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Italy for many is a beautiful country with thousands of attractions. Although there may be a million of them, no one counted them. Each city has a hundred, two or more attractions, and every Italian will happily tell you about them, and you will understand that this country is the best thing in the world. But Italy is famous not only for its beautiful landscapes, buildings and history. Modern Italy is also resorts where locals and tourists relax. And yes, a seaside holiday in Italy is as unique as the country itself. Where is the best place to relax in Italy by the sea? Reviews from tourists will help you find the answer you need, and you will be able to choose a place that you will love at first sight and want to stay and live here.
There are so many resorts in the country that no one counted them either. And we will not be pioneers here. And why do we need them all? After all, we only need the best and most beautiful. Let's look at them in more detail.
Adriatic Riviera.
Perhaps this is the most famous place in Italy and outside the country. Of course, the beaches of Rimini are located on its coast.
The coastline here is about three hundred kilometers long, and there are at least 600 beaches. The most famous, of course, is in Rimini, which occupies almost half of the Adriatic coast.
The most popular resort is Puglia. The sea is very close here, and the whole city lives on tourism. There is also amazing architecture that you will not find in any other Italian city.
Riccione is located near Rimini. It is believed that holidays here are elite, so prices are higher than their neighbors. The famous Rimini is literally 10 minutes by bus.
The next resort is Pescara. It is famous for its luxurious pine groves. Surprisingly, this city has the best transport links in the country. So there are no traffic jams, and you can always get to the right place in a matter of minutes.
Ligurian Riviera.
This place got its name due to the proximity of the Ligurian Sea. Most of the coast is sheltered from the winds by mountains, so it is warm here most of the year.
The most famous resort in this place is San Remo. It is located on the border with France and is a neighbor to Nice. So we can say that the Cote d'Azur is Italy. It is also not far from Turin and Milan. This resort is often chosen not only to relax on the seashore, but also to visit Milan. And if there is Schengen, then you can go to neighboring France for a day.
Alassio is neighbors with Sanremo. This is a more relaxed place, and a vacation here can be called a family vacation. Plus, the beaches have sand instead of pebbles, which makes it more convenient for relaxation.
Neapolitan Riviera.
The proximity of Naples gave the name to this place. The sea here is Tyrrhenian, and nearby in the sea are the islands of Sardinia and the French island of Corsica, which, despite its small size, has 4 airports at once!
The most famous resort in this sea is Capri. It is also an island that is very close to the shore. The island is tiny and there is no airport on it. So the only way to get here is by sea.
The island of Ischia is slightly larger than Capri, but also does not have its own airport. But from here it is closer to Naples and mainland Italy.
Sorrento is called the city of lemons. Here vacation is considered prestigious, and therefore the prices are not the lowest.
Tuscan Riviera.
The coast of Tuscany is washed by two seas at once: the Ligurian and the Tyrrhenian. It’s very cool here, because Florence is very close.
Livorno is a resort city on the shores of the Ligurian Sea. there are many attractions here.
In general, Tuscany is one of the best places in Italy. There are so many attractions and beautiful natural landscapes here that Rome and Milan can envy. This is where the Pisa Mountains and the Leaning Tower of Pisa are located. There is also an extinct volcano called Monte Amiata, which all tourists love to visit.
All of the above areas are beautiful places for a beach holiday in Italy. But don’t forget about others, for example, about the island of Sardinia.
Everyone comes to the island. And those who like to lie on the beach, and those who like diving, and those who like excursions. The island will please everyone. Perhaps the most famous place on the island is the statue of Christ. Well, the Garibaldi House Museum is a place where anyone who respects world history should visit.
Another famous island of Italy is Sicily. This island is washed by three seas at once, so tourists can change the sea every day and enjoy swimming in different waters.
Sicily has many architectural monuments, a huge number of museums and the famous volcano Etna.
As you can see, Italy is not only Rimini, Milin, Rome and Venice. There are also many excellent resorts that are ready to welcome tourists and delight them with the beach, sun and beautiful sights.
