Beach hotels in Northern Italy promise beach vacations in their purest form; providing you with the tools to switch off from everyday life. With beach services like sun beds, umbrellas, and use of spa facilities often included in your stay, you’ll be strapped to ever leave the hotel grounds. Relax on private beaches or enjoy access to lovely public beaches. In über modern interiors, first-rate service, and delicious in-house cuisine, enjoy all that Northern Italy has to offer — from its medieval history to its world-renowned luxury seaside resorts.

Where to stay at a beach hotel in Northern Italy? Northern Italy’s regions at a glance:

Liguria: Non-stop entertainment & world-famous Portofino

© Grand Hotel Alassio Resort & Spa The famous northwestern coast of Italy boasts natural landscapes, culture, and beaches to die for. With a 300-kilometer shoreline, filled with a splendid ratio of tiny ports and sprawling beaches, Liguria promises spectacular beauty and non-stop entertainment in lively night life, casinos, and festivals. At a beach hotel with a private beach or access to a magnificent public beach, fronting the clear blue water of the Ligurian Sea, all the wonders of Italy are at your fingertips. In the resort towns of Alassio or Sanremo, explore quaint downtowns and traditional eateries in between mornings and evenings spent under the Italian sun on golden sand. Perfect for a beach holiday with the family or on a budget, these cities are not considered as posh as some of the other in Liguria, but still beam with beachside charm. If it is the posh you’re after, a beach hotel near Portofino might be for you – world famous for its technicolor harbor and as a hot celebrity vacation spot. In a similar vein, a beach hotel in Sestri Levanto or Levanto nestles you within cliffy coastlines filled with timeless pastel-tinted buildings and the world’s most elite travelers.

Venota: Fairytale Venice & serene island towns

© Versilia Lido | UNA Esperienze Home to Italy’s most visited city, Venice, Venota is situated in the northeast region of Italy. Venice, of course, is a must-visit for lovers of unreal landscapes. For a beach vacation away from the bustle of this capital of Venota or perhaps as an add-on to an already magical trip there, the Venice island of Lido and the peninsula that reaches out from the east are definitely worth a visit. In one of the tiny towns of Ca’ Ballarin, Ca’ Crema, Lido di Jesola, or on Lido, find stunning beaches, the shared experience of rejuvenation under the Italian sun, and from some, ever-inspiring views of Venice. At an exclusive beach hotel on Lido with stunning baroque facades, totally luxurious interiors, and uninterrupted quiet, you’ll feel yourself resetting via a massage directly on the beach. In the areas surrounding Bibone, a seaside resort particularly popular among German and Austrian tourists, get a taste of the Adriatic Sea from under an umbrella on one of the many sandy beaches.

Grado & Lignano Sabbiadoro: Family fun on the Adriatic Coast

© Laguna Palace Hotel Grado The northeastern most region of Friuli Venezia Giulia is home to mountainous-alpine terrain, pristine lagoons, and more gorgeous beaches. In Grado, a historic seaside resort on a lagoon island, you’ll find a varied scope of architecture and things to do – making it a great pick for a family vacation or a holiday with friends. A dynamic and active scene, bike along the Adriatic coast, tour the beautiful Basilica of Santa Eufemia, or hangout on your hotel’s private beach. In Lignano Sabbiadoro, translated as Golden Sand, spend some time recouping at a beach bar at one of the 40 beaches. A peninsula surrounded by the Venetian Lagoon on its northern coast and the Adriatic Sea on its southern coast, brims with entertaining city life, beachy fun, and a couple iconic must-see landmarks, like the Terrazza a Mare and the Faro Rosso lighthouse. Together with a water park, the beloved Hemingway natural park, and an impressive zoo, Lignano Sabbiadoro has everything you could ask for in a beach town.

Cervia & the eastern coast: Ancient history & seaside resorts

© Grand Hotel Rimini e Residenza Parco Fellini Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, Northern Italy’s eastern coast includes the wonderful beach towns of Cervia, Rimini, Riccione, and Cattolica. Although each place offers something special, across the board, this region is home to some of Northern Italy’s favorite beaches. The traditionally quiet community of Cervia bustles with visitors in the summer months – and for good reason. With 10 km of sandy beaches, mild coastal weather, and lush, conserved pine forests, Cervia is a medieval town tucked into a beautiful natural landscape. For a truly Italian beach vacation, pack your bags and head to Rimini. A favorite for families, this beautiful port city comes equipped with an impressive collection of restaurants, art, and opportunities for sports – this being where the first Italian IRONMAN was held. Riccione is one of the most revered seaside resorts in Northern Italy, loved for its bustling night life and lively energy. Cattolica is proud owner of a Blue Flag title for its particularly clean water and amazing beachside services.

Good to know

Timing your visit: For those who enjoy sharing the beach, maybe getting to know some other travelers at local bars, and lots of hot hot sun, the summer months are the time to go. For the others looking for a calmer, cooler time, it’s a good idea to do some research on the particular region to see when the high season begins and ends. Generally, spring is a safe bet for a quieter beach stay. (That said: watch out for the 2 weeks of rain that come annually at the beginning of September.)