Beaches in Italy

There are beaches you visit and others you remember for years. Cala Mariolu definitely falls into the second group. A natural amphitheatre of white rock and crystal-clear water, the sea here shifts colour throughout the day, from deep emerald to intense turquoise.

There are beaches that are pleasant, and then there are beaches that stay with you for years. The best beaches in the world for 2026 aren’t judged on looks alone.

The Blue Flag, or Bandiera Blu, is a pretty big deal along the Italian coast. It’s an international stamp of approval for beaches with spotless water, solid lifeguard cover, top-notch facilities, and a real commitment to taking care of the environment.

Calabria sits between the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Ionian Sea, with long sandy stretches on one side and rocky coves beneath medieval towns on the other. In 2026, 27 Blue Flag beaches in Calabria were recognised for their water quality, safety standards and environmental management.What Blue Flag

There are places in Sardinia where the sand seems to set the sea alight.

Owning a home overlooking the Mediterranean is more within reach than many buyers imagine.

Planning a beach holiday in Italy with children is surprisingly easy once you know where to look.

Italy’s coastline remains one of Europe’s most captivating destinations in 2026.

Dreaming of an affordable beach house in Italy with a swimming pool?

You’ll still find property in Italy under €50,000, but it usually sits in parts of the country that have been quietly emptying out for years.

If you’re dreaming of a proper family holiday in Italy with beach time, the best beach towns in Italy for families make a trip away with the kids surprisingly easy. Most are set up for long lunches, slow evenings on the passeggiata and whole days under a rented umbrella, as long as you pick som

If there’s one place in Italy that consistently lives up to the hype when it comes to the sea, it’s Sardinia.

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.

As October winds down, it’s time to trade cold, grey days for sun-soaked mornings on Italy’s stunning coastline.

The Almalfi Coast is a dramatic meeting of mountains and sea along the Sorrentine Peninsula, where towns painted in terracotta and pink tumble down steep cliffsides to the water's edge.

Planning a beach escape to Tuscany? Giglio Island is one of the most scenic destinations in the Tuscan Archipelago, famous for its crystal-clear waters, unspoilt nature, and postcard-worthy beaches.

Liguria is a region full of surprises when it comes to its coastline: from long sandy stretches to secluded pebble coves, as well as hidden bays and well-equipped beaches ideal for families or anyone looking for comfort and relaxation.

Dreaming of a second home by the sea in Italy?

Along the Riviera dei Cedri lies a beach many consider one of Calabria’s most beautiful. Arcomagno Beach, in San Nicola Arcella on the Tyrrhenian coast, is also known as Enea’s Beach, named after the legendary Aeneas who is said to have stopped here.

Italy is flying high in 2025 with an impressive 487 Blue Flag beaches—more than almost anywhere else in the world. With such a vast and varied coastline (and a few sparkling lakes thrown in), you’re truly spoilt for choice when it comes to Italy's many blue flag beaches.

These less touristy beach towns near Rome don’t get the glossy international attention of Amalfi or Cinque Terre, but that’s precisely the point.

Planning a beach holiday in Italy with your dog? You're in luck – Italy is increasingly dog-friendly, with many of its beautiful beaches welcoming four-legged visitors.

Looking for the most beautiful beach in the world in 2025? According to the World’s 50 Best Beaches 2025 ranking, the top spot goes to Cala Goloritzé, a breathtaking hidden gem located on the Baunei coast in Sardinia, Italy.

Owning a seaside villa in Italy is a lifelong dream for many – and with prices starting from just €25,000, that dream might be far more attainable than you think. These Italian villas near the sea offer not only natural beauty and a relaxing lifestyle, but also strong investment potential.