Italy is the country I visit most often, the country I know best, so quite often I have to answer questions about planning trips to the Apennine Peninsula. In this material, I have collected basic recommendations on how not to ruin your Italian vacation.
1. Do not plan excursion routes for the hottest months of the year.
Rome is always beautiful, but still summer is not the best time to get to know it.
There is a great temptation, taking advantage of the good summer weather, to combine a beach holiday in Italy with an excursion and plan, for example, a week in Rome and a week at sea. Do not do that! June is the only summer month when you can more or less comfortably sightsee. In July and August, the heat in cities is so hot that you will be walking from air conditioner to air conditioner. The best time for excursions in Italy is autumn and spring.
2. Don't plan a beach holiday in Italy for August.
In August, Italians themselves go on vacation and most of them traditionally spend it at the resorts of their country. Hotel prices in popular Sicily and Sardinia, as well as in less popular resorts, increase several times. The best time for a sea holiday in Italy is June, the first half of July and September.
3. Italy is not the best place for a beach holiday.
The beaches of Tuscany, of which Florence is the capital, attract many tourists, but the best sea must be found further south.
In terms of the quality of beaches, Italy, in my opinion, is much inferior to Spain and certainly cannot compete with exotic islands. Italy has a lot of tiny pebble beaches, so if you are looking for wide sandy beaches and good beach infrastructure, including hotels with a large area, then look to other countries. Of the Italian beaches, the sandy beaches of Sardinia and Salento are famous, partly the Sicilian ones, as well as the beaches of Salento. In the popular Lido di Jesolo and Rimini and on the Adriatic in general, the beaches are sandy and wide, but the infrastructure often resembles the Russian south.
4. Avoid popular budget resorts.
In particular, you should avoid Rimini, the mecca of Russian package tourists and German pensioners. The city has an unimportant hotel base, there are a lot of vacationers, so you won’t get a taste of Italian life here. If you want to go to Italy and the sea, then you should look for hotels on the Amalfi Coast, in Liguria, in the Bari area, in Sicily and Sardinia. The best holiday in such places is with a car. In the morning - the beach for a couple of hours, then lunch, drive and go explore the beauty of the coast.
5. When planning your route, look carefully at the map.
Siena is a must when traveling to Tuscany. If you are planning to visit Florence, then also include a day in Siena in your itinerary.
Italy stretches from north to south, so visiting all the most famous Italian cities in a week is not the best idea. A person who travels to a country for the first time usually knows little about it. That is why everyone who is going to Italy for the first time definitely wants to see the popular Florence, Rome and Venice. These cities are quite remote from each other, which means traveling between them will take a lot of time. If you don't have enough time, I recommend leaving one of the cities for another time.
6. Pay attention to small towns.
Choose one or two cities that you want to see first. Allow enough time for each. Open the map and see which cities are nearby. Read about them on Wikipedia. Italy is unique: due to the fact that it was fragmented for a long time and consisted of many small duchies, the small towns of the country, whose names often mean little to the average tourist, have truly colossal historical and cultural value. For example, when in Florence and Rome, it is worth getting to Bologna and Siena, to San Gimignano and Volterra, to see Lucca and Orvieto, and not rushing 500 km to see Venice.
7. Use rail transport to travel around the country.
From the fashion capital of Milan, in just over an hour you can travel by train to Bologna, Turin, Mantua, Bergamo, Brescia and many other interesting cities.
The north and center of Italy are covered by a network of railways, so if you plan to travel between relatively large cities, then you do not necessarily need to rent a car. Trenitalia.com will provide you with complete information on ticket prices and travel times. You will most likely need a car when traveling in Sicily, Sardinia, the south of the mainland and Tuscany.
8. Shopping is good not only in Milan.
People often go to Italy for shopping - it really is first-class there. However, it is absolutely not necessary to plan a trip to Milan: almost every Italian city can compete with Moscow in terms of choice and prices. If you are interested in traditional Italian brands, such as Max Mara, Prada, Pal Zileri, Tod's, Benetton, Max&Co, Marella, Luisa Spagnoli, then you can find them in Bologna, Mantua, and Verona, where there will be much less people, and the choice is no worse than in Milan. Only those who are looking for the most trendy and fashionable brands and models should go to Milan for shopping.
