The Best Beach in Italy for 2025 Isn’t Where You’d Expect
When you think of a beach getaway, what usually comes to mind? A bit of sunshine, golden sand, and the soothing rhythm of waves. But imagine a place where the water is so clear and blue it feels almost surreal. That’s the experience awaiting travelers at Spiaggia dei Conigli, or “Rabbit Beach,” a breathtaking stretch of coast that’s just been named Italy’s best beach for 2025 and one of Europe’s top five by Tripadvisor.
Where Is Spiaggia dei Conigli?
Although technically Italian, Spiaggia dei Conigli isn’t located on the mainland. It graces the shores of Lampedusa, the southernmost island in Italy, nestled within the Pelagie archipelago. This tiny island lies beyond Sicily, past Malta, and just east of Tunisia—closer to Africa than Rome. Lampedusa spans only 8 square miles and is home to around 6,000 residents, yet this small size hasn’t stopped it from earning international acclaim.
What Makes It So Special?
The beach isn’t just another sunbathing spot. It’s a crescent-shaped haven with powdery white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rugged cliffs brushed with low Mediterranean shrubbery. The surrounding landscape feels wild yet immaculate—a contrast that creates a raw, natural charm. One of the most enchanting moments to witness here is the seasonal sea turtle hatchings, a rare and magical sight between June and October.
Photo: Canca.com
A Slice of Paradise
Travelers consistently describe Spiaggia dei Conigli with glowing praise. Phrases like “unreal colors,” “like the Maldives,” and “photos can’t do it justice” appear again and again. Though it lacks the glowing sandbars of bioluminescent beaches, its unfiltered natural beauty makes a lasting impression. Even when the beach is busy, its isolated setting and gentle, striated cliffs lend a peaceful, expansive feeling—as if you’re standing right at the edge of the world beneath a sky stretching in every direction.
The Sea Turtles: A Seasonal Highlight
Though they’re not always visible, loggerhead turtles come to this beach—the only one in Italy where they lay their eggs. Their nests are carefully protected, and if you visit at the right time, you might witness tiny hatchlings making their way to the sea. The eggs typically take about 60 days to hatch, adding a touch of wildlife wonder to your beach experience.
Photo: Canva.com
How to Get There
Getting to Spiaggia dei Conigli requires some planning, but the journey is part of the adventure. In the summer months, direct flights to Lampedusa Airport (LMP) are available from Milan, Rome, Bologna, and Venice, with Venice taking the longest at around 5.5 hours, and Rome being the fastest at 3.5 hours.
Year-round, you can fly from Sicily in an hour, which requires first traveling to the island. Another option is the ferry from Porto Empedocle, which takes approximately nine hours and offers scenic sea views.
Once on Lampedusa, the beach is about 10 minutes by taxi or a scenic 90-minute hike from town—perfect for enjoying some gelato.
Is It Worth the Trip?
Absolutely. Visitors consistently say that despite the effort required to reach this remote paradise, the reward is well worth it. For those with a flexible itinerary, spending a night or two on the island is a good strategy. Lampedusa has plenty of affordable accommodation options, many under €100 per night, making it a budget-friendly escape.
Whether you’re drawn by the azure waters, the striking natural scenery, or the chance to witness sea turtles in the wild, Spiaggia dei Conigli is one of those rare places that truly lives up to the hype.
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