Summer, Sun, and Sand
Discover the best beaches near Turin
Beaches near Turin
Ok, Turin is not really a beach destination, as there is no beach in Turin. But to escape the bustling city and immerse yourself in a refreshing summer paradise, is possible and just a short journey from the Piedmont capitol.
As the temperatures rise and the desire for sun-kissed days grows, there’s no need to travel far to find the perfect beach retreat. Join me as we uncover the best beaches near Turin, where crystal-clear waters, soft sands, and laid-back coastal vibes await.
While the nearest coastal escape may not be a stone’s throw away, picturesque lakes and rivers in the vicinity offer an array of delightful experiences.
Whether you seek tranquil relaxation or thrilling water adventures, these hidden gems promise unforgettable summer memories.
So, pack your swimsuits and sunglasses, and get ready to explore the top beaches near Turin.
Beaches near Turin
Rivers and Lakes with beaches near Turin
Please note that these following beaches along the Po-river and close-by lakes are not typical sea beaches, as Turin is not located directly on the coast.
For a traditional seaside beach experience, you would need to travel further south or west towards the Ligurian or Italian Riviera.
Po River Beach in Turin
Along the Po River in the northeast and south of Turin, there are some small areas with sandy beaches and sunbathing spots where locals relax during the summer.
A lovely, sandy beach spot is for example the Spiaggia Paradiso dei Cuori in Meisino Park, where the mouth of the river Stura into the Po is located.
Lago di Avigliana / Lake Avigliana
About 30 kilometers northwest of Turin, Lake Avigliana offers picturesque scenery and some small beach, often hidden in between forest areas.
There are actually two lakes, a bigger and a smaller one. The Great Lake of Avigliana, is one of the 7 Piedmont lakes where you are actually allowed to swim.
One area to enter the lake would be via the Circolo Nautico Avigliana. In addition to sun bathing on the grass or lake swimming, you can rent sups and kayaks to enjoy the blue water with the fanatic alpine scenery.
Lago di Viverone / Lake Viverone
Located approximately 65 kilometers northeast of Turin, Lake Viverone attracts locals and tourists during the summer months.
It covers 5.8 km² and is located at an altitude of 230m between the provinces of Biella and Vercelli, in a landscape of moraine hills.
The south and west sides of the lake are largely natural and green, while the north and east sides are built-up including hotels, campsites, and beaches.
Beaches near Turin
Ligurian Riviera
For the traditional seaside beach experience, you will need to travel a little further south towards the Ligurian or Italian Riviera, which is approximately 2-3 hours away by car or train from Turin.
The beaches in Liguria a mostly sandy and offer easy access, which is why they are packed in summer.
Savona
The Spiaggia Libera Lo Scaletto Dei Pescatori is the main beach in Savona. It is a long sandy beach with clear blue waters. The beach is free to access and backed by a promenade with shops, restaurants, and bars.
Alternatively, the Spiaggia Libera del Prolungamento is a sandy beach located in the city center, next to the Priamar Fortress. It is public and free of charge, with showers and bars and shops on the promenade behind it.
How to get to Savona: Savona is approx. 140km away from Turin. By car, you will need nearly 1:45hrs on the highway (toll-road) and 2:45hrs on regular streets or by train to get here from Turin.
Spotorno / Spiaggia di Spotorno
Spotorno is a charming beach village located only 10 driving minutes south from Savona in Liguria. The beach offers a fantastic view on the very small island Isola Bergeggi.
As nearly everywhere on the Riviera, you will find main areas of the beach packed with rentable beach chairs, but as well small areas where you can lay out your towel without having to pay anything.
The long, mostly sandy beach is backed by a promenade with shops, restaurants, and bars. Parking is available along the street but, especially in summer, is limited due to the high demand.
How to get to Spotorno: Spotorno is approx. 150km away from Turin. By car, you will need nearly 2hrs on the highway (toll-road) and 3hrs on regular streets or by train to get here from Turin.
Noli
Noli is a small town located near Spotorno. It has a beautiful beach with a mix of sand and pebbles. The beach in Noli is about a kilometer long and is backed by a promenade with palm trees.
