It’s been so long! I’m finally back from Barcelona (I’ll have pictures soon) and ready to get back to Italyville:) Hope everyone is having a great summer so far. In the spirit of summer I have decided to rank Italian beaches…. I’m crazy,I know. In my opinion there’s hundreds of beaches that belong on this list but here are 7 great areas to start with. Click on the name of the area to map it.
Italy has approximately 7600 km (4722 miles) of coastline and more than its share of great beaches. I took on the daunting task of trying to rank the top beaches knowing full well that I would get in a whole lot of trouble with a whole lot of people. I decided to go with the top 7 beach areas because top 5 was too hard. It’s just my opinion (the one you think should be on the list actually came in at #8 sorry!) I’ve been to all the beaches on the list… but not ALL the beaches in Italy (that’s a full time job… and not a bad idea) I also tried to mix it up in regards to type of beach. They are all great for various reasons. Place these beaches in any order 1-7 and I would still be ok with it. So here goes…
#7 Forte dei Marmi/Viareggio:This stretch of coast is well known as the summer retreat of Italy’s rich and famous. Located in Tuscany,Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi have long been associated with the luxury Yacht industry. The wide sandy beaches are complemented by great restaurants and beautiful villas. (Flickr photos from left to right:Andrea Marutti,Miquel Ariel Contreras)
Best:Beach to Celebrity Watch
#6 – Sardegna’s West Coast:Sardegna’s Emerald Coast is well known in many parts of the world…. but how about the opposite coast? The beaches along Sardegna’s West Coast are amazing. Stops along the coast will yield secluded beaches,turquoise waters and much more. Pack a lunch,find your own beach and enjoy! (Flickr photos from left to right:jimmyroq,luvi)
Best:Secluded Beaches
#5 The Amalfi Coast:Ahhhhh,la Costa Amalfitana. Enchanting and spectacular…. just don’t fall off the edge. The Amalfi coast is dotted with quaint villages and small beaches that will take your breath away. If you are looking for a wide stretch of sand,the Amalfi Coast is not for you but you’ll find plenty of small beaches surrounded by cliffs and jaw dropping scenery.
(Flickr photos from left to right:fachxx00,designatednaphour)
Best:Coastal Vacation
#4 Tropea/Capo Vaticano:One of the most spectacular beaches on the coast of Calabria The Tropea/Capo Vaticano area has crystal clear turquoise waters and white sand beaches. Still a bit under the radar,Tropea’s historic town center boasts a large piazza with plenty of great restaurants and shops. (Flickr photos from left to right:daxliar,catepol)
Best:Water and Sand
#3 Lido di Ostia:This is Rome’s seaside retreat. The beach clubs (lidos) in Lido di Ostia are top notch and offer something for everyone. Great restaurants,wide sandy beaches,shops,sports and more. The region has also made great strides in improving the water quality over the years. If you want to party on the beach after hours,you can and another bonus is that Lido di Ostia is a short drive to Rome. (Flickr photos from left to right:Livia Patta,geomangia)
Best:Overall Beach Experience
#2 Cinque Terre:It’s not much of a secret anymore but Cinque Terre is one of Italy’s gems. These five towns that hang on or hang off the coast of the Liguria region are mind blowing! Monterosso,Vernazza,Corniglia,Manarola and Riomaggiore are connected by hiking trails with some of the most dazzling and breathe taking views. The beaches are small and some are rocky. Book a hotel with your #1 girl/guy and stay a while. (Flickr photos from left to right:oaklandnative,AndreiZ)
Best:Romantic Getaway
#1 Rimini/Riccione:Where do all the young,hip people from Milan and Bologna go when they want to head to the beach? The Rimini/Riccione area of course! Catch some rays or play beach soccer,tennis or volleyball during the day but once 3pm rolls around. It’s a full out beach party! DJs,cocktails and a great looking crowd. The beaches in Rimini and Riccione are wide and sandy although the w
ater is average. (Flickr photo left:AmUnivers,right:Criterium Events)
Best:Beach Party
So sorry but I have to disagree with you in some respects. Rimini should be listed as the most dirty beach in the world. I went there and was too disgusted to get in the water –honestly it was scifo! Entertainment wise this is the place for nightclubs etc…so it is number one for this as you said…but beach wise it leaves a lot to be desired.
Also Roma Ostia…well I live in Rome and I do go there as there is no other option. But it is not so special in my mind.
However TOTALLY agree with Tropea –such white,clean sand and the water there is amazing!
