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Beyond the history and culture that is so richly abundant, Italy is also home to gorgeous lengths of coastline that will have you in disbelief. Whether you prefer to recline on crescent-shaped beaches of fine sand or explore rocky coves and dramatic coastal cliffs, there is bound to be something for you in Italy.
Our best beach holidays in Italy
Italy is bordered on three sides by sea: the Adriatic, Tyrrhenian, and Ionian seas ebb and flow and shimmy against the shores of this ancient and historic land. Sardinia and Sicily, two of the Mediterranean's largest islands, are also Italian regions. It's unsurprising, then, that Italy beach holidays are vaunted as idyllic coastal breaks. Here are our top 5 beaches to while away your sunny summer holidays:
- Marina Grande, Amalfi Coast
- Lama Monachile, Puglia
- Fontane Bianche Beach, Sicily
- Grande Pevero Beach, Sardinia
The Amalfi Coast: Positano's Marina Grande
Marina Grande is a picture-perfect beach that lies beneath a colourful cascade of houses that spills down the vertiginous cliffs; a recognisable Italian beach that is the face of the Amalfi Coast. A battle-ready formation of bright umbrellas lines the beach, awaiting the daily descent of holidaymakers. It is a theatre of summer throngs throwing themselves at the beauty of this wonderful destination. There are few more attractive places for a beach holiday anywhere, let alone Italy. Marina Grande is Positano's main beach and can get very busy in the high season, and with good reason. Be sure to book a lounger so you can enjoy this scenic and lively and radiant beach.
Where to stay: Villa San Giacomo
Wrapped in vines, nestled on the hillside of Positano, is Villa San Giacomo, an effortlessly classy villa that pulls together a variety of stylistic influences. From the terrace, which is shaded by the lush climbers, the view is simply breathtaking. The infinity pool appears to trickle straight into the Tyrrhenian sea below.
Inside, the cavernous vaulted ceilings offer refuge from the heat of the day. An eclectic mix of rococo decor, elaborate artworks, and patterned tiles come together in harmonious sophistication. Lie back on your lounger beneath the straw parasols that rustle in the breeze and soak up the wonders of the Amalfi Coast.
Italian seaside holidays in Puglia: Lama Monachile
This cove of brilliantly turquoise waters will strike awe into all those who visit it. The small beach is flanked on each side by rough cliffs; walls worn and scarred into shape by the told tales of time. The town of Polignano a Mare is poised proudly atop these sheer faces, almost extensions of them, and surrounds the beach, as if the buildings are meeting to verify its beauty.
While the swimming is wonderful, the true attraction of this beach is the historical town centre and the surreally attractive cliffs that hold the town aloft. The rocky seafloor will entice the most curious of explorers to scour its nooks and crannies with a mask and snorkel. The beach is located at the northern end of Italy's heel, a half-an-hour drive south east of Bari.
Where to stay: Villa Principessa
Set among 6,100 olive trees between Fasano and Savelletri, Villa Principessa is a historic Puglian masseria where timeless elegance meets the ease of modern living. With no neighbours and the sea breeze drifting through the grounds, serenity comes naturally here. Spend your days swimming in the heated pool, cycling through the countryside or working out in the shaded outdoor gym, before gathering around the barbecue for long, leisurely lunches. Inside, original stone floors, rustic stairwells and traditional Apulian vaulted ceilings preserve the soul of the estate, while Art Deco-inspired furniture and pieces from private art collections bring a sophisticated edge. Explore more of our luxury Puglia villa rentals.
On the soft white sands of Sicily: Fontane Bianche
Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is home to some magical seaside idylls. To the south of Syracuse, Fontane Bianche is our favourite of the island's long stretches of coastal paradise. This white sand beach slopes gently beneath the shimmering water of the azure Mediterranean, making it a great place for swimming and for families. The shores are lined with a buzzing summery scene: restaurants and bars spill into their outside spaces and tourists waddle with wilting ice creams. There is a variety of water sports available along the beach; rent a paddleboard and skim your way over the marbling aquamarine bay.
Where to stay: Villa Sirena
Villa Sirena seems to be carved, sculpted, into the landscape. The villa is perched on the rocky fringes of the island, with steps, hewed into the whitened rocks, leading down to a small natural pool that debouches into the wide-open sea. When the sun reaches the top rung of its ascent, pad up from the seaside rock pool with your towel draped over one shoulder, book in the opposite hand, to the cool of the terrace, where you can sink into one of the cloud-like sofas and admire the sea view. This four-suite villa also boasts a heated swimming pool and a ping pong table.
Costa Smeralda, Sardinia
Costa Smeralda is an inimitably beautiful stretch of coastline in northern Sardinia that is famous for its luxuriating beaches, plush beach restaurants, and glitzy resorts. While the resorts have been built up over the years, strict planning has meant they still slot seamlessly into the landscape. The most wondrous of these beaches is Pevero Beach, which consists of two different parts - Piccolo Pevero Beach and Grande Pevero Beach. Both have gradually sloping shores, making them ideal for the whole family to frolic in the shallows.
Where to stay: Villa Calamatzu
Villa Calamatzu is tucked among the fragrant Mediterranean pines, where the scent of the trees mingles with the sea breeze. From the villa, glimpses of the sparkling Sardinian waters invite you to wander down to the shore and dive into the calm, clear sea. From this peaceful hideaway, the beauty of Sardinia is yours to explore, while its proximity to the coast makes it easy to slip into a laid-back, feet-in-the-sand way of life for your luxury Italy holidays.
Italy is one of our favourite luxury holiday destinations, which is why we have an array of luxury villa rentals in Italy for you to choose from. Explore Le Collectionist to begin your next Italy beach holidays.
