Forget the usual generic rankings, because choosing where to spend your beach holidays in Italy means navigating thousands of kilometres of vastly different coastline. The “Bel Paese” (Beautiful Country) offers a constantly changing landscape, from the limestone cliffs of the Adriatic plunging into the blue sea to the stretches of white volcanic sand in the deep South.
In this guide, we have selected the 15 most charming seaside destinations for summer 2026. Our list focuses on the regions where we have historically operated, particularly favouring the variety of landscapes, the authenticity of the area, and the overall quality of the experience.
By reading the following paragraphs, you will discover not only picture-perfect beaches, but also the most hidden coves, the differences between the various bays, the best times to avoid the crowds, and the local traditional dishes you absolutely must not miss.
An overview of the 15 destinations
To help you find the right inspiration right away, we have summarised the main features of our fifteen destinations in this handy comparison table. This way, you can immediately see which destination is right for you.
| Destination | Region | Beach type | Ideal for |
| 1. Riviera del Conero | Marche | White pebbles and cliffs | Nature and wild views |
| 2. Numana | Marche | Fine gravel and sand | Families and convenience |
| 3. Senigallia | Marche | Very fine sand | Beach life and events |
| 4. Argentario | Tuscany | Rocky coves and scrubland | Couples and boat trips |
| 5. Elba Island | Tuscany | Mixed (golden sand and pebbles) | Exploration and geodiversity |
| 6. Cesenatico | Emilia-Romagna | Sand and shallow waters | Families and bike rides |
| 7. Sperlonga | Lazio | Golden sand | Historic villages and elegance |
| 8. Sabaudia | Lazio | Sand and natural dunes | Unspoilt nature and sports |
| 9. Pontine Islands | Lazio | Volcanic rocks | Snorkelling and social life |
| 10. Ortona | Abruzzo | Mixed (sand and pebbles) | Tranquillity and cycle tourism |
| 11. Gargano Park | Puglia | White cliffs and sea stacks | Striking landscapes and forests |
| 12. Polignano a Mare | Puglia | Smooth pebbles and rocks | Breathtaking views and photography |
| 13. Salento | Puglia | Mixed (Ionian sand, Adriatic rocks) | Traditions and food & wine |
| 14. San Vito lo Capo | Sicily | Very fine white sand | Caribbean-like sea and excursions |
| 15. Aeolian Islands | Sicily | Black sand and rocks | Unique volcanic landscapes |
1. Riviera del Conero, in the Marche region
The visual impact of the Riviera del Conero is surprising even from the motorway, when the flat Adriatic coast suddenly rises into a promontory that drops sheer to the sea with dazzling white cliffs. We are in the exact place where dense holm oak forests meet the turquoise water.
Before you go, it’s useful to know that visiting the area’s most iconic beaches requires some planning, as these places are not easily accessible to everyone.
The famous Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle (Beach of the Two Sisters), dominated by its two immense twin sea stacks, is in fact only reachable by sea by renting a boat or taking one of the ferries from Numana, while the wild Mezzavalle beach can be reached only on foot via a steep twenty-minute descent, which is why we recommend wearing trainers instead of classic flip-flops.
2. Numana and the southern Conero coast, in the Marche region
Heading further south of the promontory, you will find Numana, a town that offers visitors a completely different and relaxing experience. This town has two distinct souls: Numana Alta, the old village of colourful alleys and flower-filled balconies overlooking the sea from a picturesque limestone cliff, and Numana Bassa, which extends to the hamlet of Marcelli, offering a perfectly equipped seafront promenade.
This area is the ideal choice for families or anyone looking for maximum convenience. Here, the cliffs give way to long stretches of fine gravel and golden sand, the beach clubs offer excellent restaurants just a few metres from the shore, and access to the sea is free of strenuous climbs.
3. Senigallia, in the Marche region
The sand in Senigallia is so soft that for decades it has earned the fitting nickname Spiaggia di Velluto (Velvet Beach). Welcoming, spacious, and perfectly equipped, this seaside resort is visually dominated by the iconic Rotonda a Mare, an elegant circular pavilion suspended over the water that still exudes an unmistakable 1930s charm.
