Looking for the best Italian beach

Head to the sea: Italy from coast to coast

You really don't want to be in Rome, Florence or Naples in the middle of August since it is too hot. The main Italian cities are empty from the end of July till the end of September and if you're wondering where all the locals are, go to the first beach! Italian beaches are just amazing, some of them can be overcrowded or too touristy, but HostelsClub.com lists some beautiful gems from North to South where to escape the mainstream of tourists and find a nice and low cost hostel.


1. Venice Lido

The Lido of Venice became the first European bathing resort thanks to Lord Byron, who arrived there in the 1800s. It was a very exclusive luxury beach where artists, writers and fashion designers used to go. Today everybody can enjoy the seven-mile long beach in Venice and have a Bellini at a beach bar. You can reach Lido by waterbus in about 20-30 minutes from Venice and will need only 10 minutes to walk to the first beach.

Insider Tip: Rent a bike to explore the island. By bike you can also visit the fishing island of Pellestrina.

2. Ancona

The Marche is another amazing spot on the Adriatic, with quieter beaches than Rimini and Ravello. Marche offers beautiful places such as Ancona city. Marche is considered as an “undiscovered non-touristic region” in Italy but its historical monument, green hills, vineyards and olive groves and stunning beaches on the Adriatic Sea make it a rich place to visit.

Insider Tip: stay in YHA Ostello di ANCONA which is close to the main attractions such as the Traina Arch and the Gothic Loggia dei Mercanti. Ancona is the city with the most important port on the Adriatic - there are regular ferry departures for Greece and Turkey.

3. Portofino

Portofino was famous for its dolce vita from the 1950s and ‘60s, when its beaches were frequented by movie stars such as Humphrey Bogart, Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren. Today it is still frequented by artists and politicians, so if you’re traveling on a budget, it is better to stay in nearby in Lavagna or Santa Maria Ligure

Insider Tip: The Hostel La Pineta Iguana in Lavagna offers amazing rooms and friendly services.

4. Cinque Terre

Everybody loves the Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera, all of the five villages are beautiful and picturesque. Enjoy colorful buildings, vineyards around the hillsides and amazing beaches. All five villages are easily accessible by train and hiking trail so you can see all these lovely seaside towns, enjoy their culture and delicious cuisine.

Insider Tip: Stay in Ostello di Corniglia to enjoy the picturesque town of Corniglia.


5. Maremma

Thinking about Tuscany, we usually imagine green hills with cypress trees and Medieval cities, but Tuscany has an amazing coastline too about halfway between Florence and Rome in the province of Grosseto. The area of MAREMMA NATURAL PARK is beautiful and a peaceful place where you can see pheasants, hares, wild boars and enjoy beautiful beaches such as Talamone.

Insider Tip: Agrihostel Farmhouse La Valentina Nuova is accessible by train, but it is easier to get there by car. Located in the amazing Maremma countryside and the large farmyard, with very characteristic wooden beams and stone walls it offers nice accommodation and an outdoor BBQ.

6. Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi coast has amazing places such as Amalfi, Positano or Ravello. There are romantic gardens, spectacular views, beautiful places, pastel-colored houses, fishing villages and idyllic beaches. Amalfi itself has only one street and the rest of the paths are steep staircases, get ready to walk a lot.

Insider tip: Rent a “motorino” and explore the whole cost, since there are beautiful beaches and architectonic treasures.

7. Cosenza

The wild and less touristy toe of the Italian boot Calabria is home to some of the most stunning beaches since it surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on three sides. The cost will surprise you with all its blue shades, from crystal turquoise to deep violet.

Insider Tip: The landscape in Cosenza is characterized by mountains and hills, this area is less accessible and touristic than the North and the beaches are much cleaner and more beautiful than those of more popular seaside towns.


8. Acireale

Sicily is known for its beaches, but Acireale is special. Thanks to the Etna, Acireale’s beaches are made of stones which make it a truly unique place. You can climb down the rock or just jump into the sea, dive in and swim. Acireale also has beautiful Baroque churches and nature reserves.

Insider Tip: There is an excellent open-air market in the historic center of Acireale.


9. Cagliari

Cagliari, the capital of Sardinia, has gorgeous beaches, amazing architecture and plenty of cafés and restaurants. Poetto Beach by Cagliari offers white-sand and crystal-clear water paradise. Beaches of Sardinia are Romans' favorite summer holiday destination.

Insider Tip: Sardinia is also the best place in Italy for surfing.

10. Lecce

Lecce is famous for its Baroque monuments: wander through the narrow streets and enjoy its amazing buildings and sculptures, and then go to Salento, where you will find the most beautiful beaches in Apulia. Apulia also produces more olive oil than the rest of the country.

Insider Tip: Don’t miss San Martino, the local wine festival of San Martino, where everyone gets drunk on the new wine produced the day before.