11 Best Beaches Near Milan (Train & Car Options Included)
Looking for beaches near Milan? Find the best spots for swimming and relaxing: by the lake, by the sea or right in the city. Easy trips for a summer day!
Just a short train ride or some driving hours from Milan, you’ll find peaceful lakes, sandy shores and charming seaside towns ideal for a day trip or weekend getaway. In this guide, we’ve rounded up some of the best beaches near Milan, with tips on how to get there and what to expect once you'll arrive.
Best Lake Beaches Near Milan (Under 2 Hours)
Looking for a quick escape from the city? These lake beaches near Milan are perfect for a relaxing swim, a lakeside lunch or just some time in the nature. They’re easy to reach by train and ideal for a day trip with no car needed!
Lake Como
If you only have one day and you are looking for something close, Lake Como is hard to beat. It’s just under an hour by train from Milano Centrale, and once you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by mountains, villas and a clear blue water.
Some of the best beaches here include Spiaggia di Lierna (a pebbly spot with amazing views), the lakeside Lido in Varenna and the area around Bellagio, which is perfect for strolling and relaxing by the water.
Pack a picnic or grab a gelato in one of the lakefront villages: you’ll find plenty of quiet spots to sit and enjoy the view.
- 📍 Best for: Day trips, nature, beautiful villas
- 🚆 Travel time: About 1 hour by train from Milan
- 🎟 Stations: Varenna-Esino, Lierna or Como San Giovanni
Lake Maggiore
A bit bigger and quieter than Lake Como, Lake Maggiore is great if you want a peaceful day out with space to relax. You’ll find pebble beaches like Monvalle and Lido di Ispra, or you can visit Stresa, a pretty town with gardens and lakeside walks.
It’s less crowded than other lakes and perfect if you like swimming, paddleboarding or simply watching the boats riding by the water.
Try renting a kayak or taking a boat trip to the Borromean Islands from Stresa!
- 📍 Best for: Calm atmosphere, water sports
- 🚆 Travel time: 1h30 hours by train from Milan
- 🎟 Stations: Stresa, Ispra, Laveno-Mombello
Lake Garda
Want sandy beaches and lively towns? Lake Garda is the perfect spot. It’s Italy’s largest lake and has a more "holiday" vibe than the others. The southern towns of Peschiera del Garda and Desenzano are full of cafes, shops and places to swim. If you want something a bit different, check out Jamaica Beach near Sirmione, famous for its flat rocks and turquoise water.
Combine a beach break with a pizza by the lake and a walk through the historic town centers.
- 📍 Best for: Sandy spots, fun towns, summer energy
- 🚆 Travel time: 1-2 hours by train from Milan
- 🎟 Stations: Peschiera del Garda, Desenzano del Garda
Best Seaside Beaches Near Milan (2 - 4 Hours)
If you’re willing to travel a bit further, you’ll find some of Italy’s most beautiful seaside towns just a few hours from Milan. These spots are perfect for a weekend away or a longer beach day with a bit of adventure.
Santa Margherita Ligure
Elegant and peaceful, Santa Margherita Ligure is a favorite beach getaway for Milan locals. It’s close to Portofino and easy to reach by train, with pretty views the whole way. The beaches are a mix of sand and pebbles, and the whole town feels like a postcard.
Nearby, Baia di Paraggi offers calm turquoise waters and one of the prettiest swimming spots in the area.
- 🧭 Distance from Milan: 2h30 by train
- 💎 Vibe: Elegant, relaxing, Riviera style
- 🌊 Best beach: Baia di Paraggi
- 🍽 Try this: Fresh seafood and Ligurian focaccia
Sestri Levante
Known as the “City of Two Seas”, Sestri Levante sits on a narrow strip of land between two bays. One is calm and quiet (perfect for families), while the other has more waves and a lively vibe. There’s a golden sand, palm trees and a colorful town center to explore.
It’s also a great base if you want to visit Cinque Terre without the crowds.
- 🧭 Distance from Milan: 2h30 by train
- 🌴 Vibe: Laid-back, family-friendly, authentic
- 🏖 Highlights: Baia delle Favole, Baia del Silenzio
- 🚂 Best base: Easy train connections to Cinque Terre
Monterosso al Mare (Cinque Terre)
This is the only Cinque Terre village with a real sandy beach. Fegina Beach is wide and well-equipped, with parasols, sunbeds and bars right on the shore.
It takes about 3 to 4 hours to get there by train, so staying overnight is a good idea if you want to enjoy it without rushing.
- 🧭 Distance from Milan: 3-4 hours
- 🏖 Best beach: Fegina Beach
- 🛏 Tip: Stay overnight for a more relaxed trip
- 🥾 Extra: Don’t miss the Sentiero Azzurro hike!
Finale Ligure
A classic Italian beach town with a big sandy shoreline, Finale Ligure is perfect if you want the space to stretch out and a traditional Riviera feel. There are beach clubs, relaxed cafes and a beautiful promenade for evening walks.
This town is great for families, couples and anyone looking for a slower pace and a full beach day experience.
- 🧭 Distance from Milan: About 3 hours
- 🏖 Vibe: Spacious, casual, old-school Italian
- 🎟 Highlights: Long beaches, easy-going charm
- 🍦 Must try: Gelato with a sea view
Alassio
If you’re dreaming of soft sand and chilled cocktails by the water, Alassio might be your spot. Known for its fine beach and relaxing atmosphere, it’s great for a romantic escape or a slow weekend with friends.