9. Accept the opening hours of restaurants and shops in advance.
Most restaurants and cafes are open for several hours during the day (from approximately 12 to 15 hours) and in the evening (from approximately 20 to 23 hours). If you do not have lunch before three in the afternoon, then you have a very high chance of being left without lunch at all, especially if you are not in Milan or Rome: only bars offering coffee and sandwiches will be open. The same goes for shops: working on Sunday is still the exception rather than the rule in many places. Often, in addition to Sunday, one of the weekdays is a day off, and no one has canceled the break after lunch either.
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Photos (c) Daria Sirotina, 2012-2013
Hello, dear readers. In this article you can familiarize yourself with best places for a beach holiday in Italy. I tried to make the most objective selection of the 10 most beautiful and most visited seaside resorts in Italy.
Italy is a dream destination for many tourists and apart from its stunning attractions, the country boasts a huge variety of beaches, making it a top destination for sea lovers. All the cities presented below are very beautiful and are perfect for.
The best places for a beach holiday in Italy
San Fruttuoso
Situated in a small unspoilt bay between Camogli and Portofino, surrounded by stunning scenery and Mediterranean vegetation. Today it can be safely included in list of the best places for a beach holiday not only in Liguria, but throughout Italy.
The Bay of San Fruttuoso can only be reached on foot or by swimming (by boat or boat). This place is extremely popular among diving enthusiasts, and diving is not uncommon here thanks to the famous bronze sculpture of Jesus Christ, which is located at the bottom of the sea. Another important attraction is the ancient Benedictine monastery, which has been preserved in excellent condition and is a stone building with a small dome, it is impossible to miss since it is located on the local beach.
Tropea
The town is located in the Calabria region, and for several years has been a favorite place for a beach holiday among foreign tourists. Many tourists return here again and again thanks to the clear sea and sandy beaches, some of which can only be seen from the sea. One of the main attractions is the old town, which is built on a rocky cape overlooking the sea.
The city is also famous for the presence of medieval churches. From May to October, trips to the volcano, and in particular to the Stromboli volcano, are very popular here. In summer, local boatmen also offer excursions to the Blue Grotto of Tropea. Diving enthusiasts should appreciate the clear waters and rich underwater fauna here.
Viareggio
Read about how to buy a cheap air ticket to Italy.
Sunny and hospitable Italy has long established itself as a country with enormous opportunities for an ideal excursion and beach holiday. A mild climate throughout the year, a warm and clean sea, beautiful nature - all this creates ideal conditions in Italian resorts for lovers of the hot sun and boat trips.
Features of a beach holiday
Most beaches in Italy are municipal; they are divided into small areas and rented out to private owners. Special employees - baninos - monitor cleanliness and collect fees for sunbeds and umbrellas. Vacationers who sit on a towel at a distance of 5 meters from the sea and further can pay nothing for using the beach.
If you are going for a romantic walk at night, be aware: according to Italian law, it is prohibited to relax on the beaches from 1:00 to 5:00. Violators will have to pay a fine of 150 EUR.
Holidays in Italy in August
Most tourists come to this hospitable country in the warm season. The last month of summer is especially popular. A beach holiday in Italy in August has a number of advantages. At this time, the country delights guests with a special atmosphere - cheerfulness, the smell of the famous pasta and aromatic coffee. In addition, you will be pleased with the lower price of tours to Italy in August. A beach holiday will cost you much less this month than in June or July. For example, the Emilia - Romagna tour (departure from Moscow) for 7 days cost 23,038 rubles this year.
But August in this country is not only famous for its more affordable prices. At the end of summer, air and water temperatures reach their maximum values. Therefore, a beach holiday in Italy will bring you great pleasure. If you come to the Italian coast in mid-August, you can celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (Ferragosto) with the locals.
The weather in Italy at this time is hot. The air temperature rises to +30 degrees, and the water warms up to +25 o C.
In August, wealthy people visit the Ligurian coast, which is known for its fashionable restaurants and hotels.
