
With the arrival of spring, bathing season is just around the corner, as both locals and tourists get ready to spend time at the beach in Italy. But when can you start swimming in Italy? Find out here when Italy's beaches open in 2024. Note that the dates will vary depending on the city and region.
Who decides the opening dates of beaches in Italy?
The decision on when Italy's beaches and bathing establishments can open varies from region to region, influenced by climatic factors, local and regional administrative assessments, and regulatory changes. Each year, competent authorities assess weather conditions and regulations to determine the most appropriate time for the start of the bathing season.
In any case, the vast majority of beaches in Italy normally open by 1st May each year, as stated in state regulations. However, in some regions, the weather allows opening even a few weeks earlier and the regions can anticipate the long-awaited go-ahead: this is why the calendar is not the same nationwide.

When beaches open in each Italian region in 2024
Unusual weather variations this year have delayed the opening of the bathing areas on Italian beaches in some cases. Since the first of May, in general, all beach resorts have been up and running, but - in some areas - it has been possible to use sunbeds and parasols on the beach since the beginning of April. Let's look at when the beaches open in each Italian region in 2024
- Liguria: the official opening is stated as being 1st May, on 25th April, 60% of the establishments were already active.
- Puglia: compulsory opening is from 1st June until the second Sunday in September, but it is also possible to open during other periods in May and September depending on the conditions.
- Tuscany: the situation changes from city to city. While in some places people have already been able to hit the beach since Easter, others had to hold out and wait until 1st May.
- Lazio: on the Roman coast, it is also necessary to wait until the May Day holiday to sunbathe on the beach.
- Emilia-Romagna: the bathing season in this Italian region will being on 25th May. Of course, in this case too, municipalities may propose different periods and times if necessary.
Therefore, in principle, 1st May is the date that - weather permitting - will mark the opening of almost all beaches in Italy and they will be operational until late September. If the autumn is particularly warm, lidos may remain open until October.

Events on Italian beaches this summer 2024
On many Italian beaches, bathing establishments also organise events and beach parties. Many lidos also stay open in the evening, often organising dinners on the beach, live music events or DJ sets, bringing their respective seaside resorts to life. During the day, sporting events are often organised using facilities such as tennis courts, beach soccer or beach volleyball.
