Molise, Italy

Campobasso Beaches

Overview

While the regional capital of Campobasso sits inland among the hills, the Molise coast unfolds along the Adriatic Sea, offering a refreshingly authentic and uncrowded beach experience. About an hour's drive from the city, you'll discover a 35-kilometer stretch of shoreline defined by fine, golden sand and exceptionally clean, shallow waters. This coastline is a quieter alternative to more famous Italian beach destinations, providing a tranquil escape for visitors seeking relaxation and a genuine taste of seaside life.

The heart of the coast is the lively town of Termoli, home to several of the region's best beaches. The most iconic is Spiaggia di Sant'Antonio, set against the stunning backdrop of the town's historic castle. For a more active day, Spiaggia di Rio Vivo is a local favorite and a hub for sailing and watersports. Just along the coast, Spiaggia del Litorale Nord offers the classic Italian resort experience with its numerous beach clubs and services, ensuring a comfortable day by the sea.

Beyond Termoli, the coastline offers even more peaceful options perfect for families and nature lovers. The beach at Lido di Campomarino is known for its relaxed atmosphere and calm, clear sea, making it an ideal choice for a laid-back holiday. The entire Molise coast is celebrated for its gentle, family-friendly waters and wide sandy shores. For a complete look at all the seaside spots, from bustling resorts to quiet coves, be sure to explore our full guide to the beaches of Molise.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Campobasso a good base for a beach holiday?

Campobasso, the capital of Molise, is located inland in a mountainous area and is not a coastal city. The main seaside resort in the province is Termoli, which is approximately an hour's drive or bus ride away. While Campobasso offers its own historical and cultural attractions, if your primary goal is a beach-focused holiday, staying directly in a coastal town like Termoli, Campomarino, or Petacciato Marina would be more convenient.

How do I get to the beaches from Campobasso?

The most common way to reach the Molise coast from Campobasso is by car or bus. The drive to Termoli, the main coastal hub, takes about one hour. Regular bus services operate between Campobasso and Termoli, with the journey also taking approximately one hour and ten minutes. While train services exist, the bus is often more direct for reaching the beach areas.

What is the sea like on the Molise coast?

The Adriatic Sea along the Molise coast is known for being very clean, often receiving excellent water quality ratings. The beaches typically feature fine, golden sand and shallow seabeds, making them particularly suitable for families with children. The water is generally calm and clear, with beautiful greenish-blue hues.

Are the beaches in Molise crowded?

Compared to more famous Italian coastal destinations, the beaches in Molise are significantly less crowded, offering a more tranquil and authentic experience. While they are popular with locals and can get busy in August, you can still find plenty of space, especially on the numerous 'spiagge libere' (free public beaches). This makes it a great destination for those looking to escape the crowds.

Are there hotels right on the beach in the Campobasso province?

Yes, while not in the city of Campobasso itself, the coastal towns like Termoli, Campomarino, and Petacciato offer numerous accommodation options directly on or very close to the beach. You can find a range of hotels, residence hotels, and B&Bs with sea views and direct beach access, catering to various budgets.
See the full list of accommodation options here.

Which is better for a holiday, Termoli or Campomarino?

The choice between Termoli and Campomarino depends on your travel style. Termoli is the larger and more bustling town, offering a charming historic center (borgo antico), a castle, more restaurants, and nightlife. It's a lively hub with two main beaches, Sant'Antonio and Rio Vivo. Campomarino Lido is generally quieter and more relaxed, known for its Blue Flag beach, pine forest, and family-friendly atmosphere. It has good tourist services but a more laid-back vibe.
Spiaggia di Sant'Antonio
Spiaggia di Sant'Antonio
Spiaggia di Rio Vivo
Spiaggia di Rio Vivo

Are there free public beaches or do you have to pay?

The Molise coast offers a good mix of both private beach clubs (lidos) where you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, and extensive free public beaches (spiaggia libera). Unlike some other Italian regions where free beaches are hard to find, Molise has plenty of accessible, no-cost options, particularly in areas like Marina di Petacciato and alongside the equipped lidos in Termoli and Campomarino.

What are the best beaches for families with children near Campobasso?

The beaches along the Molise coast are exceptionally family-friendly. The beaches at Termoli (Spiaggia di Sant'Antonio) and Lido di Campomarino are top choices for families due to their fine sand, very shallow and calm waters, and the availability of facilities like playgrounds and family-oriented lidos. Marina di Petacciato is also excellent, offering wide sandy beaches backed by a pine forest for shade.
Spiaggia di Sant'Antonio
Spiaggia di Sant'Antonio

How does the Molise coast compare to the nearby Puglia coast?

The Molise coast is much shorter (only about 35 km) and generally quieter and less developed than the more famous Puglia coast to the south. While Puglia offers dramatic cliffs, sea caves, and world-renowned towns like Polignano a Mare, Molise provides a more relaxed, uncrowded, and affordable beach experience with wide, sandy beaches. Molise is often considered a more 'off-the-beaten-path' destination.

When is the best time to visit the beaches in Molise?

The ideal time for a beach holiday in Molise is from June to September when the weather is warm and the sea temperature is pleasant for swimming. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. For fewer crowds and milder temperatures, consider visiting in June or September, when you can often enjoy the beaches almost to yourself.

What is a 'trabucco' and can I see them on the Molise coast?

A 'trabucco' is a traditional wooden fishing machine, built on stilts over the sea, historically used for fishing along the Adriatic coast. While more famously associated with the coast of Abruzzo and Gargano (Puglia), you can also see these charming and historic structures in Termoli. They are a unique feature of the local landscape, and some have been converted into distinctive seafood restaurants.

Is it easy to find parking near the beaches?

Parking availability varies. In the main resorts of Termoli and Campomarino, you can find paid parking lots (blue lines) and some free street parking (white lines), though it can get competitive during peak season in July and August. Beaches like Marina di Petacciato, which are less developed, often have more informal parking areas near the beach entrances. Arriving early in the day is always recommended to secure a spot.

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