In San Remo, Portofino and Levanto they swim at +24 ... +25 °C. Due to the fact that there is no such sweltering heat as in the south, these resorts are ideal for families with children. However, prices here are quite high. A more economical option is Rimini with a huge range of beach activities. Here the water temperature fluctuates in the range of +24 ... +26 °C. Please note that, unlike the Ligurian Riviera, you are not guaranteed peace and quiet here.
If you prefer to relax on the islands, we advise you to pay attention to the resorts of southern Sicily or Ischia and Capri, which are located in the Gulf of Naples. True, in August there may be occasional rain and sometimes thunderstorms. However, this does not spoil a beach holiday in Italy in August. Feedback from tourists suggests that vacationers are even happy about short rains - they disperse the heat for a while.
Holidays in September
There are a great many people all over the world who like to go on vacation during the velvet season. Beach holidays in Italy in September are very popular. The beautiful weather contributes to this. The first half of the month is still hot. In the northern regions of the country the air warms up to +30 °C, and in the south - up to +35 °C. From mid-September the thermometer slowly drops to +26 °C. But this weather is also very comfortable for a beach holiday. The water in September has not yet cooled down after the summer heat and is about +24 °C.
By purchasing tours to Italy in September, you will receive a trip to the summer and many pleasant impressions. The price of a 7-day tour costs about 20,000 rubles.
A popular destination in September is Tuscany. In the west of this area is the small but world famous city of Pisa. Its main attraction is the leaning Tower of Pisa. A comfortable beach holiday in Italy in September is guaranteed on the Liturgical Coast. It has a milder climate compared to other regions. You can have a great time in the first month of autumn on the southern islands (Sicily, Sardinia). After relaxing on the beach, you can take a tour of medieval fortresses and ancient cities.
The best beaches in Italy
An uncrowded and clean beach and a comfortable hotel nearby are the dream of any tourist. What can Italy offer its guests? Beach holiday! Where to go to get true pleasure? If you are planning to visit this country and want to know where its best beaches are in order to fully soak up the rays of the Mediterranean sun, then we hope our article will help you. We will tell you about the ten best beaches in Italy that are definitely worth visiting.
San Vito Lo Capo (Sicily)
This Sicilian town is famous for its Costa Gaia beach. It can compete with any Mediterranean resort. Yes, perhaps these places are not as advertised as Taormina, and the nightlife here is much more modest than in Mykonos, Greece. But the three-kilometer strip of clean beach boldly challenges any contender for the title of the best. For some, its peace and pristineness will make you sad, but if the main goal of your vacation is complete relaxation, then this is the ideal choice for you.
Mondello (Sicily)
The sea in Italy, according to tourists, is the most gentle. That is why thousands of travelers flock here every year to vacation. Mondello is an area in Sicily that we cannot fail to mention. Beach holidays here are great. Once a tiny fishing village, luxury villas gradually appeared here and it became a popular resort. Residents of nearby Palermo especially like to relax here. Mondello offers all types of water activities. The beach is in perfect condition and well equipped.
Taormina (Sicily)
This is the pearl of Sicily, which you will certainly hear about if you visit the island. Luxurious sandy beaches for every taste (crowded and secluded) will make your vacation unforgettable.
Even if you are not a big fan of beaches, in Taormina you can admire the beauty of the coast, ancient ruins and the majesty of the volcanoes. One of the most famous of them - Etna - contributes to the creation of an unforgettable, special atmosphere.
Giglio Island
A beach holiday in Italy cannot be imagined without the beautiful island of Giglio. Tourists have chosen this place for a reason - the island has repeatedly won the Italian ranking of the best beaches. The sandy recreation areas here are amazing. Everything is provided here for the comfort of vacationers - sun loungers and umbrellas, changing cabins. Equipment for all types of water sports can be rented. Perhaps the only drawback of this place is the small number of four- and five-star hotels nearby.
