Our Newsletter

Top 10 Beaches in Italy You Can Reach by Train or Bus

Posted on May 26th, 2025

by Expat Living in Rome


Italy is home to some of Europe’s most breathtaking coastlines—from the rugged cliffs of Liguria to the pristine turquoise waters of Puglia. But you don’t need a car to enjoy them! Whether you’re a budget traveler, a city explorer, or just don’t want the hassle of driving, here are 10 incredible Italian beaches you can easily reach by train or public transport.

1. Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre, Liguria)

How to get there: To get to Monterosso al Mare, take a train to the ‘Monterosso’ station.
Why visit: The largest of the Cinque Terre villages, Monterosso offers the rare combo of sandy beaches and postcard-perfect pastel buildings.

2. Sperlonga (Lazio)

How to get there: To reach Sperlonga by train, take a train to the ‘Fondi-Sperlonga’ station. From there, catch a bus to Sperlonga and get off at Via Lepanto. Bus schedules generally match train schedules. To return, take the bus from the same stop where you initially got off. You can buy bus tickets on the bus or at the station bar.
Why visit: Crystal-clear water, whitewashed alleys, and ancient Roman ruins.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Visit Lazio (@visit_lazio)

3. Santa Margherita Ligure (Liguria)

How to get there: Take a train to ‘Santa Margherita Ligure’ station.
Why visit: Glamorous yet relaxed, this Riviera gem features beach clubs, seaside promenades, and is located just 10 minutes by car from Portofino.

4. San Vito Lo Capo (Sicily)

How to get there: Take a train to either Trapani or Palermo. From Trapani or Palermo, take a bus to San Vito Lo Capo. Several bus companies (like AST and Autoservizi Russo) operate this route.
Why visit: Famous for its soft white sand and shallow turquoise water—plus the Couscous Festival in September!

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Robert Stevens (@stevenstravels_)

5. Rimini (Emilia-Romagna)

How to get there: Take a train to the ‘Rimini’ station.
Why visit: One of Italy’s most iconic beach resorts, with its long stretches of sandy beaches, Rimini is a blend of seaside fun, nightlife, and Roman history.

6. Cefalù (Sicily)

How to get there: Take a train to the ‘Cefalù’ station.
Why visit: A medieval town nestled between the sea and mountains with golden beaches and one of Sicily’s most stunning cathedrals.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by ALTUG GALIP (@kyrenian)

7. Camogli (Liguria)

How to get there: Take a train to the ‘Camogli-S. Fruttuoso’ station.
Why visit: Pebble beach, vibrant buildings, and fewer tourists than Cinque Terre.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Italy Best Places (@italy_bestplaces)

8. Viareggio (Tuscany)

How to get there: Take a train to the ‘Viareggio’ station.
Why visit: Long sandy coastlines with art nouveau charm and easy access to Tuscany’s cultural gems.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by julija rush (@xgumiho)

9. Tropea (Calabria)

How to get there: Take a train to the ‘Tropea’ station. The Tropea train station is located a bit uphill from the main town and the beaches, but it’s generally a manageable walk down (around 10-15 minutes) to reach the center and the coast. You can also find local buses or taxis from the station if you prefer not to walk.
Why visit: Dramatic cliffs, white sand, and aquamarine waters make this the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian.”

10. Sestri Levante (Liguria)

How to get there: Take a train to the ‘Sestri Levante’ station.
Why visit: Known for the “Bay of Silence,” it offers calm, kid-friendly waters and a romantic vibe.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Italy Best Places (@italy_bestplaces)

Tips for Beach-Hopping by Public Transport

  • Pack light: A beach bag and daypack is plenty.
  • Buy tickets in advance: Use Trenitalia, Italo, or local bus apps.
  • Avoid peak times: Weekdays and early mornings are best.
  • Bring cash: Not all places accept cards.

Italy’s coastlines are stunning and easy to reach. No car needed – just grab your sunhat and go!

Top 10 Beaches in Italy You Can Reach by Train or Bus 2


 

 

schools in Italy

Schools in Italy: An Expat Parent’s Essential Guide

Schools in Italy: An Expat Parent’s Essential Guide Public vs private, the logopedista, homeschooling rules, and how enrollment really works ⏱ 7 min read ✅ Updated: October 2026 In this guide: How Schools in Italy Are Structured Public vs Private Schools in Italy The Logopedista for Bilingual Kids Homeschooling Rules Enrolling a Foreign Child FAQ […]

moving to Italy — packing for a new life in Rome

How to Move to Italy: 6 Simple Steps to Your New Life

Learning how to move to Italy is the easy part — doing it in the right order is what actually gets you there. The bureaucratic sequence matters here: miss one deadline, like the 8-working-day window after arrival, and your whole timeline slips by months. This guide walks you through each step, from choosing your visa […]

confusing things about living in italy

7 Most Confusing Things About Living in Italy: The Essential Expat Guide

7 Most Confusing Things About Living in Italy: What Expats Wish They Knew From the codice fiscale to ZTL fines, these are the seven things that trip up almost every expat in Italy. Here is what experienced expats wish someone had explained before they arrived. ⏱ 5 min read✅ Updated: October 2026 In this guide: […]

buying land in Italy

Buying Land in Italy: 6 Mistakes Foreign Buyers Must Avoid

Buying Land in Italy and Building Your Own Home: What Expats Must Know Why so few foreigners do it, what makes a plot actually buildable, the permits you’ll need, and what it realistically costs. ⏱ 8 min read ✅ Updated: October 2026 In this guide: Buying land in Italy as a foreigner What makes land […]

renew a US passport in Italy

How to Renew a US Passport in Italy: 5 Easy Steps

How to Renew a U.S. Passport in Italy: The Complete Mail-In Guide Eligibility rules, the exact document checklist, the photo mistake that gets applications rejected, and realistic processing times — verified against U.S. Embassy Italy guidance. ⏱ 7 min read ✅ Updated: October 2026 In this guide: Who can renew by mail from Italy Your […]

Unpaid Rent in Italy

Unpaid Rent in Italy: A Landlord’s Guide to Diffida, Eviction and Online Mediation

Unpaid Rent in Italy: A Landlord’s Guide to Diffida, Eviction and Online Mediation What to do when a tenant stops paying — the formal demand letter, the eviction process, recovering the arrears, and how to do it all remotely if you live abroad. ⏱ 9 min read ✅ Updated: October 2026 Please note: this guide […]

teach English in Italy

Teach English in Italy: Requirements, Salaries & Visas

Teach English in Italy: Requirements, Salaries & Visa Options The realistic path to teaching English in Italy — what schools actually require, what you’ll actually earn, and how to sort your visa. ⏱ 8 min read ✅ Updated: October 2026 English teaching remains one of the most accessible ways for native and fluent English speakers […]

Italy work visa

Italy Work Visa: Complete Guide for Non-EU Citizens

Italy Work Visa: Complete Guide for Non-EU Citizens Decreto Flussi quotas, the nulla osta, Type-D visas, and the EU Blue Card — every step from job offer to permesso di soggiorno, explained plainly. ⏱ 9 min read ✅ Updated: October 2026 Getting an Italy work visa as a non-EU citizen is possible — but Italy […]


Contact info

Roma Italy