The waters are clear and blue, and the bottom is sandy, making it a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. There are also a number of boat tours that depart from the beach, which offer the opportunity to explore the surrounding coastline.
Noli itself is a charming town with a rich history and one of the borghi più belli d’Italia (en. most beautiful villages in Italy).
It was founded in the 11th century, and its old town center is still surrounded by medieval walls. There are several churches and towers in the old town, as well as a number of small shops and little restaurants.
How to get to Noli: Noli is just a little south of Spotorno, so it is approx. 150km away from Turin. By car, you will need nearly 2hrs on the highway (toll-road) and 3hrs on regular streets or by train to get here from Turin.
Finale Ligure
Finale Ligure has a number of beaches, the main one being right next to the charming old town of Finale Marina. It is a wide, sandy beach which is famous with families and offers showers.
The Spiaggia di Ponente is located in the extreme west of Finale Ligure and perfect for those coming by car or train, as the train station and free and paid parking spots are located close by.
My tip: The Fly Snack Bar at the beginning of that beach does offer very delicious croissants for (late) breakfast!
One of the most popular beach in Finale Ligure is Baia dei Saraceni, north of the beach town. This beach is a small cove with clear waters and white sand.
It is surrounded by cliffs, which provide shade in the summer months and makes it popular for snorkeling.
How to get to Finale Ligure: Finale Ligure is located even further south. It is approx. 160km away from Turin. By car, you will need nearly 2hrs on the highway (toll-road) and 3hrs on regular streets or by train to get here from Turin.
Beaches near Turin
The great Piedmont lakes
Another alternative for beaches near Turin are the once on the big Piedmont lakes Lago d’Orta and Lago Maggiore.
The popular lakes are located in the northeast of Turin and reachable, depending where on the lakeshores you are going to, from 2hrs in car and 2,5 by train from Torino Porta Nuova.
Gozzano on Lago d’Orta
Gozzano is a charming little town, 3km away from the shore of Lake Orta. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its medieval architecture, cultural attractions and the close by, beautiful lakeside setting.
The town’s main beach is called Lido di Gozzano. It is a long, sandy beach with clear, blue water. The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and swimming. There are also a number of restaurants and bars located nearby.
In addition to its beach, Gozzano also has a number of other attractions. The town is home to a number of medieval buildings, including the Castello di Gozzano, a 12th-century castle, and the Chiesa di San Marco, a 13th-century church.
Gozzano also has a number of museums, including the Museo Civico di Gozzano, which houses a collection of artifacts from the town’s history.
How to get to Gozzano: Gozzano is located 110km northeast of Turin. By car, you will need 1,5hrs on the highway (toll-road) and 2hrs on regular streets. By train Gozzano is nearly 2,5hrs away and from the train station you will have to walk another 3km to get to the lakeside.
Arona on Lago Maggiore
Arona is beautifully located at the foot of Mount Sacro Monte, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known for its beautiful old town, which is built with historical buildings, churches, and squares.
The city also has a number of popular beaches on Lake Maggiore.
The most famous beach in Arona is Lido di Arona which is less than 5 walking minutes away from the train station. It is a long, sandy beach with clear water which is free to swim at and guarded in the afternoons in high season.
The beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
In addition to Lido di Arona, there are a number of other beaches in Arona. Popular beaches include Lido di Angera, Lido di Stresa, and Lido di Baveno. The beaches in Arona are all very clean and well-kept.
How to get to Arona: Arona is located 120km northeast of Turin. By car, you will need 1,5hrs on the highway (toll-road) and 2hrs on regular streets. By train, you can reach Arona in less than 2hrs from Turin, depending on the time of day, which makes it the perfect day trip.
Conclusion
Even if Turin is not located on the ocean, there are still several nice options if you are looking for a beach near Turin. There are idyllic rivers, beautiful lakes and in less than 2hrs drive the fantastic Ligurian Riviera.
And I did not even mention the hundreds of mountain lakes within Piedmont which could be reached from Turin by car and additional hiking.
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