The top six family-friendly beaches in Italy

From white sandy beaches which rival the Caribbean, to pebble beaches more akin to England on an extremely good-weather day… Italy is world renowned for its wonderful coastline. We’ve handpicked some of our favourite family-friendly beaches – whether you’re travelling with toddlers or teenagers, there’s a beach for everyone.

Cala Gonone, Sardinia

You’ll find: seemingly endless cliffs and two small white pebble-and-sand beaches

Insider tip: take one of the daily boats to Bue Marino caves or the more remote beaches such as Cala Fuili or Cala Luna

Punta Prosciutto, Puglia

You’ll find: a beach loved by locals, with white sand and crystal-clear water

Insider tip: just like the name, you’ll find plenty of beach huts proffering locally produced food

San Vito lo Capo, Sicily

You’ll find: two miles of sand dominated by the peak of Mont Monaco – a beach loved by Italians, but little-known by tourists

Insider tip: take a boat trip to the Zingaro nature reserve and villa of Scopello (which has been used in numerous films, including Ocean’s Twelve)

Tropea, Calabria

You’ll find: a picturesque beach below the old town and an easy equivalent of Positano

Insider tip: head to Gelati Tonino – this gelateria has some unusual flavours (including onion, and fish!) but has a worthy reputation

Vasto, Aburzzo

You’ll find: an elegant white sand beach, which overlooks the striking rickety fishing platforms constructed mid-water by local fishermen (known as ‘trabocchi’)

Insider tip: travel along the coast to the Punta Aderci – part of a protected nature reserve – which is popular with divers

Viareggio, Tuscany

You’ll find: a manicured beach with rows upon rows of sun-loungers

Inside tip: the sand slopes gradually into the sea, which makes it an ideal location for young families looking to paddle