Italy has quietly done very well in TripAdvisor’s 2026 ranking of the best beaches in the world. Three Italian beaches made it into the global top 25, putting the country just behind Greece in total entries. It’s a reminder that Italy’s appeal isn’t only about art cities and food, but also about stretches of coastline that can hold their own internationally.
La Pelosa, Sardinia
Ranked eighth in TripAdvisor's Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best Beaches, La Pelosa is in north-west Sardinia, facing the Gulf of Asinara. The beach is part of a carefully managed coastal area, with regulated access during peak months to protect its fragile ecosystem.
What makes it special?
La Pelosa’s appeal lies in its shallow, crystal-clear water and pale sand, which create an almost Caribbean effect in the Mediterranean. The sea stays waist-deep for quite a distance, which draws families looking for kid-friendly beaches as well as swimmers who prefer calmer conditions.
Beachgoers are required to use mats under their towels to limit sand erosion. These measures can feel strict, but they help preserve the clarity and colour that earned the beach its 8th-place ranking.
Spiaggia dei Conigli, Lampedusa
Coming 18th on the list, Spiaggia dei Conigli sits on the island of Lampedusa, Italy’s southernmost territory. It forms part of a protected nature reserve and remains largely untouched by large-scale development.
Why travellers rate it highly
The beach is celebrated for its turquoise water and rich marine life. It’s also an important nesting site for loggerhead sea turtles, which adds to its environmental significance.
Spiaggia La Cinta, Sardinia
La Cinta lies on Sardinia’s north-east coast, stretching for several kilometres in front of the lagoon of San Teodoro. Number 24 on TripAdvisor's Best of the Best Beaches ranking, it runs alongside dunes and wetlands where birdlife is part of the scenery.
San Teodoro has developed into a well-established holiday base, but it retains a relatively low skyline, with small villas and apartments set among Mediterranean vegetation.
Why it stands out
La Cinta’s width and length give it a sense of space that’s increasingly rare in peak summer. The water is clear and shallow near the shore, while the lagoon behind the beach attracts windsurfers and nature enthusiasts.
Its 24th-place ranking reflects consistent traveller reviews praising cleanliness, scenery and the overall setting rather than flashy development.
Sardinia and Lampedusa strengthen Italy’s beach reputation
With two beaches in Sardinia and one in Lampedusa, Italy’s presence in the 2026 ranking underlines the country’s coastal range. Often seen as having some of the best beaches in Europe, Sardinia delivers long arcs of Blue-Flag awarded pale sand, controlled access. Plus, the island is home to a hidden cove that is recognised as one of the most beautiful in the world. Lampedusa represents a more remote, pared-back version of island life.
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