Let’s face it, you can’t compare the beaches in the Mediterranean with those of the Pacific, Caribean, Florida, etc, The water is generally cooler, and the sand is coarser. The water is also more salty, and sometimes the beaches can be rocky (including cliffs). But that doesn’t mean you can’t find a beautiful location to take a swim. In fact, there are many!

Here are some of Italy’s better beaches (From North to South)

Italian riviera – off of Genoa (Northwest)

Cinque Terre

• Riomaggiore – very rocky beach with cliffs, etc. A 2 minute walk from town.

• Monterosso al Mare - westernmost of the Cinque Terre - reached by walking along the most difficult part of the "Sentiero Azzurro" footpath. However, the beach is just opposite the train station.

Northeast

Rimini – Northeast coast of Italy, south of Venice. Known as a spring break mecca for Europeans. Filled with nightlife, bars, café’s, etc.

Tuscany

• Tuscan island of Giglio – visit the picturesque village of Giglio Porto, regular ferry service (1 hour trip) from Porto Santo Stefano.

• Capalbio – a little off the beaten path, but well worth it. Frequented by many jet setters, VIP’s, politicians, etc.

Sardinia (Island)

Sardinia’s West Coast - La Costa Smeralda – Sardinian 5-star resort area – Bill Gates has a house here….not much more to say than that.

Rome (central)

• Lido di Ostia – This is where many Romans will go when they want a short beach getaway. Many great restaurants, wide sandy beaches, shops, etc.

• Terracina – about 1.5 hours Southwest of Rome, on the way to Naples

Amalfi Coast

quaint little villages, small beaches (not sandy), with beautiful cliffs, and amazing beauty. The beaches in Amalfi, Ravello, and Positano are very popular.

Calabria

Tropea / Capo Vaticano – crystal clear waters, and white sandy beaches. Not such a well known beach as the others.

Sicily (Island)

• Cefalu’ – about an hour east of Palermo, also a resort area, nice sandy beach, in a picturesque fishing village

• Salina – one of the Aeolian islands, many Italian jetsetters will spend their summer here.

• Lampedusa – Spiaggia dei Conigli or Rabbits beach (South side of island) - an island between Sicily and Africa, where many experts agree is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.