Capalbio (Tuscany)
Beach holidays in Italy, or more precisely in Capalbio, are famous for their unique atmosphere. The bright flavor of the Italian countryside has been preserved here, which is probably why it has become extremely popular among Italian celebrities. In Capalbio, special attention is paid to seclusion and privacy, which allows you to completely escape from busy everyday life and get some relaxation against the backdrop of magnificent nature, well-groomed and landscaped beaches and the extraordinary spirit of antiquity that permeates the entire surrounding area.
A holiday in Capalbio will cost a little more than on the main part of the Italian coast, but believe me, it is worth it.
Castiglione della Pescaia (Tuscan Coast)
And this fabulous resort grew up on the site of a fishing village. In 2004, it was recognized as the most environmentally friendly in the country. Not much time has passed since then. However, blue flags still adorn the local sandy beaches.
Domus de Maria (Cagliari, Sardinia)
A famous summer resort that attracts many tourists. Its main feature is camping. The infrastructure for its maintenance has been developed here. The most important thing is to get to this place, and you can rent or buy everything you need for the camp on the spot. According to vacationers, this beach is always at its best. Crystal clear blue water and white sand may tempt you to spend your entire vacation here.
Salina (Aeolian Islands)
Many of those who prefer a beach holiday in Italy have never heard of this corner of Italy. Salina is little known to our compatriots, although it is very popular in Italy. It is an island of volcanic origin, home to about 2,000 people. We assure you that the best beaches in Italy are not always those that are widely advertised. Salina has excellent recreation areas with the purest white sand and a huge selection of water activities.
Vendicari (Syracuse, Sicily)
This is an amazing place! Local authorities, who took the area under protection, turned Vendicari into a paradise for lovers of perfectly clean waters, as well as a stunning park where you can see real flamingos and a variety of turtles. There are many beautiful beaches and lagoons. Particularly noteworthy are the dunes, which are located in the southern part of the reserve.
Posada, Nuoro (Sardinia)
This is a cozy Italian town located in the east of the island of Sardinia. There is an ancient fortress with a tower, and nearby there is a magnificent deserted sandy beach. The bottom in the coastal zone is also sandy. This beach ranks 4th in Europe.
Tourists need to know that only a small number of hotels in this city are available in international booking systems. You should not hope that you can rent a house here - owners are usually difficult to find. At best, you will find a phone number where you can try to rent a house (of course, you will have to communicate in Italian).
Vacation with children
In our opinion, we need to talk separately about a beach holiday in Italy with children. This sunny country has many well-equipped sandy beaches that meet all the requirements of parents. For many years, the province of Rimini, which is located on the Adriatic, has been considered the center of family holidays.
The advantage of the local beaches is the shallow coastal zone. This allows kids to learn to swim. According to parents, a holiday in Rimini gives an unforgettable experience thanks to the Aquafan water park, located very close to the resort, in Riccioni. Here, all vacationers can ride various slides and swim in the wave pool. Little tourists are interested in playing on the playgrounds and seeing the waterfall. Holidays with children on Italian beaches are so popular because they have the following advantages:
- safe sandy beach and smooth descent to the sea;
- clean air and water;
- lush vegetation.
In addition to Rimini, vacationers with children often stay at resorts such as Cesenatico, Riccione, Cervia, Tuscany, Milano Marittima, since they can be classified as the richest and most beautiful regions of the country, with a well-developed entertainment infrastructure for children.
The beach in the town of Capo Coda Cavallo (Sardinia) is especially popular among family tourists. It is equipped with rides, slides, swings and carousels.
Beach holidays in Italy: reviews
Regardless of the time chosen for a holiday in hospitable Italy, tourists express admiration for their trip. They like everything about this country - amazing nature, well-groomed beaches. Judging by the reviews, the sea in Italy surprises with its cleanliness and the air with its freshness. Many travelers note the highest level of service. And this applies not only to living in comfortable hotels. The same can be said about the work of cafes and restaurants. Many tourists thank the Italians for their attentive attitude towards their little guests, for whom excellent conditions have been created here.
The Lord God tried and generously gifted the land of Italy. This is one of those unique countries where it is easy to combine a rich cultural program with all the recreational opportunities.
