The Best Beaches and Islands for Luxuriating in Italy

The country of Italy is best known as a boot-shaped haven for some of the world’s best cuisine and wine. In Europe though, it’s known for having some truly resplendent beaches. Planning a trip to Italy? Then you’ll want to look into these top beaches for the best weather during your Italian holiday. From mountainous backdrops and rustic retreats to luxurious leisure and unspoiled sands, Italy is every bit as amazing a beach destination as the Caribbean but with true Italian fiuto.

While the boot spans quite a stretch, the hottest weather in Italy comes in August where the average maximum temperature was noted at 30°C / 86°F, usually staying around a high of average 25°C / 77°F and low of 21°C / 70°F. You can find out more about Italy’s climate year-round here. That being said, because of the different regions and locations along the coast, the experience can be very different from beach to beach in Italy. Read on to find out your best options for your desired time of travel.

Camogli Beach, Liguria

Close by, the French Riviera draws in more crowds, but you’ll be thankful for that here in this Italian paradise that has fewer tourists clogging it up. The stunning Mediterranean beauty of this picturesque fishing village with spectacular mountains rising up all around it is like something from a postcard.

This location has something for everyone too whether you’re coming with the family, seeking adventure, or simply looking to relax with drinks beachside. Liguria has a mild climate year-round thanks to the location on the sea and the mountains along it, plus it gets very little rain, making it a fantastic Italian holiday that rivals the Riviera for much less.

Porto Campana, Sardinia

It’s the beach spot for any type of beach lover, particularly those that love an adventure. Here, you’ll find plenty to do among the waves like surfing or paddleboarding. But of course, no one would blame you in the slightest if all you wished to do was perch upon a lounger in the sand with a cocktail in hand. In fact, we recommend it in this beautiful Italian scene. Behind the beach in the shallow lagoon of Stangioni de Su Sali get the chance to see Pink Flamingos feeding.

This is the place to be if you want to maximize your beach time because the warm climate here makes it ripe for swimming for 6 months, something it is revered for. The sea stays warm from May until October, making it the ideal Italian destination for those that want to make a splash.

Spiaggia del Fornillo, Positano

It’s like something out of a magazine with deep blue seas swelling around the cliffs with pastel-colored homes dotted all along them. While Positano has some truly special beaches, Spiaggia del Fornillo might just be the best of the best.

The dark sands contrast with the brightly colored lounge chairs that line the shore. It’s a popular place indeed, however it feels spacious enough that you won’t mind the others partaking in a holiday alongside you. Nestled above the Mediterranean, it’s hard to be unhappy in a place like this. To truly enjoy the beach life here, you’ll want to come between June and August when the weather is favorable for beach exploration with clear skies and dry conditions, even if it is just a tad muggy.

Otranto Beach, Otranto

In the easternmost town of Italy, you’ll find a soft white-sanded paradise along the Adriatic Sea. This is the ideal place to come if you’ve only got a short time to holiday in Italy because you can do all the beachy things you desire from swimming to snorkeling to simply soaking up the sun and indulge in fine wines and foods that may take a toll on your beach body, but they will surely be worth it, especially when enjoyed in these surroundings.

Visit between June and September for the warmest and most cloudless weather.

Rabbit Beach, Lampedusa

For a truly off-the-beaten-path beach experience in Italy, you’ll jump through any hoop to make it to this destination. Incredibly secluded, you’ll enjoy the shallow and clear waters flanked by stunning cliffs that serve to keep the strong winds and waves away. Ideal for adventurers, you shouldn’t miss out on snorkeling here, however it’s on the extremely rustic side so be well-prepared with sustenance as well as gear before making the trek.

As it’s even further south than Sicily, you can expect to enjoy hot and sunny summers with the terrain keeping the breeze just right for your comfort.

Spiaggia di Chiaia di Luna, Ponza

Hailed as one of the must-visit beaches of Italy, the towering bluffs that overlook the sea are a stunning backdrop to your holiday photos. You’ll get plenty of beach time here, but if you’re a history or archaeology aficionado, you don’t want to miss the chance to explore the island’s ruins from the Romans and Etruscans. Lit fans too will be happy to visit as this is the place where Homer supposedly found his inspiration, the very place where Odysseus first met Circe in his legendary tale.

The summer is short here, from mid-June until early September, otherwise expect the waters to be too chilly for swimming.

Scala dei Turchi, Sicily

Truly a one-of-a-kind site to behold, this beach features the famed Turkish Steps which slope down gently to the sea, making it a must-see on your Italian beach itinerary. For those that have a difficult time with hiking or are fearful of heights, you might want to skip the climb.

True adventurers will linger for the sunset with incredible golden cliffs juxtaposed with the blazing sky as the ultimate payoff. As Sicily is revered for countless other things from food to wine, you will find much to occupy your time with while here. The waters here are warmest from July through early September, with the hottest temperatures on land in August. While Sicily is arguably one of the most amazing place to visit any time of the year, if you want to don your swimming apparel, you should plan for a summer holiday.

Which of these 7 Italian beaches will you visit first?