The absolute most exciting time to visit this quiet part of the Marche region is during the first few days of August, when the town takes a step back in time to host the thrilling days of the Summer Jamboree. The seafront fills with beautiful vintage cars, rock and roll music plays incessantly from the venues, and the entire town centre is happily invaded by dancers wearing 1940s and 1950s attire.
If you want to better plan your trip to this area, we invite you to discover our guide on what to see in Senigallia.
4. Argentario, in Tuscany
4. Argentario, in Tuscany
Arriving at Argentario is a memorable experience in itself, as you drive along the long sandbars of Giannella and Feniglia with the waters of the Laguna di Orbetello (Orbetello Lagoon) on both sides of the car. What was an island in ancient times is now one of the most fascinating promontories in all of Tuscany.
This area has a dual soul. On one side, we find rocky coves nestled in the dense vegetation, such as Cala del Gesso and Cala Piccola, for which we always recommend checking local access rules, as they are sometimes restricted during peak months.
On the other side stand the two seaside villages of Porto Ercole and Porto Santo Stefano. While the first retains an authentic and very intimate charm, the second is decidedly more fashionable and frequented by large yachts, making it the perfect setting for an aperitif at sunset.
5. Isola d’Elba (Elba Island), in Tuscany
Easily reachable in about an hour by ferry from the port of Piombino, the Isola d’Elba (Elba Island) is a concentration of biodiversity that is second to none.
The landscape ranges from the golden granite sand of Cavoli and Fetovaia, located in the south and ideal when the Tramontana wind blows, to the wonderful stretches of white pebbles at Le Ghiaie in Portoferraio, which give the water an almost fluorescent blue colour.
If you enjoy the liveliness of town centres during your holiday, the Marina di Campo area offers the largest sandy beach on the island and a seafront promenade perfect for shopping. For history lovers and those who prefer a slower pace, the hillside villages of Marciana and Capoliveri offer boundless views over the entire Tuscan archipelago.
6. Cesenatico, in Emilia Romagna
Compared to the mammoth size of the nearby and hectic Rimini, Cesenatico has cleverly preserved a quieter soul, developing as a human-scale town designed for families. In this setting, the summer rhythm is dictated by slow bicycle rides in the shade of the pine trees, large green spaces located near the beach clubs, and excellent dinners enjoyed in the restaurants of the historic centre.
The pulsating and undoubtedly romantic heart of the town is not the sea, but its famous Porto Canale (Canal Port), whose original design is traditionally attributed to an old project by Leonardo Da Vinci from the early 16th century.
Today, this picturesque body of water hosts the fascinating floating section of the Museo della Marineria (Maritime Museum). It is a colourful fleet of old fishing boats with characteristic lug sails dyed with natural earth pigments, a historical presence that makes any evening stroll along the quays truly unforgettable and evocative.
7. Sperlonga, in Lazio
Sperlonga is probably the most elegant seaside destination on the entire Lazio coast. Perched on a rocky spur, the town is a complex maze of narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and balconies adorned with geraniums. From this privileged position, you can look down on two large crescents of golden sand dotted with beach clubs.
In addition to pure relaxation under a parasol and excellent fresh fish dinners, Sperlonga offers visitors a truly formidable cultural stop. Walking south, you will encounter the spectacular Grotta di Tiberio (Tiberius’s Grotto), a natural cave directly overlooking the waves and now skilfully integrated into the eponymous Museo Archeologico Nazionale (National Archaeological Museum). Inside, immense and precious Hellenistic sculptural groups are preserved, recovered over time from the grotto itself, which served as the Roman emperor’s lavish summer residence.
8. Sabaudia and the Circeo National Park, in Lazio
The Sabaudia coastline offers one of the most fascinating natural landscapes in central Italy. Immersed in the Circeo National Park, this stretch of coast is distinguished by its uninterrupted kilometres of soft sand protected by high dunes that gently separate the sea from the coastal lakes.