And Cinque Terre and Amalfi –agreed! Great,great locations and such beautiful and unique towns that I am glad they too are in the list.
Can definitely second (or third!) the Tropea review…LOVE it there
Gorgeous pictures! I was just wondering about you and where you have been hiding!
Had a holiday with #1 guy some years back at Cinque Terre- it’s a beautiful place.
Not too keen on Rimini,but lower down on the same stretch of coast there are some stunning beaches:Sirolo,Numana,etc.
Never been to Tropea,but it looks as though it’s a hit with everyone. (Welcome back,Joe.)
Hi Leanne…. I’m in trouble already!:) you are right about the water in Rimini. Certainly well below avarage but the party makes up for it. I love Ostia! Corallo Beach is one of my favorites:) The ones close to home never seem that special.
Hi Michele…there’s a few on your side that could easily be on this list as well.
Hi Maryann…I’ve been away but am back.
Thanks Sally! There are so many great ones…hope you’re well.
Ok so been to Rimini,Liguria,Amalfi,going to Ostia on this trip as our new chef and business partner lives there,my parents just bought an apartment in next village to Tropea so I’m doing well I think:)
I just had to comment on this. What a fantastic idea for a post. I love it. You’ve got to love Italian beach culture. I could just watch people from behind my sun glasses all day!
Having said that my top beach so far is part of a natural reserve in the Maremma (no bars,loungers or loos!) Argentario is south of Grosseto going towards Ostia. You drive on a sandy track through a forest of umbrella pines,past long horned cattle,eventually you have to leave the car and walk on until the pines literally grow into the sea. The beach is strewn with beautifully bleached drift wood which people build into strange wig wams and sculptures. The coast line curves around and you can see a sandspit going out to a little island and distant mountains beyond. Hey you know what I’m going to go there,take some photos and post on it so you can check it out. Sorry this is so long I got a bit carried away there:) Amanda
Hey Joe. Tropea is beautiful but I agree Caminia is pretty close. I prefer Caminia because it is less touristy,even though Tropea beats all the others in that list as for as tourist hotspots go.
Great list. I cant wait to check out some of the others.
lorraine,is your parents’place in Pizzo Calabro? great town!
Amanda,you’re right…I spent a lot of time in that area as my friend has a place in Punt’Ala…it’s beautiful.
Cherrye…LOVE LOVE LOVE Caminia. It’s my aunt’s favorite and she’s from Lamezia.
My husband and I are taking our 1st trip to Rome. My husband wants to spend time on the beach big time! We were thinking of renting a car and driving to the Amalfi Coast but unsure of what city,public beaches,etc. After reading your recomendation do you think Roma Ostia is just as good? We only have 6 days so I want to make good use of our time!! Plus how is the driving to Amalfi? We are leaving August 12,2008 for The Eternal City…so,could use some advice for sure!!
Thanks!
Hi Cherie,Thanks for stopping by. Amalfi is completely different from Ostia (not naturally beautiful like Amalfi.) Ostia made the list because of its beach clubs and is a convenient option if you’re there to see Roma. Six days in total? Amalfi is a bit of a challenge for the amount of time you have especially if you’re driving…you can get there in 3-4 hours (on the A-1 but if you want to drive the coast it will take much longer) you should spend several days if you go. If you are just looking for some beach time,Ostia is an easy day trip from Rome and you can take the metro to “Lido centro.”If you drive in,I would get there early and pay for a spot at one of the beach clubs (lidos/stabilimenti balneari) as theft is on the high side. One of my favorite beach clubs is Corallo Beach (corallobeach (dot) it) they have everything you can ask for…restaurant,bathrooms,sports,bar,beach shop,etc. There are also some great restaurants in the area. If you are looking for something a little more picturesque and not too far from Roma,you could drive up to Porto Santo Stefano (about 2 hour drive along the coast from Roma)and consider taking a ferry over to Isola del Giglio (absolutely beautiful!)
I guess that as one of the few Romagna expats in the Western world (Romagnoli are only keen on going to other beach destination,possibly in the developing world!) I feel proud you put Rimini at the top,but also a bit embarrassed! I love my land,but anyone who’s tried to get in the water in August in Romagna knows this is not the best beach destination in the world! Enjoy crystal clear water in June and September,when the crowds have left and there’s a wonderful beach all for the locals…which makes for great racchettoni tournaments!
As a representative of Romagnoli nel Mondo,we thank you and we’re flattered…