaxed holiday, this is perfect. The best pastime here is to rent a boat for the whole day and head to a remote cove with drinks and snacks. You will see very beautiful places, and no one will disturb your solitude.
You can also travel on foot along mountain paths, but note that such walks require physical stamina. The best way to get to Positano is by taxi or renting a car in Naples. You can also use public transport, but transfers will be necessary.
Sardinia
Usually, wealthy people who want to relax in luxurious hotels, host fashionable parties, and sail on yachts come to Sardinia. There are also modest hotels in fishing villages. In short, Sardinia offers an option for everyone. Russian tourists will likely need to transfer in Rome to get here. However, you will see beautiful sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, and pristine nature.
The most elite resort on the island is Costa Smeralda, or “Emerald Coast.” But even if you stay in a modest village, you can still find a secluded cove and sunbathe on a sandy beach. A good option is to rent a car and tour the whole island, visit museums in Cagliari, walk along the paths, and enjoy the lush vegetation. A tip — if you want to vacation in Sardinia during the high season, book your accommodation in advance. Italians love this island and start booking hotel rooms early in the spring.
Ischia
This place is suitable for those who want not only to relax but also to improve their health. The island of Ischia has thermal springs that help with various ailments. So, a trip here can be compared to a stay in a sanatorium. The main thing is to choose a good hotel. But this is not a problem, as new hotels are built on the island every year. Prices are quite high, but there are fewer tourists than on Capri. There are many gardens, especially beautiful during the flowering season. The climate is also pleasant, with no sharp temperature fluctuations, and the beach season starts early and ends late.
It is a short trip from Naples, taking less than three hours. There are not many attractions due to active volcanic activity in past centuries, which erased many from the face of the earth. People then tried to move to the mainland. Now there is no seismic activity, and you can relax peacefully. If you are interested in history, visit the beautiful Aragonese Castle. The beaches on the island are sandy, and there are many spa complexes, making it a great destination.
Senigallia
A wonderful option for a holiday. The golden sandy beaches stretch for 14 km, meaning you will find a free section to sunbathe even in the peak season. The seabed slopes gradually, so you have to walk 100-150 meters from the shore to dive, making it perfect for young children. Young people will enjoy the cultural life of the resort. This place is very popular among musicians, and celebrities often vacation here. Various festivals are held regularly, with the most popular in August.
You can listen to rock and roll performed by stars and amateurs. A downside is that the swimming season ends quite early, so many hotels and cafes close by mid-September. Also, prices are quite high. Cheap hotel rooms are quickly snapped up. A good option is to stay in a nearby town, rent a car, and come to Senigallia to sunbathe and swim. It is also close to Venice and Florence, so staying in this region allows you to explore iconic Italian cities.
Otranto
Getting here is quite challenging — if Italy’s geographical outline resembles a boot, the resort is located on its “heel.” You will have to fly with a transfer. However, you can fully immerse yourself in Italian culture. White houses, sandy beaches, and turquoise sea — that’s Otranto. Prices here are moderate, and you can afford to book a room in a good hotel and rent a car. Since the beach area within the city is always occupied by Italian families, it is better to drive a few kilometers in either direction.
Here you can sunbathe and swim in complete seclusion. The hotels on the resort are decent, the cuisine is delicious, but there are few attractions. Visit the local castle and cathedral. If you want to see more, go to Lecce. This nearby city has earned the title of “Florence of the South” due to its numerous attractions. The best time to visit is June and September, when it is not too hot, the sea is warm, and there are fewer tourists. The resort is best suited for families with young children and middle-aged and older people.
Gallipoli
A small resort near Otranto. The local beaches are excellent. The local population lives not only from tourism but also from fishing. The atmosphere is very pleasant, almost homely. Most of the tourists here are Italians from the southern peninsula. The local nature is picturesque.
The cuisine is also delightful, with delicious seafood dishes. Italians usually come here for a few days, rarely staying longer. There are few attractions, but you should cross the bridge to visit the historic part of the town on a small island. Most tourists enjoy sitting in small cafes, admiring the sea, and trying new dishes and wines.
The holiday is very calm, so it might not suit young people, but it is perfect for parents with young children. The sea is warm and shallow, so you don’t have to worry about your little ones. The beaches are clean. If you visit during the peak season and find it too crowded, rent a car and explore the nearby deserted and beautiful spots where you can sunbathe and swim in complete solitude.
Scilla
A small and very beautiful resort in Calabria. You will have to fly from Russia with a transfer. Choose this place if you crave a peaceful vacation, want to stroll through ancient streets and mountain paths, admire the sea sunset, and try delicious swordfish dishes. Young and active people might find it boring here — except for boating and diving — as the water is clean and the underwater world is rich. The resort is unofficially divided into three parts: the historic part of the town, the tourist coastal zone with hotels and beaches, and the area where fishing families live.
The beach has both free and paid sections. If you prefer to relax on a sunbed under an umbrella, order drinks and ice cream, choose the paid section. Note that the sea depth increases quickly in this area, but there are no strong currents, and storms that could disrupt tourists’ rest are rare. Be sure to visit Ruffo Castle and order signature seafood dishes in the local restaurants. If you are vacationing at another nearby resort, visit Scilla for at least a day — it is worth it.
Tropea
Another popular resort in southern Italy, on the “toe of the boot.” The best way to get here is by transferring: fly to Rome and then take a train to Tropea. It has beautiful sandy beaches, moderate prices, many hotels, and a long warm season — you can swim until late September. The resort is clean and welcoming. However, there are some drawbacks. If you want to combine a beach holiday with sightseeing, Tropea is not for you. Most people come here to relax on the warm sand and swim in the sea.
The seabed slopes quickly, making it inconvenient for small children — unless parents rent a car and drive along the coast to find a suitable shallow cove. Also, the resort area often has medium-sized waves. For teenagers and adults, this is not a problem, and many even enjoy jumping on the waves, but small children won’t be able to swim. In short, the place is wonderful, but families with children should consider all the nuances to avoid disappointment.
Maratea
Visit Maratea if you are tired of city noise and want to enjoy a quiet, comfortable holiday. It is quite possible that the travel agency has never heard of Maratea — it is not very popular among tour operators. It is located quite far from international airports. You need to fly to Rome or Naples and then transfer to a train. Additionally, the small town lies on a mountainside, which means that tourists who do not like walking up and down may find it inconvenient. The beaches here are mostly pebbly, but there are also sandy ones. Many of them belong to hotels.
However, if you rent a boat and travel along the coast, you will inevitably find small sandy beaches that can only be reached by sea. A holiday in Maratea is not the cheapest, so saving money is unlikely. But you will be able to fully enjoy the tranquility. There are many churches, and a large statue of Christ stands on the rocky mountainside. Delicious cuisine and beautiful views — in short, this resort will leave you with long-lasting memories. The best resorts in Italy with their unique atmosphere await you.
Italy Coastal Paradise: 19 Best Resorts by the Sea
