Once you’ve finished admiring the ruins of Rome and art galleries of Florence, retreat to the Tuscan coast for a spot of rest and relaxation. Soak up the sun on the vast swathes of sand in Livorno or cross the Tyrrhenian Sea to enjoy the island life on Sardinia. Beach hotels all over Tuscany offer views over the ocean in secluded locations not far from exciting port cities.

Beach Hotels in Tuscany: The Region’s Most Beautiful Beach Vacation Spots

© UNA Hotel Forte dei Marmi

Portside Living in Livorno

When thinking of Tuscany, you might envision rolling farmland, rustic country villas and noble cypress trees, and you wouldn’t be wrong. However, Tuscany’s often-overlooked coast is a respite from the tourist hubs of Florence and Siena, and its beach hotels will not disappoint. If you’re looking for vast sandy beaches with access to a gorgeous Italian city packed with trendy bars, seafood restaurants and nightlife then head to Livorno, Tuscany’s biggest coastal city. Many pass through Livorno’s port only to hurry on to Pisa to check out the Leaning Tower, but this city is worth taking some time to discover. Take a stroll along the checkerboard-patterned Terrazza Mascagni and watch the rollers crash along the shore. Explore the grottos dug into the hills behind the sprawling Sanctuary of Montenero. If it’s beach hotels you’re after, Livorno will not disappoint. Base yourself in the bustling city center to enjoy delicious restaurants and enthusiastic nightlife after day trips along the Tuscan Coast, stopping at Blue Flag beauty spots like Antignano and Calambrone.

Stunning Beaches in Sardinia

© Hotel Terme Marine Leopoldo II From Livorno, it’s an easy journey across the Tyrrhenian Sea to the diverse topography and stunning beaches of Sardinia. A beach hotel on Italy’s second-largest island is an exciting way to spend a vacation, providing travelers with scenic drives along the coast, colorful fishing villages to explore and dreamlike archipelago’s to call home. The island is also packed with ancient stone towers known as Nuraghe which will captivate history enthusiasts. Sardinia’s unique traditions and culture set it apart from the rest of Italy. Base yourself near the medieval city of Alghero for access to a bustling marina and gorgeous cobbled ‘centro storico’ (historic center). From the marina it’s also easy to access Neptune’s Grotto, a prehistoric cave located on a peninsula nearby. The island’s capital Cagliari is another popular spot for a beach hotel and will charm travelers with its bustling piazzas and pretty architecture. The beautiful Maddalena Archipelago is home to some of the most picturesque beaches in the Mediterranean, and beach hotels surrounding La Maddalena town situate you perfectly to hike, yacht and relax on the islands’ richest stretches of sand. Discover the pink beach of Spiaggia Rosa or soak up the gorgeous Italian sun in Costa Smeralda.

Further Stunning Beach Destinations in Italy

© UNA Hotel Forte dei Marmi Beach hotels in Italy don’t just end with Tuscany and Sardinia; the rest of this country’s diverse coastline is waiting to be explored. The Italian Riviera in Liguria is a hotspot for adventurous couples looking for a different kind of beach vacation. Also known as Liguria, this rocky coastline houses the UNESCO World Heritage Cinque Terre, a group of five edenic villages seemingly carved into the cliffs. It’s easy to hike between these colorful villages but you can equally explore by train. It’s likely your first port of call will be Genoa, the city at the heart of the region. Famous for its 22-kilometer harbor, you’ll find a variety of luxury yachts and cruise ships which you can watch venture in and out of the bay while you enjoy a seafood meal and sunset from the boardwalk. Sicily’s beach hotels are also some of Italy’s best. Book a luxury stay in the charming seaside resort of Licata or spend a day in the water discovering the sealife that hides beneath the waves surrounding the Zingaro Nature Reserve.