Italy is renowned worldwide for its endless beaches and sun-soaked coastlines. With nearly 5,000 miles of shoreline wrapping around the peninsula and its islands, it’s no surprise that the best beach clubs in Italy offer some of the most stunning seaside experiences in Europe.
From the glitzy shores of the Amalfi Coast to the laid-back charm of Puglia, Italians have elevated beach-going into an art form, complete with curated loungers, impeccable aperitivos, and crystalline waters.
These bagni aren’t just places to swim, they’re social hubs, culinary destinations, and institutions that reflect the local culture. Whether you’re drawn to the jet-set atmosphere of Sardinia or the family-run beach clubs of Rimini, there’s a beach club for every traveler. This guide brings you insider favorites, lesser-known gems, and iconic spots.
If all that sounds perfect to you, read on. In this article, we will cover what a beach club is, the best beach clubs for your travel goals, and answer some of the most common questions we receive from our Italy travel clients. Get ready to experience Italy’s coast the way Italians do: sun-drenched, stylish, and with an Aperol spritz in hand!
What Is a Beach Club?
Before we discuss where to go, it’s essential to understand what a beach club is. Different from most beaches in North America, beaches in Italy aren’t always free.
Italian beach clubs (called a lido in some parts of Italy, and known as stabilimenti in Italian) serve as a designated place for relaxation. You can also rent amenities such as umbrellas and sun loungers.
But a beach club in Italy is so much more than umbrellas in the sand by the sea. A beach club is a curated experience. In exchange for your hard-earned Euros, typically these establishments offer:
- On-site Facilities: Comfortable sunbeds, umbrellas, and/or cabanas, plus beach chairs, toilets, changing areas, and a bar are standard.
- Dining Options: Onsite restaurants or bars serving local cuisine and refreshments.
- Water Activities: Access to water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.
- Exclusive Services: Personalized amenities include towel provision, showers, beach attendants, and lifeguards.
14 Best Beach Clubs In Italy
Best Beach Clubs for Families
If you’re traveling with children, consider visiting a beach club that offers special amenities for kids. Some even have camps where the children can play and be entertained while you lounge and relax. Other popular amenities for kids include playgrounds and pools.
As a mom of two young ones myself, family beach clubs are something I love! My kids have had awesome times in the on-site babysitting facilities, and even made friendships that have lasted longer than the vacation itself.
Bagno 81 No Problem (Rimini)
This is one of my favorite kid-friendly beach clubs. They offer camps for children of all ages (so you can relax while they are engaged in activities, like babysitting but better), have an entire play park for the kids that includes a merry-go-round, and provide a range of family activities, such as beach volleyball, sand games, and more.
Pro: Perfect for anyone with children and/or teen,s plus parents and grandparents will love the services available for family fun!
Con: Those traveling without kids may find it loud since most people there are families with young children in tow.
Bagno 81 No Problem, Lungomare Giuseppe di Vittorio, 28, 47924 Rimini RN
Hu Park Albatros Village (Tuscany)
Have you ever heard of a tourist village? These villages offer a variety of accommodations and often feature an array of exciting amenities. At Hu Park Albatros Village, you can combine a beach getaway in Tuscany with a massive water park that everyone can enjoy. They also offer guided tours and excursions to explore the local area, including interesting archeological sites. These places are ideal for families, offering a wealth of entertainment, activities, childcare, and more.
Pro: These places have it all if you’re looking for a one-stop beach and pool summer destination.
Con: In my opinion, this is better suited for kids ages 5 and above, as there will be a bit of a walk to the beach, and to enjoy the waterpark, you need to know how to swim.
Hu Park Albatross, Località Pineta di Torrenuova, 57027 San Vincenzo LI
Best Beach Clubs for Luxury
I spent a good deal of my 30s paying for fancy beach clubs in Italy. I loved the high-end service, the excuse to splurge on a new bikini, and the general vibe.
