Italy's coastline stretches for thousands of kilometres, but one island is pulling far ahead in the race for beachgoers' attention. New research from travel booking platform Holidu, based on Google Maps data and user reviews, has ranked the country's 30 most popular beaches for 2026 — and Sardinia claims two-thirds of the list.
The top five positions remain unchanged from last year, a sign that these destinations have maintained their appeal. Rabbit Beach on the island of Lampedusa, part of Sicily, holds the top spot with a near-perfect 4.9 out of five rating. Known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters, the beach is framed by rugged cliffs and lush greenery, giving it an almost otherworldly feel. Its name harks back to the wild rabbits that once lived there, though today it is the scenery that draws visitors from around the world.
Sardinia's dominance in the rankings
Sardinia's beaches occupy four of the top five slots. Cala Mariolu, near Baunei on the island's eastern coast, comes second with a 4.8 rating. Accessible only by boat or via hiking trails, the cove offers dramatic scenery: deep sapphire water shifting to bright aquamarine around pristine white pebbles. For the best views, visitors can hike up the surrounding cliffs and look down over the cove.
Tuerredda Beach in the south of Sardinia takes third place, scoring 4.7. Its fine white sand and exceptionally clear blue waters have drawn comparisons to the Caribbean. The beach looks out towards the tiny islet of Tuerredda, covered in Mediterranean scrub, and the shallow seabed makes it ideal for swimming or snorkelling. Is Arutas Beach, on the Sinis Peninsula near Cabras, also scores 4.7. Its distinctive quartz grains — white, green and soft pink — create a shoreline unlike almost anywhere else on the island. Porto Giunco Beach in Villasimius, just over 40 kilometres from Cagliari, rounds out the top five with the same rating. The beach is backed by the Notteri salt lagoon, where pink flamingos are often spotted wading through the shallow water.
The remaining Sardinian beaches in the top 30 include Su Giudeu Beach, Cala Goloritzé, and Arcomagno Beach, among others. The island's dominance reflects its reputation for crystal-clear waters, dramatic coastlines, and well-maintained facilities.
For travellers seeking a less crowded experience, some of Sardinia's lesser-known coves offer a quieter alternative. The island's eastern coast, in particular, features hidden beaches that require a bit of effort to reach but reward visitors with seclusion and unspoiled nature.
Italy's beach rankings come as other European destinations grapple with overtourism and environmental pressures. In Spain, authorities have proposed a ban on smoking at terraces and beaches as part of a major anti-tobacco overhaul. Meanwhile, the UNESCO decision on the Normandy D-Day beaches' World Heritage bid is nearing its final stage, highlighting the cultural and historical significance of coastal sites across Europe.
For those planning a trip to Italy's shores, the message is clear: Sardinia remains the island to beat. But as the rankings show, the country's coastline offers a wealth of options, from the wild beauty of Lampedusa to the family-friendly sands of Villasimius.