Sabaudia is a unique town of its kind and is perfect both for those seeking a holiday full of sports and for those who love to spend their days in absolute tranquillity.
Looking south, the view is dominated by the imposing profile of Monte Circeo (Mount Circeo), a verdant promontory that hides spectacular sea caves and hiking trails ideal for trekking enthusiasts.
9. Pontine Islands, in Lazio
Located off the coasts of Formia and Terracina, ports from which convenient direct ferries regularly depart, the Pontine archipelago is the perfect answer for those seeking the sea a short distance from the capital.
The two main islands manage to satisfy completely opposite needs. Ponza, framed by the unmistakable pastel-coloured houses arranged in a semicircle on the main port, is immediately lively, full of excellent fish restaurants, and has been the beloved summer destination of the Roman jet set for years. Ventotene, on the other hand, reveals itself as a proudly pedestrian, austere island rich in ancient history, perfect for those who love a slow-paced holiday.
The uninhabited island of Palmarola also certainly deserves a special mention; its obsidian cliffs plunging into the blue sea and its imposing rock cathedrals make it the most spectacular and wild island in the entire Tyrrhenian Sea.
10. Ortona and the Trabocchi Coast, in Abruzzo
If you are looking for a destination far from the logic of mass tourism, Ortona is the ideal gateway to the spectacular Trabocchi Coast. This lush stretch of Abruzzo offers dozens of kilometres of coastline where long, comfortable sandy beaches unpredictably alternate with hidden coves of white pebbles, like the beautiful Punta Ferruccio.
Ortona is undoubtedly a destination designed for curious travellers. Here you can cycle in complete safety along the Via Verde (Green Way), a fantastic cycle path built on the former railway line directly overlooking the sea.
The hinterland invites you to visit the moving Cimitero Militare Canadese (Canadian Military Cemetery), which recalls the town’s difficult role in the Second World War, and then sit down at the end of the day to enjoy the flavourful local fish stew (brodetto) accompanied by an excellent glass of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo.
11. Gargano National Park, in Puglia
Puglia is not just made of long stretches of sand and plains. The north of the region, commonly called the “spur of Italy,” presents itself as a wild and proudly rocky territory.
The coast that connects Mattinata to Vieste is marked by brilliant white cliffs and sea stacks, enriched by the presence of evocative trabucchi. These ancient and complex wooden fishing machines, perched over the sea, have often been converted into romantic restaurants on the water today.
From the port of Vieste or Peschici, ferries depart daily for the nearby Isole Tremiti (Tremiti Islands), a true paradise for snorkelling enthusiasts. But the real secret of Gargano lies behind the sea. The Foresta Umbra (Umbra Forest) is an ancient forest of beech and centuries-old oak trees, awarded UNESCO World Heritage status, offering a shady and cool refuge even on the hottest afternoons of August.
12. Polignano a Mare, in Puglia
Located just south of Bari, Polignano a Mare is one of the most photographed seaside towns on the entire Italian peninsula. The historic core of the town stands on cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea, cut through the middle by the famous cove of Lama Monachile, a tongue of white pebbles embraced by two imposing rock walls where international diving competitions are often held.
Walking through the streets of Polignano means getting pleasantly lost in a maze of narrow alleys where handwritten poems decorate the white walls of the houses. This charming and romantic town was the birthplace of the great Domenico Modugno, to whom a famous bronze statue overlooking the horizon is dedicated.
As it is a very popular destination, we recommend visiting in the early morning or at sunset, taking advantage of the convenient car parks located just outside the historic centre.
13. Salento, the soul of southern Puglia
Heading towards the extreme south of the region, the Puglian landscape changes radically to make way for the fortified farmhouses (masserie) and olive groves of Salento. This land offers a surprising coastal variety that allows you to choose your daily destination based on the winds. When the Sirocco wind blows, it’s best to move to the Adriatic side of Otranto, Castro, or Santa Cesarea Terme, characterised by rocky coasts, explorable sea caves, and deeper waters.