These luxury clubs range from moderate (less than €100 a day) to extravagant (€500+ a day), so there is something for everyone, regardless of your luxury budget.
Augustus Beach Club (Tuscany)
Forte dei Marmi is known throughout Italy as the beach playground of the rich and famous. Yachts dot the coastline, and everyone from influencers to actors to Russian aristocrats calls Forte their beach destination of choice. Here, of course, you can also find one of the most upscale beach clubs, Augustus. They offer everything from top-notch service to fine dining, as well as plush amenities, and even have a 5-star hotel on the property.
Pro: Everything is at your fingertips, and the beach is within walking distance from the hotel
Con: Expensive for what you get included, some other resorts offer more for the same price.
Augustus Beach Club, Viale della Repubblica, 3, 55042 Forte dei Marmi LU
Bahia Porto Cesareo (Puglia)
Located just outside the main town center of Porto Cesareo, Bahia Porto Cesareo is a stylish and well-organized beach club along one of Puglia’s most stunning stretches of coastline. With soft golden sand, shallow turquoise waters, and full-service amenities including sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, and a popular beachside restaurant and bar, it’s perfect for couples, families, and groups of friends alike. DJs often play chill music during the afternoon. They also offer an outstanding selection of prosecco and top-shelf champagne, brought right to your umbrella.
Pro: Calm, shallow water makes it ideal for all levels of swimmers.
Con: Can get crowded in peak summer months, so reservations for loungers are highly recommended
Bahia Porto Cesareo, Via dei Bacini, 73010 Porto Cesareo LE
Il San Corrado di Noto (Sicily)
This boutique resort in Sicily combines luxury with authenticity. Guests have access to a private beach club, complete with sunbeds, a vibrant restaurant, and a bar overlooking the Mediterranean. The resort also features a spa, fitness suite, and tennis court, providing a luxurious experience for all guests. This place is a bit different from the others because the resort is located about 20 minutes from the beach, but in a way, it’s something extra because you get countryside, beach, and city, all in one stay.
Pro: A full-service option that includes everything in one place.
Con: The beach is a 20-minute drive from the hotel proper so that you won’t be staying right on the beach.
Il San Corrado di Noto, Contrada Belludia SP51, 96017 Noto SR
La Scogliera (Positano)
Located just to the side of the Spiaggia Grande in Positano, La Scogliera offers an exclusive beach club experience. Guests can enjoy plush loungers, a stylish cabana-style setting, and panoramic views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The onsite restaurant serves gourmet Italian cuisine. They also offer all-inclusive package options to ensure your holiday is exactly what you dreamed of.
Pro: A luxury experience, where you’ll feel pampered!
Con: Expensive, and not everyone loves being on the cliffside versus directly at the water. So, depending on when you book, be sure to specify your preference.
La Scogliera, Via del Brigantino, 84017 Positano SA
Nikki Beach (Sardinia)
Tucked away in the breathtaking bay of Cala Petra Ruja in Sardinia, Nikki Beach Costa Smeralda offers a refined and exclusive escape for discerning travelers. Reachable only by private yacht or a complimentary shuttle, guests are welcomed at a private dock that opens up to a hidden coastal retreat. Along the shore, daybeds and elegant cabanas invite guests to relax in comfort.
Pro: This is the epitome of off the beaten path since the only way to arrive is by boat.
Con: You have to take a boat there and back, so it’s not a great option if you are looking for a quick beach escape of just a few hours.
Nikki Beach Loc. Cala Petra Ruja, 07021 Arzachena SS
Best Beach Clubs for Swimming
If swimming in the sea is a priority, you’ll want to choose one of these beach clubs that fronts crystal clear waters:
Da Ferdinando (Positano)
Located on Fornillo Beach, a short distance from the main beach in Positano, Da Ferdinando offers a laid-back atmosphere ideal for swimmers. A short walk from the Positano ferry port, this beach club provides sunbeds, umbrellas, and a family-friendly restaurant. It’s great for nature lovers because the water is relatively calm, and the pebbly beach means the water is usually crystal clear.
