Bella Italia, the land of pasta, pizza and stunning beaches. Offering nearly 8,000 kilometres of coastline, this beautiful boot-shaped paradise offers countless opportunities for beach lovers to bask in the sun and sink their toes in the sand.
The beaches here are so clean and well-serviced that they’ve earned the prestigious Blue Flag status. And let’s not forget the jaw-dropping beauty of Italy's iconic coastal towns, with UNESCO awards for both natural and historical significance.
Whether you’re discovering the rocky shoreline Cinque Terre or lounging on the glamorous beaches of the Amalfi Coast, you’ll be living the dolce a vita.
If you’re looking for a beach holiday that offers more than just sand and sunscreen, then check out some of our top picks for Italy beach holidays. You can also dive into a multi-centre trip and experience the ultimate combination of sun, sand and bustling city life.
View our favourite Italy beach holidays below.
Beach holidays on the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi coast boasts many Blue Flag beaches including Anacapri, Positano, San Mauro Cilento, and Pollica-Acciaroli. There’s nothing more breath-taking than driving along the mountain road to see the vertiginous, colourful houses clinging to the cliff face in Positano and marvel at the exhilarating coastal views all around. Down on the beach however the drama has gone – sunbathing and gelato (ice cream)-eating while relaxing beside the Tyrrhenian sea is the order of the day.
You can stay high up – or down on the seafront in places like gorgeous Amalfi, with its attractive main square and the Duomo. Gaze at the sea from rooftop terraces and relish local Neapolitan cuisine.
From the Amalfi Coast it’s worth visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were buried beneath burning ash when nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 A.D.
Our recommended beach hotel on the Amalfi Coast
Hotel Palazzo Murat
Nestled in the tranquil and traffic-free part of Positano, this hotel is perfect for relaxing and unwinding. Surrounded by beautiful green gardens and excellent sea views, this hotel offers the perfect escape.
Beach holidays in Cinque Terre
Our holidays in Cinque Terre offer the ultimate beach holiday experience, with a diverse coastline featuring small bays, all surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Ligurian Sea.
The region is characterised by its charming seaside villages, where rows of brightly coloured buildings hug the rugged coastline. We absolutely love the clusters of multi-coloured houses - a stunning contrast to the backdrop of majestic mountains.
Monterosso boasts two long beaches with sand and pebbles, including the famous Fegina beach with its iconic rock formation and vibrant umbrellas. Or for a quieter and more secluded option, you can head to the old town beach and Spiaggia Tragagia, near the small harbour of Monterosso. It's just a few steps from the historical centre, or a quick ferry ride away. This peaceful and serene beach provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the main beaches.
Our recommended beach hotel in Cinque Terre
Grand Hotel Portovenere
This hotel offers stunning sea views and in conveniently located right on the doorstep of Cinque Terre. With regular boats departing from the harbour in front of the hotel, exploring the coastline is effortless.
