Looking for the perfect seaside escape this summer? Italy has once again proven itself as one of Europe’s top coastal destinations. According to the 2025 European Best Destination ranking, three stunning beaches in Sardinia have been named among the 10 best beaches in Europe — placing Italy firmly in the spotlight for summer travel.
The travel organisation, based in Brussels, compiles this annual list based on votes and preferences from travellers around the world. This year, Cala Brandinchi, Cala Luna, and La Pelosa have earned Italy a prime position on the list — making Sardinia a must-visit beach destination in 2025.
Italy’s top-ranked beaches in Europe 2025
All three Italian beaches in the top ten are located on the island of Sardinia, known for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and dramatic landscapes. Here’s what makes each of them special:
Cala Brandinchi – Ranked #2 in Europe
Nicknamed “Little Tahiti”, Cala Brandinchi is one of Italy’s most beautiful beaches. With its fine white sand and shallow, turquoise waters, it’s perfect for families and ideal for those seeking a calm, scenic setting. Surrounded by pine trees and Mediterranean vegetation, it offers a peaceful escape just a short distance from San Teodoro.
Cala Luna – Ranked #4
A favourite for adventurers, Cala Luna is accessible by boat or via a hiking trail through the rugged Supramonte landscape. The beach’s crescent shape, golden sand, and sea caves create a truly unique environment. It’s one of Sardinia’s most iconic beaches and a dream spot for nature lovers and snorkellers.
La Pelosa – Ranked #6
Often compared to a Caribbean paradise, La Pelosa, near the town of Stintino, is famous for its shallow turquoise waters and pristine white sand. The 16th-century Torre della Pelosa adds historic charm to this stunning beach, which is frequently listed among the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Top 10 most beautiful beaches in Europe 2025
The full ranking from European Best Destination includes breathtaking coastlines from across the continent. Here are the beaches that made the 2025 list:
- Port Glarokavos Beach – Kassandra Peninsula, Chalkidiki, Greece
- Cala Brandinchi – Sardinia, Italy
- Cala Pregonda – Menorca, Spain
- Cala Luna – Sardinia, Italy
- Gale Fontainhas Beach – Grândola, Alentejo, Portugal
- La Pelosa – Stintino, Sardinia, Italy
- Los Muertos Beach – Carboneras, Almería, Spain
- Assos Beach – Kefalonia Island, Greece
- Banje Beach – Dubrovnik, Croatia
- Gulpiyuri Beach – Llanes, Asturias, Spain
Why choose Italy for your beach holiday in 2025?
With its warm climate, stunning coastline, and rich culture, Italy is one of the best countries in Europe for a beach holiday. The 2025 ranking confirms what many already know: Sardinia offers some of the most breathtaking beaches not only in Italy but across the continent.
Whether you're planning a family-friendly trip or a romantic summer getaway, Sardinia’s beaches are among the top places to visit in Europe in 2025.
Barcolana 2025: the world’s largest regatta
Each October, Barcolana turns northern Italy into a sea of sails across the Gulf of Trieste. It’s officially the world’s largest sailing race by fleet size, a Guinness‑recognised mass start that has drawn 2,689 boats. Tens of thousands gather on the water and crowds line the Rive and the slopes to watch it unfold.
10 best day trips from Rome
Rome doesn’t end at the city walls. Within an hour, you’ve got imperial showpieces, quiet lakeside towns, medieval hilltops and a stretch of Tyrrhenian coast. The top 10 spots to visit near Rome bring together easy train rides, wide views and proper plates of local food.
10 things not to do in Italy: local etiquette and tips
Italy moves on unspoken rules and long‑standing habits. The ten things not to do in Italy are mostly about small courtesies—how you order, how you greet, and how you handle day‑to‑day travel. With a few local etiquette and tips in your back pocket, you’ll slip into the rhythm without any fuss.
The 5 most beautiful medieval towns in Italy you must visit
Italy is home to countless medieval towns and villages, each steeped in history and bursting with charm. From hilltop villages in Tuscany to coastal gems along the Amalfi Coast, these towns transport visitors back in time, offering a glimpse of life as it was centuries ago. But which are the most beautiful medieval villages in Italy? Here’s our guide to the top 5 must-visit medieval towns in Italy.
Where Italians retire: your guide to authentic Italian retirement living
When choosing a place to retire, there’s no better guide than the Italians themselves. While some pensioners head abroad in search of lower living costs, many Italians know that the most authentic lifestyle is found at home – in regions where beauty, community, and tradition come together.
Top Italian regional cheeses that make the cut
Italy does cheese the way nonna does Sunday lunch: with pride and deep regional roots. Across the Alpine pastures, the Po Valley dairies and the sunny farms of Sicily, each area champions its own cheese styles. These are shaped by milk type, ageing traditions and DOP/IGP rules. The heavy hitters sit under the umbrella of top Italian PDO cheeses, and the nuances unfold as terroir and technique shift from valley to coast.
Italy’s Roman ruins outside Rome: top ancient sites by region
Rome is the headline act, but Italy’s Roman ruins outside Rome deliver ancient drama with fewer crowds and gentler prices. Think evocative ports, theatres and mosaics, with straightforward trains and buses to keep things simple. Take more time for an aperitivo instead of queuing as you explore some of the most ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites in Italy.