Pro: Not located right outside the center of town, so it is sometimes less crowded
Con: Not everyone will want to make the walk over to this beach, which requires a 10-15 minute walk, or ferry, or bus to arrive
Da Ferdinando, Spiaggia di Fornillo, 84017 Positano SA
La Fontelina Beach Club (Capri)
Fontelina Beach Club in Capri is one of the island’s most notable seaside spots, nestled at the foot of the dramatic Faraglioni rocks. Accessible by boat or a scenic path from town, it offers a luxurious yet laid-back atmosphere with striped umbrellas, sunbeds on rocky terraces, and breathtaking views. The club is known for its crystal-clear waters, perfect for a refreshing swim or snorkeling. Don’t miss its seaside restaurant, which offers local dishes that pair perfectly with a chilled glass of local white wine.
Pro: Beautiful spot nestled in nature, with outstandingly clear waters perfect for exploring
Con: It’s a bit hard to reach, the walk down is nearly 1000ft down a rocky path, or you’ll have to take a boat, then a taxi.
Fontelina, Via dei Faraglioni, 2, 80073 Capri NA
Golfo di Baratti (Tuscany)
The Golfo di Baratti is a stunning coastal bay located along Tuscany’s Etruscan Coast, near the town of Piombino. Known for its crescent-shaped shoreline, the bay boasts soft, dark sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters that are ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxation. It’s surrounded by lush Mediterranean pine forests that you can explore when you need more shade.
The area is also rich in archaeological significance, with nearby ruins from the ancient Etruscan city of Populonia. Peaceful and less crowded than other Tuscan beaches, Baratti is ideal for a tranquil day by the sea, steeped in history and natural beauty.
Pro: It’s a beautiful place for those seeking pristine, clear water and ample opportunities to explore the natural environment.
Con: It’s hard to get to (only accessible by car and then a long walk), and besides the one beach bathroom, there are no other services available for miles.
Golfo di Baratti, Baratti, 57025 Piombino LI
Best Beach Clubs for A Party Scene
Many of the most famous bagni transition from day to night, featuring DJs, aperitivo, and a whole party scene. Here are a few to consider if that’s your vibe:
Arienzo Beach Club (Positano)
Arienzo Beach Club will always remind me of my days as a student in Italy. We decided to host a week-long end-of-semester party on the Amalfi coast, and one of the first recommendations we received was to check out Arienzo Beach Club.
This secluded hot spot is accessible in five minutes by the club’s complimentary shuttle boat or by descending 300 scenic steps to their hidden beach.
All sunbeds must be booked as part of a package that includes food and concierge-style service, where waiters deliver prosecco, spritzes, and seafood pasta directly to your spot on the sand. A DJ spins all day, starting with a mellow groove that builds throughout the afternoon to something more celebratory by dinner time.
In the summer, they sometimes offer DJ sets and dancing after dark, but be sure to check ahead if that’s your plan, as it’s not always available.
Pro: Not everyone will venture here so that it can be quieter than the main beach in Positano.
Con: You will need to plan around the shuttle boat’s schedule for arrival and departure (unless you want to brave the 300 steps up and down)!
Arienzo Beach Club Via Arienzo, 16, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Phi Beach (Sardinia)
Carved into the granite outcroppings of Forte Cappellini, Phi Beach in Sardinia is perfect day or night. I love this spectacular spot so much, I recommended it to guests who came to Sardinia for my wedding. Daytime experiences include waiter-service sunbeds and on-site dining of Mediterranean dishes.
But the real magic happens as the golden hour hits and crowds gather on the rocks for an aperitivo, while the sky turns a flamingo pink. Nighttime means high-profile DJ sets and live acts, with cocktails served beneath the stars.
From sunrise swims to starlit dancing, Phi Beach has it all. Even my 60+ year old family members raved about dancing well into the night at this iconic spot.
