When the bustle of Rome is too much, do as the Romans do and head to Santa Marinella. This resort town is just an hour by train from the center of the city, making it the perfect getaway destination. The beaches are crowded on the weekends, as Romani flock here to enjoy the clean water, soft sand, and relaxed atmosphere. During the week, it’s easier to rent sunbeds and umbrellas and book a table at the seafood restaurants lining the boardwalk.

The Amalfi Coast has fabulous coastal cliffs, but the beach choices here are limited. The rocks rise directly from the waves along most of the coastline, and the few beaches are generally only accessible via stairs or boat. Arienzo Beach is a good example, set at the bottom of 300 steps (or served by shuttle and taxi boats from Positano). It’s worth the trouble, however, since the water here is crystal clear. Luckily, many Amalfi Coast boat tours drop anchor here for a swim break.

Puglia is lapped by the waters of two seas, the Ionian and the Adriatic, and this southern region is so beach-centric that radio stations broadcast wind updates so locals know which coast to choose. When the winds are favorable to the eastern coastline, many head to Torre dell’Orso. This crescent of sand faces twin sea stacks, known as the "Two Sisters," that attract sunbathers and cliff divers, and the beach is lined by a shady pine grove, which offers respite from summer temperatures.

This impressive natural rock formation is by far the most famous and striking stretch of coastline on Sicily. Eroded by wind and waves over millennia into a natural flight of steps (hence its name, “Turkish Stairs”), this white moonscape stretch is a popular spot for exploring on foot, as you can take in views over the sea and beaches stretching along the water on either side. Just a short drive from the Valley of the Temples , Scala dei Turchi makes for a refreshing break after a ruins tour.

It should come as no surprise that there's a beach retreat just minutes away from the Floating City of Venice. Take the vaporetto (water bus) to the Santa Maria Elisabetta stop and walk to the sandy stretch known as the Lido. The area's beach clubs tend to be high-end, renting everything from luxury “huts” to more simple beach chairs and umbrellas. Most of the beachfront is reserved for the guests of nearby hotels, so head to the public beach at the end of the Gran Viale.

Florence sits in the heart of Tuscany’s inland hills, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t take a day trip to the beach from here. The riviera town of Viareggio is a popular retreat for Florentines, with direct trains making the trip in about 90 minutes. Viareggio is a bustling town in its own right, with shops, restaurants, and a long stretch of sandy beach lined with enough beach clubs that it’s easy to rent beach chairs and an umbrella even on the busiest summer days.

Avoid the crowds at Cinque Terre and instead, head slightly farther up the coast to the equally charming fishing village-turned-resort town of Camogli. This gem has all the technicolor houses, miniature churches, and fabulous views—with a fraction of the tourists. Plus, the area is known for its excellent snorkeling and scuba diving at nearby Punta Chiappa and the San Fruttuolos abbey and hamlet, only accessible by hiking trail or boat.

Ask any Italian where to find the country’s best beaches and they are bound to name the island of Sardinia. The scalloped coastline is lined with dozens of idyllic coves, but one of the most beloved beaches is Cala Brandinchi. The strip of sand is long and narrow, lined with water so clear that the area is known as “Little Tahiti." The water is shallow, ideal for small children, and there are beach clubs renting loungers and umbrellas, as well as free public areas.