The ancient, centuries-old history attracts everyone here who wants to learn the secrets of the past. Incredibly rich cultural traditions - in music, fine arts, architecture - attract millions of connoisseurs of spiritual heritage to the country. The names of Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, Rossini and Vivaldi, Pavarotti and Caruso, Filippo Brunellesche and Andrea Pisano are known to numerous fans of Italian culture.
Where is the best holiday in Italy?
Italy's subtropical climate provides warm and mild weather throughout the year. In Italy, mountain systems occupy almost 80% of the territory. In the north of the country are the Alps, forming a complex system of mountain ranges, valleys, coniferous and mixed forests, alpine meadows and high mountain heaths. To the south lies the Padan Lowland, a product of alluvial activity of flowing mountain rivers. It smoothly passes into the Lombard and then into the Venetian valleys, which are occupied by agricultural land - vineyards, olive plantations, tangerine orchards. To the south of the flat areas rise the Apennines, overgrown with dry Mediterranean shrubs and coniferous trees. The coastline is small, up to 5 kilometers wide, most of the rocky, sandy and pebble beaches are quite long. Volcanoes are majestic and powerful. Etna, Vesuvius and Stromboli - these watchful guards of history still let off steam from time to time, reminding the two-legged “kings of nature” of who they really are.
Beach holidays in Italy with children
The best places to go on a trip with children are to the beaches of the Adriatic - Lignano, Marittima, Lido di Ezollo, Milano, Riccione. These places are best suited for children's active recreation. There are children's water attractions, amusement parks and water parks, and the shallow and warm sea attracts a large number of parents with small children. It should be noted, however, that in July-August it is hot here, and since the beaches are sandy, the sea is somewhat cloudy. In addition, it is crowded, especially in Rimini. But a visit to Venice, Ravenna, Verona, Padua and Bologna will significantly enrich the cultural recreation program.
Beach holidays in Italy June-October
The Ligurian coast is very popular among advanced tourists. The nature here is one of the most beautiful - the combination of rocky shores, lush green vegetation, clear blue water and warm southern sun attracts aesthetes, lovers of mountain walks, diving and various festivals. Genoa, San Remo, Pisa, Livorno, Portofino will warmly open the doors of museums, enchant you with historical monuments, and give you an unforgettable flavor of Italian streets. Accommodation is slightly more expensive than on the Adriatic, but not as crowded. Here the heat is more easily tolerated due to the proximity of the mountains, and the beaches are rocky. The best time is from June to October. Although in winter the temperature does not drop below 10 degrees. But there is not much entertainment for children, perhaps only in Genoa an aquarium and a large water park.
The most popular beach holiday destination in Italy is the Tyrrhenian coast. The beaches are mostly sandy. The proximity of cultural and shopping centers such as Florence, Rome, Naples, Siena significantly increases the cost of living in local resorts. 
However, they also improve the quality of shopping. The pearl of the resort area, the Maratea Nature Reserve is simply imbued with the spirit of the past. Norman castles, Roman baths, Greek temples remained intact here, and very close by are the infamous Pompeii excavations.
Highlights of a holiday in Italy
For lovers of solitude, a vacation on the islands will be unforgettable. Ischia has an excellent sea, comfortable beaches and reasonable prices. Thermal springs with healing waters will bring your tired body back to normal. 
An exception will be the island of Capri - Arab sheikhs, creative bohemians and glamorous film stars vacation here. The beaches are rocky and pebble, but few people lie on them. People come here to show themselves.
Many beaches compete to attract tourists. On the Adriatic between Rimini and Riccione, on beach no. 134 there is a large sign with the figure of a man crossed out. This beach is only for women, where the fair sex can feel free. Here you don’t have to worry about the appearance of cellulite and the swimsuit from last year’s collection, there’s no music blaring here and you don’t have to wear makeup. Only one man is allowed on the beach - the lifeguard. 
In Italy, there are beaches for those who love to read, for dog lovers, surfers and even for fans of aerobics.
Interesting, but it is prohibited to be on the beach at night. They can be fined 1000 euros. You can come to Italy all year round, because even bad weather is not a hindrance to architectural masterpieces.
