46 Best Sights in Italy

The only sand beach near Portofino is at Paraggi, a cove on the road between Santa Margherita Ligure and Portofino. The bus will stop here on request. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free). Best for: swimming; walking.

Sea and nature are the big draws of Sardinia’s Costa Verde, where you’ll find such wild and unpopulated beaches as Piscinas, at the southern end of the coast and reached via a rough mountain road that passes deserted mines and herds of goats. Amenities: none; parking (fee in summer). Best for: solitude; sunset; swimming; walking.

For a quick beach escape from Agrigento, head to Punta Bianca Beach, a natural reserve along the coast. Like most natural reserves on the island, the access road is in poor condition, so be patient while driving. The bumpy ride is worth it when you catch the breathtaking views from the hill overlooking an abandoned stone house that stands against the white stones. The best time to go is in the afternoon to catch the golden hour and sunset. The short hike to the beach is enjoyable and not too challenging, even for children. The reward? A truly incredible and secluded beach experience. Best for: solitude, sunset, walking. Amenities: none.

Named for the ruins of a chapel found in the beach's grotto, the rocky beach of Santa Croce is located below the village of Vettica Minore, west of Amalfi, but is reachable only by boat from Amalfi. Paradise for swimmers, the water is crystal clear and the surrounding coast is studded with emerald grottoes—stronger swimmers can admire a natural arch in the rock, about 150 meters west (locals say that kissing your bella or bello while swimming underneath ensures everlasting love). With a delightful restaurant and sun-bed rental available, this is a relaxing beach experience. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.

This good, sandy beach lies between the nature reserves of Foce del Platani and Torre Salsa and is easily reached by car. It comes with a handful of lidos where you can eat and drink well and rent sun loungers in season. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming; walking.

Panarea is known more for its boat culture than for an abundance of beaches. But the crescent of golden sand, gently lapping waves, and shallow waters at Zimmari make it a popular beach for sunbathing and taking a dip. From San Pietro, it's an easy 20- to 30-minute stroll as you meander south through the winding streets and continue on the path above the coastline. You'll know you've arrived when the path ultimately ends. Amenities: sunbeds and umbrellas to rent; snack bar. Best for: snorkeling, swimming.

Among the less developed of the Costa Smeralda's five-star beaches, the Spiaggia del Principe is tucked well away from the crowds, mainly because it is not so readily accessible as some of the others. The rewards, however, are all the greater. Edged by jagged, gold-tinted rocks, the beach has fine white sand and water ranging from emerald to a Caribbean shade of turquoise. Access from the car park is tricky—a 10-minute walk along a rough path (stout sneakers needed)—but a tuk-tuk service is sometimes on hand for a small charge. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee in summer); toilets. Best for: swimming; walking.

Only the most intrepid beachgoers will seek out Spiaggia della Calcara. Located on the northern tip of the island, it's reachable by winding through the streets of Iditella, continuing down a dirt path, and then through some hearty shrubs. But your reward is a practically private beach of small stones with spectacular views of rocky outcroppings in the sea (not to mention a reprieve from the chaos of the vacationers who fill the island each summer). Just be sure to wear sturdy shoes to get down and back up the path; this is not a beach for flip-flops. Amenities: none. Best for: sunbathing, swimming.

A short 15-minute walk from the port, this wide beach features soft, powdery, black volcanic sand that sits in sharp contrast to the clear crystalline waters. Along the strand, you'll find various beach clubs set up during the summer months with chair and umbrella rentals. It's advised to wear a dark-colored swimsuit as the black sand has been known to discolor fabric.

Positano regularly receives a Bandiera Blu (Blue Flag) in recognition of its water quality, safety, and services offered. The Spiaggia Grande (large beach) has the glorious, rainbow-hue backdrop of the town, but for a more informal atmosphere and lush vegetation, follow the Via Positanesi d'America to the Fornillo beach. Almost 300 meters long and now largely managed by Hotel Pupetto, the beach was a favorite of Pablo Picasso because of its position between the medieval Trasita and Clavel towers. Amenities: food and drink; kayak; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling, swimming.

The curvy, rustic roads to Spiaggia di Piana Grande lead to an off-the-beaten-path beach. It's not the typical Sicilian crowded summer beach; it has a humble chiosco (beach kiosks) serving fresh fried fish, a rocky coastline, and pristine blue waters. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: swimming, walking.

This beach of sandy red-gold dunes offers lots of fascinating sea plants and flowers growing straight out of the sand. There are no facilities, so bring provisions and sun protection. Also note that the beach is at the Foce del Belice Natural Reserve, so you will have to walk a quarter of a mile to get there. It's lovely for beach walks and bird-watching (look out for kingfishers, egrets, and herons) as well as swimming. Amenities: none. Best for: swimming; walking.

The walkway from the Piazza Flavio Gioia leads down to Spiaggia Grande, Positano's main beach, bordered by an esplanade and some of the town's busiest restaurants. Surrounded by the spectacular amphitheater of houses and villas that leapfrog up the hillsides of Monte Comune and Monte Sant'Angelo, this remains one of the most picturesque beaches in the world. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: swimming.

The area around Piscità and Ficogrande is full of narrow side streets that lead down to the sea, where you'll find an assortment of different coves, inlets, and lavic outcroppings. Just head downhill from the principal streets and you'll eventually hit water. The largest beach area is Spiaggia Nera on the island's northeastern coast, where the black sand and stones sit in stark contrast to the aquamarine waters. 

If you need a dip in the Mediterranean after a morning of sightseeing, Tonarella offers a unique blend of history and natural beauty that is easily accessible from the city center. Explore the ancient "tonnara," a traditional tuna fishing system still in use today, with its fascinating network of nets and platforms. Relax on the mixed sand and pebble beach, and swim in the calm waters; it's the perfect spot for children and those who prefer not to fight the waves. With several nearby beach clubs offering refreshments and delicious food, you can easily spend a whole day enjoying this unique coastal destination.

At the northern end of the Costa Verde, Torre dei Corsari is a long and wide stretch of quartz sand, easily accessible and with plenty of facilities including bars, restaurants, and sun beds to rent. Amenities: food and drink; parking (fee in summer); toilets. Best for: sunset; swimming.