Best Beaches in Italy
Picture this – you’ve been traversing across Italy aboard a world-class yacht for several days, but today you want to be close to the land. So you bring your family, friends or partner down to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
You could explore the Tyrrhenian Sea in a new way – trying your hand at jet skiing, windsurfing or snorkelling – or recline on the sand and make the most of the sweet Mediterranean sunshine. It’s completely up to you.
In this blog, we will share some of the best beaches in Italy. No other destination in the world has beaches with such breathtaking natural beauty, from the rock formations at Cala Goloritzé to the thermal baths at Baia di Sorgeto. Whether you’re on a yacht charter in Procida, Sardinia or Portorosa, discover the best beaches to kick back and relax when your yacht is safely moored.
What is the most beautiful coast in Italy?
Italy has no shortage of beautiful beaches and gorgeous coastlines, but we think the most beautiful coasts in Italy are found throughout the Tyrrhenian Sea.
From the Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, one of the most expensive and beautiful places to live in the world, to the busy, vibrant coastlines lining northern Sicily, western Italy holds some marvellous beachscapes for sailors to gaze upon.
Cala Goloritzé
Cala Goloritzé is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sardinia’s eastern coast – this tiny cove at the base of a ravine, set to a backdrop of white limestone cliffs, provides access to the picturesque Gulf of Orosei. With two main rock formations, a towering spire and a natural stone arch, this beach has an otherworldly topography that easily makes it one of the best beaches in Italy.
You would find it hard to believe that this gem was created by a landslide in 1962 – this crescent of untouched white sand and pebbles is a blissful retreat from the buzz of Sardinia’s tourist attractions and busy towns. Clamber over the rocks for the perfect space to admire the view, or paddle out into the shallow waters and go for a swim.
While it is accessible by car from Cagliari, it’s an hour’s walk on foot from the nearest car park – if you want to visit Cala Goloritzé, the best way to reach it is by boat. Only devoted beachgoers and adventurers are likely to make their way down here, so prepare to have the space to yourself if the timing is right (although you may have to share with some wild goats).
Baia di Sorgeto
On the southern coast of Ischia, near Procida, you will find the Baia di Sorgeto. This little, pebbled cove might not have the long stretching sands or dramatic backdrop that you envision for the best beaches in Italy, but the Baia di Sorgeto offers a completely unique attraction as Ischia’s outdoor thermal bath. This is a must-see on your Italy yacht charter.
Descend a long flight of shallow stone steps (or take a water taxi from Sant’Angelo), and you’ll find this incredible bay, where pools are heated by thermal water coming up from the seafloor. Even though it’s Ischia’s most popular cultural attraction and has been a part of the island’s history for generations, the Baia di Sorgeto is completely free to visit, so just show up in your swimming costume and let your cares melt away with a long, relaxing soak.
Make sure you’re prepared if you want to stop here – you’ll need a towel, suncream and plenty of water. We also strongly recommend swim socks as the rocks can get scalding hot. You can find more information on what to pack for a sailing holiday in our blog.
Cala Tonnarella
Situated within the Zingaro Nature Reserve in northern Sicily, this hidden cove is the epitome of untouched natural brilliance. Only accessible to most people by a challenging hike through the reserve, this hidden gem is another of the best beaches in Italy for sailors to visit.
This crescent of round, white pebbles faces the pristine Tyrrhenian Sea, a perfect spot to settle in for a gentle, lazy afternoon with an umbrella and beach towel. Watch the clouds soar by overhead, delve into a good book, or spread out a picnic to enjoy with your family.
This beach is near the Tonnara di Scopello and the incredible town of Castellammare del Golfo, crucial to note down if you want to build this beach into your Portorosa sailing itinerary. If you fancy a more active day here, you could take the rocky path up from the beach, lined with wildflowers, to explore the rest of the nature reserve.
Cala Birìala
On the eastern coast of Sardinia, Cala Birìala can be found, a small crescent-shaped cove surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs that span 2km of the coastline. This is the island’s most inaccessible coastline, so the beach is almost exclusively used by people who can sail in.
Getting here is an adventure, and the reward is all the sweeter for it. Moor in the shockingly blue waters of the Golfo di Orosei, and all that’s left to do is relax – swim, sunbathe on the pebble beach, or eat lunch on your yacht while enjoying one of the most beautiful sights in the natural world. If you pack a mask and swim socks, snorkelling is also a fun option here – the water is so clear and blue, you’ll think you’re in the Caribbean!
If you sail south from here, you can reach some of the other best beaches in Italy like Cala Goloritzé. Sail northwards and you’ll reach Porto di Cala Gonone, a good place to refuel, buy some groceries, or eat out if you want to.
Cefalù Beach
There are so many reasons to visit Cefalù, a gorgeous town on the north coast of Sicily, near our base in Portorosa. With breathtaking architecture, interesting historical sites (including a fortress and a castle), and lots of restaurants to sample, it’s a wonderful place for a day trip on your Italy yacht charter.
The best thing about Cefalù, however, is the beaches. All the beaches along this coastline have their appeal – some quiet and remote, some buzzing with activity – but in particular, Spiaggia di Cefalù is a rightfully popular destination for beachgoers. A long stretch of golden sand dotted with beach umbrellas, framed by lush rolling hills, this is the quintessential Italian beach.
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere by playing games, tossing a beach ball, making new friends, or people-watching from one of the loungers available. There are many beach bars and restaurants just a stone’s throw away, so you can also tuck into some delicious seafood or sip a cocktail while enjoying the weather. This is one the best beaches in Italy to bring children or small groups to.
Want to channel your inner adventurer? The beaches of Cefalù are ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving, so you can uncover the treasures that lie beneath the turquoise water. The calm, gentle waters of Cefalù are also fantastic for watersports, including paddleboarding.
Note that it gets especially busy here in July-August, which is the peak tourist season. Discover the best time to sail in the Mediterranean.
Enjoy the Best Beaches in Italy with Sunsail
There you have it, a selection of our best beaches in Italy – whether you’re looking for an adventure by sailing to remote coves and bays, or the beach towns the whole family will love, we have you covered.
Start exploring Italy’s beachy offerings with an Italy yacht charter. At Sunsail, we offer bareboat charters for sailors looking to create their own itinerary and strike out alone, and flotilla charters for group sailing, packed with activities and must-see destinations!
(If you’re looking to do a Flotilla charter around the Mediterranean, read our blog post on The Five Best Flotilla Sailing Routes in The Med.)
Board one of our monohulls or catamarans and enjoy the sights of Italy in style – if you’re looking for the adventure of a lifetime, an Italy yacht charter is for you.
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hannah
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