Pro: It’s located right outside the main part of Baja Sardinia, so if you’re staying there and don’t mind a walk, it’s only 15 minutes on foot or 3 minutes by car
Con: Can get crowded and can be a bit over the top, depending on the crowd.
Phi Beach, Via Forte Cappellini, 07021 Arzachena SS
Samsara (Riccione)
Riccione is synonymous with incredible nightlife. This seaside town turns into a miles-long nightclub as summer arrives, and it’s so famous that Italians even sing about it.
It’s always given me Atlantic City vibes, evoking thoughts of bachelorette parties and weekend getaways. Samsara Beach Club, in particular, is one of those seaside destinations that seamlessly blends daytime relaxation with electrifying nightlife.
During the day, guests can unwind on plush sun loungers beneath white umbrellas, enjoying the gentle Adriatic breeze and the sandy beach. As the sun sets, the atmosphere transforms with famous DJs spinning electronic beats, turning the whole place into an open-air dance party under the starry sky.
Pro: If you’re looking for fun, you’ll find it here; the entire town of Rimini is alive and vibrant.
Con: Can start to resemble the Jersey Shore and not in a good way, depending on where you are in Riccione.
Samsara, Viale Gabriele D’Annunzio, 185, 47838 Riccione RN
Togo Bay Beach (Puglia)
Set between Torre Lapillo and Punta Prosciutto on the Ionian coast of Puglia, Togo Bay feels almost Caribbean thanks to its white sand and vibrant turquoise water.
Guests can book four-poster beds, palm-shaded sun loungers, and various other cabanas. Music often drifts from the beach restaurant, which serves Salento classics alongside crisp Apulian wines.
Water-sports rentals, from kayaking to snorkeling, make it easy to explore the crystal-clear shallows before retreating to your designated sun lounger. The result is an upscale yet relaxed oasis that strikes a balance between barefoot vibes and polished service.
On the weekend, Togo turns into an open-air nightclub where you can dance long into the evening, still wearing your swimsuit and sunscreen from your beach day.
Pro: The beach is one of the most beautiful in Italy, and it does feel like you’re in the tropics.
Con: It is a bit off the beaten path, and amenities aren’t as plush as some of the other options.
Togo Bay Porto Cesareo, Strada Provinciale 340 Torre Lapillo – Torre Columena, 73010 Torre Lapillo LE
Frequently Asked Questions About Beach Clubs In Italy
Yes, Italy has a rich tradition of beach clubs, known as “stabilimenti balneari.” These range from simple setups with umbrellas and loungers to luxurious clubs offering pools, restaurants, and cocktail bars. They’re particularly popular along the Amalfi Coast, Puglia, Tuscany, Sardinia, Sicily, and Liguria.
Prices for beach clubs in Italy vary by location and luxury level:
- Budget-friendly: €10–€30 per day for a sunbed and umbrella at more casual spots.
- Mid-range: €30–€100 for a day’s rental in scenic or trendy areas.
- High-end: €100+ at exclusive beach clubs with pool access, dining, and premium services, especially in hotspots like Capri or Porto Cervo.
The best place in Italy that combines beautiful beaches with a vibrant nightlife scene is the Amalfi Coast—particularly Positano, Capri, and Forte dei Marmi, where beach clubs transform into glamorous evening lounges.
Rimini, located on the Adriatic coast, is also renowned for its extensive beaches and vibrant nightlife. For a more upscale vibe, the island of Ibiza-like Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda boasts exclusive beach parties and chic nightclubs.
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Italian Beach Clubs
Italy’s coastline is lined with beach clubs that offer much more than just a spot to swim. These 14 beach clubs stand out for their crystal-clear waters, impeccable service, and luxurious amenities, making them perfect for travelers who want to enjoy Italy’s seaside with style and comfort.
To make the most of your beach club experience, be sure to check out our article on 12 Tips for Visiting Italian Beach Clubs. You’ll find insider advice on how to book the best spots, what to bring, and how to navigate the unique customs of Italian seaside culture.
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