How to say “beach” in Italian: phrases for the sea and the mountains

An Italian beach in August is a small city. Rows of umbrellas, a bar, a lifeguard, and someone whose whole job is renting you a chair for the day. Ask for that chair in English and you might get a shrug and a wave toward the water; ask in Italian and the umbrella appears.

In this guide you’ll find a variety of Italian expressions grouped by situation: how to find the beach and rent an umbrella, what to ask before you get in the water, the Italian words for the mountains and the trails, and the phrases for renting a bike or other equipment.

Beach and Sea (Spiaggia e Mare)

Dov’è la spiaggia? Where is the beach?

È una spiaggia libera? Is it a free beach?

Quanto costa l’ombrellone? How much does an umbrella cost?

Posso noleggiare una sedia? Can I rent a chair?

Il mare è calmo? Is the sea calm?

Si può fare il bagno? Can you swim?

C’è il bagnino? Is there a lifeguard?

Attenzione alle meduse Watch out for jellyfish

Mountains and Hiking (Montagna e Trekking)

Ci sono sentieri per camminare? Are there walking trails?

È difficile? Is it difficult?

Quanto tempo ci vuole? How long does it take?

Serve una guida? Do you need a guide?

È pericoloso? Is it dangerous?

Che tempo farà? What will the weather be like?

Ho bisogno di scarpe speciali? Do I need special shoes?

Equipment Rental (Noleggio Attrezzature)

Posso noleggiare una bicicletta? Can I rent a bicycle?

Quanto costa al giorno? How much per day?

È incluso il casco? Is the helmet included?

Dove posso restituirla? Where can I return it?

Serve un documento? Do you need ID?

Want a Hand?

This guide gives you the words for a morning on the sand or a day on the trail, from the price of an umbrella to the questions you want answered before you start climbing.

A teacher can practice all of it with you, from the numbers when the umbrella seller answers back to a rental conversation acted out until you stop translating in your head.

Book a free trial lesson and get ready for your Italian outdoor days.