Best Beaches in Italy

August 07, 2024 5 min

Cruising across the Tyrrhenian Sea on a yacht charter in Italy, with a pleasant summer breeze, unveils some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines.

For all the time you spend at sea, you may spend just as much on land shopping, eating and exploring. But when you don’t want to be exploring this beautiful country, when you need to do absolutely nothing, where do you go?

This blog will cover five of the best beaches in Italy. Whether you choose our Sardinia, Procida or Sicily yacht charter, there are beaches just a stone’s throw away. This includes:

La Pelosa
Scala dei Turchi
The Chia Coast
Rabbit Beach
Cala di Volpe

Read on to discover how these sandy dreamscapes could elevate your sailing vacation just that little bit more!

1. La Pelosa

Located in north Sardinia, La Pelosa Beach is a fantastic family friendly beach.

The beach here is incredibly flat, with shallow, clear waters that remain shallow for a long way out. This makes La Pelosa one of the best beaches in Italy for paddling with children and spotting small fish swimming close to the shore.

The views from La Pelosa are also stunning. The beach overlooks several beautiful landmarks:

Isola Piana
The wonderfully underdeveloped Asinara National Park
The historic La Pelosa Tower, a watchtower built for defensive purposes in 1578.

You can even swim out to admire them from a closer distance (but you can’t enter the tower). For more things to do in Sardinia, see our Sardinia Sailing Itinerary.

A reservation is required if you want to come here before 6 pm, and make sure to bring microfibre towels if you’re planning on sunbathing.

2. Scala dei Turchi

An astounding geological phenomenon, Scala dei Turchi in Sicily translates to “Turkish steps”. These gorgeous beaches are nestled on either side of a steep limestone cliff, where Ottoman corsairs once sheltered from fierce sea winds (which is how the area got its name).

We cannot stress enough how breathtaking this area is. Naturally eroded in such a way that there are smooth linear ridges in the cliff face, areas of the Scala dei Turchi can be climbed and walked along.

Ascending gives you an incredible panoramic view, and the contrast between the shockingly white cliff and the sapphire-blue ocean is mesmerising. There’s no better place to watch the world go by – well, other than the quartz pebble and sandy beaches below, some of the best beaches in Italy.

Near to Realmonte, Agurgento and several Greek temples, a visit to Scala dei Turchi slots nicely into a busy day of sightseeing.
Find more inspiration for amazing places to visit in Sicily with our Sicily Sailing Itinerary.

3. Chia Coast

Next on our list of the best beaches in Italy isn’t just one beach, but a stunning nine-mile stretch of family-friendly, sugary-sand beaches, found on the southernmost point of Sardinia. You’re sure to find some of the best beaches in Italy along this coastline.

Three of our favorites are:

Giudeu Beach: This is a popular spot for sunbathers, a natural sun trap. Loungers and umbrellas are available to use at some spots along the beach. You can see Stangioni de Su Sali here, a natural saltwater pond that formed off the beach, as well as views of the beautiful Isola Su Giudeu.
Cala del Morto Beach: Surrounded by towering, craggy rocks on all sides, this little beach is uniquely private and secluded. While easily accessible on foot, Cala del Morto is hidden away, so it’s a great spot for a morning of snorkeling or a leisurely afternoon picnic.
Sa Colonia Beach: This vast, sandy expanse features plenty of space to lounge and sunbathe, and utterly majestic views of the Torre de Chia, or Chia Tower. This is a lovely place to visit, in fact, after climbing up to the tower – lie back, listen to the gentle waves lapping the shore, and marvel at a day well spent.

4. Elephant Beach

Spiaggia dell’Elefante, or Elephant Beach, is situated on the northeast coast of Sardinia. It’s most recognisable for the signature rock arch that sits just off the beach.

So why do we consider Elephant Beach to be one of the best beaches in Italy?

It showcases the best of the Costa Smeralda. Elephant Beach is specifically on the Costa Smeralda, one of the most expensive and exclusive coastlines in the world. House prices here reach up to 300,000 euros per square meter, and it’s clear to see why. This is one of the most beautiful spots in the world.
It’s a hop, skip and a jump away from Romazzino. The gorgeous Romazzino is a 40-minute walk or a 5-minute drive away. If you’re up for it, we suggest exploring this area on foot – you’ll come across several footpaths leading to other unforgettable beaches.

It’s a lovely destination for any group. Whether you want to soak up the sun, paddle in the shallow waters with your children, or find a shady spot to admire the vibrant, turquoise seascape with your partner, Elephant Beach is perfect.

5. Rabbit Beach

If you want to find a truly one-of-a-kind destination for an afternoon of relaxation, this is one of the best beaches in Italy to choose from.

Rabbit Beach was voted Italy’s most beautiful beach by locals, and it’s easy to see why – found on the little island of Lampedusa, this Caribbean-like cove features powdery white sand and incomparably clear waters.

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s only accessible via an 800m rocky pathway – there’s no service here, so prepare to put your phone away and let yourself unwind. It’s the perfect place to go swimming, read a book or simply enjoy a picnic with your family and friends.

What makes Rabbit Beach particularly special is that it’s only open for visitors in certain parts of the year – this space doubles as a nature reserve, which loggerhead sea turtles use as a nesting ground. Keeping the beach clean and tidy for the turtles is imperative, so you’re unlikely to find a more pristine beach anywhere in Italy! Discover the Best Time to Sail in the Mediterranean.

If you’re planning a visit, be sure to book a space on the Spiaggia Conigli website.

Enjoy Italy’s best beaches on an Italian Yacht Charter

What do you think? Are you more drawn to the majesty of the Scala dei Turchi, or more inclined towards the gentle tranquillity of Elephant Beach? Either way, beach hopping is the perfect way to see Italy, and beach hopping is never easier than when you have a yacht.

See this shining jewel of the Mediterranean in style aboard a Moorings catamaran or monohull. On a sailing vacation, you have the freedom to make your own path – build your sailing itinerary from the ground-up with must-see coves, beaches, landmarks and cities across the Tyrrhenian Sea.

To embark on your bareboat, skippered, power or crewed Italy yacht charter as soon as possible, start building your quote.