Beaches By Region If you're visiting Italy in the summertime, the sea gets suitably warm for swimming, regularly reaching up to 81 degrees F. On the Amalfi Coast, numerous villages offer swimming spots. The stretch between Amalfi and Positano attracts beach-goers. Positano has two public beaches near town.
Swimming is welcome at most of the beaches lining the coast, with majority free from rough currents and high tides. Saying that it's important to keep safe on holiday, especially if you arrive at a beach with no else there.
Among all the northern Italian lakes, Maggiore has some of the best water quality and swimming beaches, with options ranging from grassy lawns to pebbly tracts or downright sandy shores, especially on the relaxed eastern shore.
Italy has over 8,000 kilometers of coast (almost 5,000 miles), most of it accessible and popular in the good season with sunbathers, swimmers and families.
The Italian seas are clean. For 2020, over 5400 km of bathing water have been classified as “excellent”, ie around 95% of all those classified and examined are in excellent health. The good news comes from the National Environmental Protection System, which has released new data regarding bathing water.
The warmest water temperature is in August with an average around 78.8°F / 26.0°C. The coldest month is February with an average water temperature of 57°F / 13.9°C.
It's also very dangerous to swim in the canals because of motorboats and gondolas circulating the canals constantly and at a rapid pace. Not even on the so-called fondamenta (the seashores) are you allowed to swim. It is even more dangerous, since bigger boats regularly stop by.
For those who are more inclined to actual beach activities, swimming, beach volleyball, fishing, and surfing are popular at this beach. The Venice Breakwater is actually an acclaimed local surf spot. Bike and skate rentals are also available along Ocean Front Walk.
Even if the beach is rocky, flip-flops are still generally relied upon, although you could wear some water shoes if the terrain might be challenging to your feet.
Lake Como in Lombardy, Northern Italy, is not ideal for swimming because it is a lake with deep areas, plus moss settles along the shore. Even though not the best, there are sections along the 47 km stretch of the lake where swimming is possible.
Lake Como is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. It's a wonderful place to swim in crystal clear waters. Located in the north of Italy, Lake como is a fabulous choice for a beatiful and relaxing holiday.
In the summer, it can go up to 77 Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius) while in the winter it can drop as low as 39 Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius). However, generally speaking, the average water temperature of Lake Como is around 60 Fahrenheit (16 degrees Celsius).
The colorful seaside villages are just one of many reasons to take a trip to this gorgeous area, one of the best road trips in Italy. The Amalfi Coast is also the ultimate summer destination, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Going to the seaside is very popular with Italians, especially on Sundays, and Italian beaches can be very crowded in summer.
Though the boardwalk by the beach isn't a sweet and wholesome place, it's a location you might want to explore. Just ensure you visit during the day. It's not a safe place to be at night. Venice Beach is safe to explore during the day, but avoid this destination after dark.
This long sandy beach on the northern portion of Half Moon Bay has excellent water quality. This status is based on the latest sample, taken on July 24th, 2023.
Venice Beach: Venice Beach is known for its eclectic boardwalk and vibrant street performers. The beach itself is a great spot for beginners due to its smaller, more consistent waves.
The culprit? Fluorescein. It's a chemical used during underwater construction to find leaks.
Most of Rome's fabulous beaches are just a short day trip from the main city, easily reached by public transport. They're mostly free, often lined with gelato stands, and family-friendly. Most important of all, you can swim at them, and they're all very beautiful.
Canal water is untreated water and so may contain pollution, biological or chemical contaminants. Please bear this in mind when you come into contact with the water and follow basic hygiene measures.
GREECE. Greece is home to some of the best swimming waters in all of Europe, and September is a great month to visit, with the weather and sea temperatures as perfect as can be (26.8°C/80.2°F). Blessed with the stunning beaches of the Aegean and Ionian seas there are endless ways to enjoy the ocean.
Temperature and salinity
The Southern Adriatic is about 8 to 10 °C (14 to 18 °F) warmer during the winter than the more northerly regions.
Most Italians get two weeks of vacation a year, and they take it in July or August. While some head for the mountains, the majority go to the mare—the sea. During this period, you'll find the warmest weather and the best temperatures for swimming.