The town also has a lively old center full of cute bars, boutiques and cafes.
- 🧭 Distance from Milan: Around 3 hours by train
- 🍸 Vibe: Relaxed, romantic, stylish
- 🏖 Beach type: Fine sand, clear water
- 🌅 Extra tip: Stay for the sunset, it’s magical here
Porto Venere
Not far from La Spezia, Porto Venere feels like a hidden gem. It’s a small seaside town with colorful houses, quiet rocky bays and incredible views. Locals love diving off the cliffs or relaxing by the water.
It’s a bit longer to reac rather than the other destinations, so consider staying overnight or combining it with a trip to Cinque Terre.
- 🧭 Distance from Milan: 3h-3h30
- 🪨 Vibe: Scenic, local, full of character
- 🌊 Best for: Cliff diving, rocky beaches, boat tours
- 🧭 Bonus: Visit nearby islands like Palmaria
Lesser-Known or Local Beaches Near Milan
Looking for something quieter and more local? These lesser-known beaches are great if you want to avoid the crowds and try something a bit different. They’re all within a few hours from Milan and offer a more relaxed, authentic vibe, perfect for a peaceful break from the big city.
Lido di Cernobbio
If you want a super quick getaway, Lido di Cernobbio is just about 40 minutes from Milan. It’s one of the easiest beaches to reach on Lake Como and is great for families. The beach is small but well-equipped, with sunbeds, changing rooms and a bar for snacks and drinks.
Cernobbio also has a lovely lakeside promenade and a playground nearby, so it's ideal for a calm afternoon by the water.
- 🧭 Distance from Milan: 40 minutes by train + short walk
- 👨👩👧👦 Best for: Families, relaxing with kids
- 🛟 Facilities: Sunbeds, café, changing area
- 🌿 Bonus: Enjoy a walk along the lake before heading back
Spiaggia di Fornaci (Savona)
Located in the coastal town of Savona, this beach has earned the Blue Flag for its clean water and eco-friendly services. It’s a sandy beach with a relaxed feel, popular with locals but not overly crowded.
The beach is just 15 minutes from the train station, so it’s a convenient option for a low-key beach day, especially if you want soft sand plus easy access to shops and restaurants.
- 🧭 Distance from Milan: 2h-2h30 by train
- 🏖 Best for: Clean water, soft sand, chill day out
- 🚶 From station: 15-minute walk
- 🏅 Extra: Blue Flag certified
Varigotti
Varigotti is a charming seaside village with crystal-clear water and a wild, natural feel. The main beach, Spiaggia di Varigotti, is long and wide, with a mix of sand and pebbles. It's surrounded by cliffs and colorful houses, so it's a great spot for photos too!
It’s a top place for snorkeling and enjoying the sea without the usual beach crowds. There are some beach clubs, but also plenty of free areas where you can lay down a towel and enjoy the view.
- 🧭 Distance from Milan: ~3 hours by train or car
- 🤿 Best for: Snorkeling, nature, quiet beach time
- 📸 Vibe: Scenic, colorful, off-the-beaten-path
- 🌊 Tip: Bring water shoes, the seabed is rocky
Bonus: Urban Beaches in Milan
Can’t leave the city, but still want to relax laying under the sun? Good news: Milan has a few urban beach spots where you can chill, sunbathe or even try some water sports without leaving the town. They’re not traditional beaches, but they’re perfect for a summer break in the city.
Idroscalo di Milano
Just next to Linate Airport, Idroscalo is a large artificial lake that locals love during the summer. It was originally built for seaplanes, but now it’s one of the best places in Milan for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and relaxing by the water.
There are grassy and sandy areas to lay your towel, places to rent canoes or pedal boats and even a floating obstacle course for kids (and grown-ups too).
- 🧭 Location: Near Linate Airport
- 🚗 How to get there: 25 minutes by car or take bus 73 from San Babila
- 🎯 Best for: Water sports, sunbathing, family fun
- 🏄♀️ Activities: Swimming, canoeing, SUP, wakeboarding, open-air gyms
Entry is usually free, but some areas and activities require a small fee. Arrive early on weekends to grab a good spot!
Lidobam - Porta Nuova’s Urban Lido
Right in the center of Milan, Lido BAM is a beach-style hangout with a modern vibe. Located in Porta Nuova, it’s more about relaxing than swimming: think deck chairs, music, spritz cocktails and a laid-back atmosphere with great views all around.
It’s a fun spot to unwind outdoors, perfect after work or during a break from sightseeing. Locals love coming here in summer to enjoy the sun in a stylish setting.
- 🧭 Location: Porta Nuova district, near BAM park
- 🚇 Metro: Gioia (M2), Isola (M5), Garibaldi (M2/M5)
- 🍹 Best for: Aperitivo, sunbathing, people-watching
- 🎧 Extras: DJs, events, evening cocktails
These spots may not be the sea, but they’re a great way to enjoy summer in Milan without going so far. Perfect if you're short on time or just want to see how locals relax in the city heat.
Want to pair your urban beach day with a green escape? Check out our guide to the best parks in Milan!
Conclusion
You don’t need to go far to enjoy the sun, the water and a relaxing break outdoors. From lakeside gems to coastal towns and even urban spots, there’s something for everyone whether you have just a few hours or a whole weekend to spare.
So grab your swimsuit, pack a towel and get ready to discover your favorite beach near Milan. The perfect summer escape is closer than you think!
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