Italy offers a wealth of incredible beaches ideal for family holidays, especially during the summer. We've selected some of the best beaches in Italy for families — perfect for swimming with toddlers, snorkelling with tweens, and hanging out with young adults. Many of these family-friendly beaches in Italy have earned Green Flags due to their clean, fine sand for kids to play in, clear shallow waters with gradual entrances, and the presence of lifeguards. Additional factors include the availability of playgrounds, baby changing areas, and nearby amenities like bars and restaurants.
Choosing the ideal beach for your family might involve searching for Italy's best white sandy beaches or rocky coves for the kids to explore. Perhaps discovering Italy's top beach resorts for families works better for you, but whatever your preference, Italy is brimming with seaside spots to spend the summer with family.
Which part of Italy is best for families?
When deciding which part of Italy is best for families, it greatly depends on whether you’re seeking coastal adventures or mountainous retreats. The Dolomites are an excellent choice for mountain-loving families who enjoy exploring inland, but if you're seeking coastal relaxation, Italy's various coastlines provide calm waters, excellent amenities, and many family resorts.
Tuscany: known for its sandy beaches, gentle waters, and numerous family resorts. Popular spots include Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, and Marina di Grosseto.
Sardinia: pristine beaches with shallow waters perfect for children. The Costa Smeralda, San Teodoro, and Alghero are especially popular for family vacations.
Emilia-Romagna: the Adriatic coast here is famous for its family-friendly atmosphere. Rimini and Riccione have numerous activities, entertainment options, and well-equipped beaches.
Liguria: with charming coastal towns like Alassio, Finale Ligure, and Levanto, this region provides beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for children.
Puglia: known for its stunning coastline, Puglia offers family-friendly beaches like those in Vieste, Ostuni, and Porto Cesareo, which have clear shallow waters and ample amenities.
Seven best beaches for families in Italy
These are our top picks of the areas of Italy where you will find the best family beaches in Italy for this summer. Pack the sun cream, snorkelling kit and the bucket and spade in preparation for a family holiday by the beach in Italy.
Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany
Our first stop on the hunt for the best beaches in Italy for families is Forte dei Marmi, which boasts the Green Flag award. This famous resort in Versilia features wide beaches with fine, golden sand, modern facilities equipped with every comfort, and a wide range of services designed for children.
While adults relax under parasols or gazebos, kids can join games and activities organised on the beach, though these come at a cost. For a budget-friendly option, there are also fully-equipped, free beaches that retain the wild and rugged charm of Versilia.
Cervia, northern Italy
The Riviera Romagnola is renowned for its hospitality and excellent services, attracting tourists year after year. Among the most famous resorts on this Adriatic coast stretch is Cervia. This stretch of coast caters to family tourism, making it an ideal destination for a kid-friendly vacation in Italy. Cervia beach offers expansive, safe beaches where children can play and it also boasts a wide range of activities, such as walks in the pine forests and visits to the Case delle Farfalle Butterfly House.
For families seeking more active adventures, CerviAvventura, an adventure park in the Natural Park of Cervia, or the theme park Mirabilandia is perfect for an afternoon of fun.
Spiaggia di Velluto, Senigallia
Along the Adriatic coast lies Senigallia, a town in Marche renowned for its sandy beaches and clear, blue sea. Senigallia's coastline stretches for approximately 13 kilometres, offering a mix of sandy beaches and rocky areas.
The main beach, "Spiaggia di Velluto", or Velvet Beach, is particularly famous for its fine, golden sand, hence the name. This Blue Flag beach provides excellent facilities, including beach clubs, umbrellas, and sunbeds available for rent. The shallow waters and gradual slope make it safe for families and children to swim and play.
Spiaggia di Castello, Vieste
Vieste, the pride of Gargano National Park, is one of the best beach resorts in Italy for families. This is arguably one of Italy's most beautiful coastlines, with bays, caves, long sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. Among its famous beaches, Spiaggia di Castello, or Castle Beach, which stands out due to its iconic white rock stack, Pizzomunn. The soft sand is perfect for children, and it’s a short walk from Spiaggia dei Pipistrelli, Beach of Bats, which has cave the kids can explore. Another great option is Spiaggia della Scialara, near the city centre, and Baia San Felice, which is protected from winds and currents.
Older kids and young adults can enjoy water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, with rental services available along the beach. Additionally, families can rent bicycles to explore coastal paths or join guided hiking tours in the surrounding area.
Spiaggia La Cinta, Sardinia
San Teodoro, a sunny village in Gallura, is a natural paradise on Sardinia's northeast coast, overlooking turquoise seas. The main beach, La Cinta, features a long stretch of fine white sand and shallow, calm waters, perfect for families with children. Nearby beaches like Cala Brandinchi and Lu Impostu offer equally stunning views and opportunities for swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing.
Beyond the beaches, San Teodoro provides various activities for children, including organised kids' programmes at resorts. Families can also enjoy excursions to local attractions like water parks, adventure parks, and animal parks.
San Vito Lo Capo, Sicily
San Vito Lo Capo is a picturesque beach situated in northwestern Sicily. Known for its vibrant cultural festivals, such as the annual Cous Cous Fest, the beach boasts a lively atmosphere with clear waters and plenty of family-friendly amenities. Surrounded by great restaurants and beachfront kiosks, it offers an ideal setting for a relaxing family holiday.
Zingaro Nature Reserve is also nearby, which offers families a chance to explore the diverse Sicilian flora and fauna on hikes.
Cala Goloritze, Sardinia
Renowned for its dramatic natural beauty, Cala Goloritze, near the village of Baunei in Nuoro, a UNESCO-listed site, offers a unique beach experience for adventurous families, especially with teenagers. Accessible by a scenic hike or boat, this beach features stunning limestone cliffs and towering rock formations against pristine turquoise waters.
Although it requires some effort to reach, families are rewarded with an unforgettable setting perfect for real swimming and snorkelling. The serene environment and breathtaking scenery make it a memorable destination for nature lovers.