When the Tramontana wind blows, the obvious choice becomes the Ionian side of Gallipoli, Porto Cesareo, and Pescoluse. This area is dominated by kilometres of light-coloured sand, very shallow waters, and beautiful natural dunes dotted with wild lilies.
Regardless of the coast you choose, your days in Salento will be marked by pleasant local rituals, starting with a warm pasticciotto for breakfast, moving on to the famous iced coffee with almond milk in the afternoon, and ending beautifully with a full-bodied glass of Primitivo di Manduria at sunset.
14. San Vito lo Capo, in Sicily
There is an image that makes San Vito lo Capo instantly recognisable among a thousand other Italian destinations. It is its iconic crescent of white sand bathed by emerald green waters, with the imposing rocky profile of Monte Monaco (Mount Monaco) serving as a majestic theatrical backdrop. A scene that easily evokes Caribbean latitudes while maintaining a profoundly and unequivocally Sicilian soul.
About ten kilometres from the village is the northern entrance to the Riserva Naturale dello Zingaro (Zingaro Nature Reserve), a protected area that can be explored only on foot or by boat and is wonderfully dotted with pristine coves.
San Vito has also always been a fundamental historical crossroads of Mediterranean cultures, a precious heritage that can be savoured by tasting the famous local fish Cous Cous, which has become the absolute star of the international festival that animates the town every September.
15. Aeolian Islands, in Sicily
Reachable by hydrofoil mainly from the port of Milazzo or by ferry from Naples, the seven Sicilian islands form an extraordinary volcanic archipelago strictly protected by UNESCO. The most common mistake one can make when planning a trip here is to think they are all the same. On the contrary, each island boasts a well-defined personality.
Panarea stands out for its chic side and vibrant nightlife. Vulcano offers the healing and surreal experience of bathing in thermal mud surrounded by smoking black beaches, while Filicudi and Alicudi are wild and silent refuges where cars do not circulate. Finally, there is Stromboli, a living, pulsating island.
Watching the spectacular Sciara del Fuoco (Stream of Fire) from the deck of a boat, with its fountains of incandescent lava hurled into the dark of the night, is one of the most beautiful natural experiences to be had in the Mediterranean.
How to choose the perfect destination and time to go
After reviewing the individual destinations, it is useful to establish some practical coordinates to guide your choice.
If you are travelling with your family and looking for maximum convenience, the sandy coasts and shallow waters of Cesenatico, the Ionian side of Salento, or Senigallia offer unparalleled services and safety. Those who desire an exclusive experience will find high-end hospitality, luxury boutiques, and fine dining in places like Sperlonga or the island of Panarea in the Aeolian Islands.
Regarding the best time to go, we suggest favouring the months of June and September. The temperatures are perfect, the water is already pleasant, and destinations usually stormed during high season finally show their most authentic side. If, however, your holidays necessarily fall in August, an excellent strategy is to opt for beautiful but lesser-known coastal destinations, such as the Ortona area in Abruzzo.
Beach holidays in Italy: choose the right villa for your destination
Having carefully chosen the right destination, ensuring it perfectly reflects your personal idea of the sea, is only the first step towards a dream trip. To make your holiday truly unforgettable, the choice of accommodation becomes central.
Whether your desire is to fall asleep listening to the gentle sound of the surf on a Sicilian night, or to return from the beach to sip a glass of wine by a private pool surrounded by centuries-old Puglian olive trees, we at AnitaVillas can offer you the ideal accommodation.
Our agency has splendid villas with pools in some of the most beautiful places in Italy and is ready to provide you with an exclusive experience, whatever place you wish to visit.
Discover our selection of villas in Italy now and experience Italy while enjoying total privacy and complete autonomy.
- Villas in the Marche
- Villas in Tuscany
- Villas in Sicily
- Villas in Apulia
- Villas in Emilia-Romagna
- Villas in Lazio
- Villas in Umbria
- Villas in Abruzzo
Find the accommodation that suits your needs and enjoy your worry-free holiday with Anita Villas.