by There are almost 5,000 miles of coastline on the edge of the Italian boot – from the sandy beaches of the Adriatic Sea to the rugged peaks and dizzying cliffs of the country. Add to that more than 400 islands, and you have a beach lover’s paradise. This portfolio of hotels includes historic abbeys and Belle Époque villas, exotic masserie and clifftop resorts with private beaches and thermal pools. On the coasts of the mainland or on the islands of the Mediterranean, they are all in enchanting locations. From Sardinia to Sicily and Positano to Puglia, here are the best beach hotels in Italy.
How we review
Each hotel on this curated list has been visited by one of our expert reviewers, and is usually hosted on a free basis. They stay for at least one night, test at least one meal and try other experiences the hotel may have.
This 60s icon descends a terraced hill to a secluded private bay on the Tuscan promontory of Monte Argentario – a pebble’s throw from the harbor town of Porte Ercole. It is one of the most photogenic hotels in Italy, popular with photographers and movie stars alike for its dramatic location and stylish decor by Marie Louise Sciò, creative director of Pellicano Hotels. The picture is complemented by a Michelin-starred restaurant, saltwater pool, spa, tennis courts and a solarium that flows into the Tyrone Sea.
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One of the best beach hotels in Italy, Santa Caterina clings to the rockface in a vertiginous coastal setting just outside Amalfi – away from the crowds yet close to Ravello, Positano and ferries to Capri. Owned by the Gambardella family since 1904, the handsome Art Nouveau villa boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant and romantic rooms with 19th-century antiques and locally hand-painted ceramic tiles. Luxuriant Mediterranean gardens and lemon groves spill down to the private beach club, with its waterside terraces, saltwater pool and seafood restaurant.
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Liguria’s brightest ‘big dance’ is housed in a former nomadic monastery in the hills above the harbor town of Portofino. It is one of the most romantic spots on the ‘coast of the rising sun’ because of the luxurious gardens, the infinity pool and the wonderful views across the Gulf of Tigullio; little surprise Richard Burton popped the question to Liz Taylor here. You can walk or take the hotel shuttle down to the beach and port where there are public ferries and private boats on the coast.
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This exquisite 22-room manor house hotel marries high Italian design (think vintage yacht style) with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It seems to float like a boat on the water, with tranquil views over the Gulf of Naples. The colorful port of Marina Grande, with several public beaches, is five minutes away; Town of Capri only 10 minutes in the hotel shuttle. Highlights include the romantic, lantern-lit pool, oceanfront and panoramic JKitchen Restaurant focusing on Neapolitan cuisine using organic, seasonal produce.
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Le Sirenuse has been attracting enchanted visitors since the 50s, when John Steinbeck described it as ‘an old family home turned into a first class hotel, immaculate and cool’. Its seductive cliff-side location on the edge of Positano commands far-reaching views over the village to the ocean; A five minute walk takes you down to the port and Marina Grande beach. Featuring fine antiques and contemporary art, the hotel offers every amenity, while still maintaining the atmosphere of an exquisite private home.
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The Capo d’Orso is named after the huge cliff that protects the Strait of Bonifacio on the legendary north coast of Sardinia, and is located between two beautiful coves where one can bask by the water or trek across the headland. The Delphina group, promoters of a green ethos on the Emerald Coast, run this bijou ‘cottage’ boutique hotel nestled in juniper woods where shady nooks and crannies, an oceanfront pool and spa, romantic bars and restaurants float dreamily above the . water.
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The legendary San Pietro – the ghosts of film stars and royalty – clings to a rocky headland in a gypsy location just outside Positano. Despite its legendary status and litany of services, it is still a family business – run impeccably by the Cinque family for over 50 years. The lush gardens and lemon groves, the romantic terrace bar and the Michelin star restaurant Zass offer stunning views of the Amalfi coast; down by the water there is a swimming pool, spa, tennis court, solarium and the al fresco beachside restaurant Carlino’s.
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This exotic Puglian masseria – once a medieval watchtower protecting the sea – is set in a 100-hectare estate through which you can walk, cycle or take the shuttle to two private beaches. Alternatively, relax and unwind in the large palm-fringed lagoon pool in the gardens. At least 14 years old, this quiet oasis near the beautiful San Domenico golf club will appeal to adults looking for an old-world atmosphere. Guests can also use the facilities of the nearby sister hotels: the glamorous Borgo Egnazia and the rustic Masseria Cimino.
The Sant’Andrea oozes classic Sicilian charm: the noble villa whose rooms are light and high (most with sea views) lined with marble floors and family heirlooms. Located on the sandy Bay of Mazzarò and immersed in exotic gardens, it is only three minutes by cable-car or shuttle to the historic town of Taormina, so that guests can balance beach life and urban culture. Offering free boat rides, an infinity pool, an al fresco spa, fine dining and fun activities for children, it’s ideal for the whole family.
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The Moorish-style Mezzatorre – the former holiday home of film director Luchino Visconti – grew up around an ancient watch that presided over a rocky bay on Ischia’s northwest coast. Girded by pine forests like a storybook castle, it overlooks the glistening Gulf of Naples. Now under the wing of Pellicano Hotels, the exotic villa has been restored in a breezy retro style. Sybarites can fall in the thermal spa, in the cliff-hanging salt-water pool, or in the legendary waters of Ischia; the nearest beach is just over a 10 minute walk.
Contributions from Ros Belford, Ondine Cohane, Toni DeBella, Chloe Sachdev and Nicky Swallow
