Nearest Beaches from Milan: How to Get to the Sea

Looking for the nearest beaches in Liguria from Milan? This guide compares some of the best seaside options by train or car, from sandy Alassio and historic Noli to Varigotti, Paraggi, Baia dei Saraceni, Baia del Silenzio and Moneglia.

Milan is not on the coast, but Liguria is one of the easiest places to reach when you want the sea. From Milan, you can get to several Ligurian beaches in around 2.5 to 4 hours depending on whether you travel by car or train, making the Italian Riviera a realistic option for a weekend break or a long summer day trip. This guide focuses only on beaches currently featured on Costa Guida, including Alassio, Noli, Varigotti, Baia dei Saraceni, Baia del Silenzio and Moneglia. Each beach name links to its full Costa Guida page, where you can find more details on how to get there, facilities, practical tips and nearby places to eat or stay.

Santa Margherita

Santa Margherita Ligure is one of the best beaches near Milan if you want a stylish Riviera di Levante town with beach clubs, restaurants and easy access to Portofino. Set between Rapallo and Portofino, it has clear water, public swimming areas, equipped beach clubs, cafés, hotels and a lively seafront close to the harbour. It is a good option for couples, weekend trips and anyone who wants a more polished Italian Riviera atmosphere rather than a simple sandy beach. It also works well if you want to combine a beach day with Paraggi, Portofino, boat trips or aperitivo by the sea. Why visit: one of the best beach towns near Milan for Portofino access, beach clubs and a classic Riviera atmosphere. Good to know: it is not the closest beach to Milan and can be expensive in peak summer, so book ahead in July and August. Journey from Milan: around 2h by car / around 2h30 by train.

Baia del Silenzio, Sestri Levante

Baia del Silenzio is one of the most beautiful beaches near Milan if you are looking towards the Riviera di Levante. Located in Sestri Levante, this sheltered sandy bay is framed by colourful houses, calm water and the old town just behind the beach. It is a strong choice for a scenic but comfortable beach day, especially if you want sand, restaurants, gelato and aperitivo nearby. It is also one of the better options if you are travelling by train. - Why visit: one of the prettiest sandy beaches in Liguria and a strong weekend option from Milan. - Good to know: it gets very crowded in summer, so visit early or later in the day. - Journey from Milan: around 2h15 by car / around 2h30 by train.

Spiaggia di Noli

Spiaggia di Noli is a beautiful beach on the Riviera di Ponente, set in front of one of Liguria's most charming historic seaside towns. It has clear water, a sand-and-pebble shoreline, public beach areas and beach clubs, making it a practical option for a full beach day. Noli is a good choice if you want more atmosphere than a simple resort beach. You can swim during the day, wander through the medieval old town, and stay for lunch, gelato, aperitivo or dinner by the sea. - Why visit: a great mix of beach, history and village atmosphere. - Good to know: Noli does not have its own train station, so it is usually easier by car or with onward bus/taxi connections. - Journey from Milan: around 2h15 / around 2h30 by train plus bus or taxi from Spotorno-Noli or Finale Ligure.

Spiaggia di Varigotti

Spiaggia di Varigotti is one of the most charming beaches near Milan for a weekend on the Riviera di Ponente. The beach sits in front of the old seaside village of Varigotti, with colourful houses, clear blue water and restaurants close to the seafront. It is more convenient and village-based than nearby Baia dei Saraceni, making it a good option if you want a scenic beach day with easy access to food, aperitivo and evening atmosphere. - Why visit: a beautiful Ligurian village beach with clear water and a relaxed seaside feel. - Good to know: parking is limited in summer, so arrive early if driving. - Journey from Milan: around 2h30 by car / around 2h30 by train to Finale Ligure, then bus or taxi towards Varigotti.

Baia dei Saraceni

Baia dei Saraceni is one of the most scenic beaches in Liguria and one of the best clear-water beaches reachable from Milan for a special coastal day. Set near Varigotti between Punta Crena and Capo Noli, it is known for blue water, dramatic cliffs and a pale pebble-and-sand shoreline. This is a great choice for swimming, snorkelling and photography, especially when the sea is calm. It is not a secret beach, so expect crowds in peak summer and plan your arrival carefully. - Why visit: one of the most beautiful clear-water beaches on the Riviera di Ponente. - Good to know: bring water shoes and avoid arriving late on summer weekends. - Journey from Milan: around 2h30 by car / around 2h30 by train to Finale Ligure, then bus or taxi towards Varigotti.

Spiaggia di Alassio

Spiaggia di Alassio is one of the best beaches near Milan if you want soft sand, shallow water and a classic Italian Riviera resort atmosphere. Set on the Riviera di Ponente, Alassio has a long sandy beach, beach clubs, public areas, restaurants, cafés and hotels close to the seafront. It is a good option for families, couples and anyone who wants a comfortable beach weekend rather than a rocky cove. The town is lively in summer and works especially well if you want to stay overnight. - Why visit: one of the best sandy beaches in Liguria for a comfortable seaside break from Milan. - Good to know: beach clubs are popular in July and August, so book ahead in peak season. - Journey from Milan: around 2h30 by car / around 2h55 by train.

Spiaggia di Moneglia

Spiaggia di Moneglia is a relaxed Riviera di Levante beach that works well if you want a quieter alternative to the most famous Ligurian spots. Set between Sestri Levante and Deiva Marina, Moneglia has a wide sand-and-pebble shoreline, clear water, public beach areas and beach clubs. It is a good option for a slower beach day or a weekend stay, especially if you prefer a more local atmosphere. The town has a train station within walking distance of the beach, which makes it useful for visitors travelling without a car. - Why visit: a relaxed beach town with train access and a practical full-day beach. - Good to know: choose Moneglia if you want something calmer than the most famous Riviera beaches. - Journey from Milan: around 2h40 by car / around 3h (1 change) by train.

Best beaches near Milan by type

Best sandy beach near Milan: Spiaggia di Alassio is one of the best options if you want soft sand, shallow water and a classic beach resort feel. Best beach near Milan for clear water: Baia dei Saraceni is one of the best choices for clear water, swimming and dramatic Ligurian scenery. Best beach near Milan for a historic village: Spiaggia di Noli is ideal if you want to combine the beach with a medieval seaside town, restaurants and aperitivo. Best beach near Milan for a romantic weekend: Varigotti, Baia del Silenzio and Santa Margherita Ligure are all beautiful options for a scenic seaside stay, depending on whether you want village charm, a sandy bay or a more polished Riviera atmosphere. Best beach near Milan by train: Baia del Silenzio in Sestri Levante, Spiaggia di Moneglia and Santa Margherita Ligure are good choices if you want to avoid driving. Best beach near Milan for families: Alassio is one of the easiest options thanks to its sandy beach, shallow water, beach clubs and town facilities. Best beach near Milan for Portofino access: Santa Margherita Ligure is the best choice if you want a beach town with restaurants, beach clubs and easy onward access to Paraggi and Portofino. Best beach near Milan for a stylish weekend: Santa Margherita Ligure is one of the strongest options if you want a more polished Riviera di Levante atmosphere with hotels, aperitivo spots, boat trips and a lively seafront.