Milan Beaches
Milan, being an inland city, does not have any beaches of its own. However, several beautiful beach destinations can be easily reached from Milan.
Nearby coastal towns like Liguria and Lake Como offer picturesque beaches and stunning waterfronts, providing a refreshing escape from the city. So while Milan may not have its beaches, there are plenty of options nearby to enjoy Milan beaches getaways.
What are the Top beaches in Milan?
Milan serves as an ideal base for exploring the enchanting beaches of Italy. Whether you prefer to travel by train, plane, or car, each beach destination from Milan offers its transportation options.
For instance, Lake Como is easily accessible by train, ensuring a hassle-free journey without the need for parking.
On the other hand, Sardinia requires a plane trip.
While spending at least a day (or two) in Milan to explore its highlights is recommended, extending your itinerary to include these beautiful beaches allows you to experience the perfect blend of beach and city life while checking off more attractions from your Italy bucket list. Detailed information on the best transport modes, distances, and travel times is provided for each beach destination.
Lake Como
Escape the city and embark on a day trip from Milan to the dazzling Lake Como, offering some of the finest Milan beaches near Milan. Just a 48-minute train ride covering 39 kilometres transports you to the shimmering shores of the lake. Among the top beaches are Spiaggia di Lierna, the closest to Milan, and the Lido in Varenna. Expect crystal-clear blue waters, charming towns, and breathtaking mountain vistas. While a day trip is possible, extending your stay to at least three days allows for a more immersive experience, including a boat tour that explores multiple beaches. Immerse yourself in the allure of Lake Como and its picturesque Milan beaches
Sestri Levante
Situated around 190km north of Milan, Sestri Levante is a captivating beach town and one of the top destinations for beach lovers near Milan. Just under two and a half hours away by train, this charming town sits on a small peninsula and boasts two palm-lined beaches, earning it the nickname "the city of two seas." While not the closest beach to Milan, Sestri Levante offers a delightful setting and serves as an excellent base for a long weekend of exploring the stunning Ligurian coastline. Immerse yourself in the coastal beauty of Sestri Levante and enjoy a relaxing beach getaway from Milan.
Monterosso al Mare
While Monterosso al Mare may not be the closest Milan beaches, it is a must-visit destination for beach enthusiasts.
As the largest village in Cinque Terre, it offers its sandy beaches, making it an ideal choice for those seeking beach getaways near Milan.
Although it takes around 4 hours by train to reach Monterosso al Mare from Milan, it is quicker (3 hours) by car. Instead of opting for a day trip, I recommend staying for one or two nights to fully appreciate the beauty of the beaches and explore the picturesque Cinque Terre region.
Don't miss the opportunity to hike the famous Sentiero Azzurro coastal trail, adding an extra dimension to your Cinque Terre itinerary.
La Spezia
Although La Spezia itself doesn't have any beaches, it serves as a convenient base for beach-hopping near Milan.
As the area's main hub and largest train station, it offers easy access to popular beach destinations like Cinque Terre, Lerici, and Porto Venere.
Whether visiting in summer or winter, La Spezia provides enjoyable experiences.
The direct train journey from Milan to La Spezia takes approximately three hours while driving covers a distance of 223 kilometres in about two and a half hours.
Embrace the sun, sea, and sand by exploring the beautiful beaches accessible from the vibrant city of La Spezia.
Finale Ligure
Although not close to Milan, Finale Ligure offer amazing Milan beaches holidays that are worth the journey.
The 159-kilometre distance between the two destinations takes around four hours, making it ideal for a weekend getaway.
Finale Ligure, a classic Italian beach destination, boasts beach clubs, dining establishments, a beautiful stretch of sandy shoreline, and clean waters for leisurely enjoyment.
Additionally, there are numerous accommodation options available to suit various preferences.
Embrace the allure of Finale Ligure's beaches, where you can relax, indulge in culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the coastal charm, providing a memorable experience away from Milan.
Santa Margherita Ligure
Located just 112 kilometres from Milan, Santa Margherita Ligure is a picturesque coastal town near Portofino and home to some of the best beaches near Milan. With multiple beaches ranging from pebbly to sandy shores, one of the standout options is Baia di Paraggi, offering a tranquil setting for swimming and sunbathing. The town is easily accessible by train, taking around two and a half hours, making it suitable for a day trip. Santa Margherita Ligure is a popular beach destination for Milanese locals, offering not only beautiful beaches but also a glamorous town centre befitting the charm of the Italian Riviera.
Lake Garda
For a delightful lake beach experience, Lake Garda is the ideal destination. Located approximately a two-hour drive from Milan, it offers the closest beaches to Milan accessible by train, with a journey time of just 57 minutes. While the proximity makes it suitable for a day trip, staying longer is highly recommended. From the beautiful Spiaggia Sabbioni in the north to the charming Jamaica Beach in the south, Lake Garda offers a plethora of coves and swimming spots to explore. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Lake Garda, indulging in its inviting beaches and captivating surroundings.
