It is enough to look at the map to understand: there are more than enough beach resorts in Italy. Wherever you find yourself, wherever you come to, the sea is always close by. Even from the alpine slopes, you can reach the coast in just 3-4 hours.
It should also be noted that the sea resorts in Italy are extremely diverse. In Italy, there are wide sandy beaches, and secluded coves with pebble shores, and beaches with a gentle entrance to the sea, and places where the depth begins at the very coast. In a word, the choice is vast - there is something to talk about. This, in fact, is what we will do.
However, before proceeding directly to, we will make a few reservations (to make it easier for you to navigate, since the text is voluminous).
The review of Italian beach resorts presented in this article is structured as follows. The focus is on popular Italian cities (or rather airports), where it is not difficult to get there from anywhere in the world, including from Russia (read more about air traffic with Italy).
Focusing on these cities / airports, we consider the nearby resorts that seem to us the most interesting both in terms of quality and in terms of transport accessibility. (Most of the beach resorts discussed below can be reached by rail - see www.trenitalia.com.) This is not our intent to list all of the options. If you like any of the directions listed below, then you can (and even need to!) Delve into the topic - you will find many interesting places that we have not mentioned here.
So, in this review you will find information about the resorts located near the following cities:
Also, the beach resorts of Calabria and Puglia will be briefly considered. The major Italian islands - Sardinia and Sicily ( beaches of sicily considered in detail), since they require special attention.
As you can see, the order of consideration is from north to south, that is, from top to bottom on the map. It seems logical :) However, this order is also due to the fact that it is easier, faster and usually cheaper to get to the north of Italy than to the south. However, the northern resorts are usually more expensive than the southern ones. (Although, as you know, there are no rules without exceptions.)
Finally, it should be said that all of the following is focused primarily on independent travelers. If you are interested in standard tours, we advise you to refer to such sites as and where you can find and buy these same tours online. However, it is quite possible here you will find something useful for yourself.
On this, perhaps, we will conclude the introductory part. Let's move on to the review.
Where to go to the sea in Italy, and how to get to the best beaches
So, Italy, sea, rest, beaches. Go!
Generally speaking, Venice itself can be considered as a beach resort, since there is an island Lido di Venezia(Lido di Venezia) famous for its long sandy beach. You can get here by water directly from Venice airport (sail a little over an hour; see www.alilaguna.it). The undoubted advantage of the Lido is that all the Venetian sights are close by - for example, St. Mark's Square can be reached in just 15 minutes. Thus, it is quite possible to combine a beach holiday with walks in Venice. Read more about this option in the article "The Beaches of Venice".
Another variant - Lido di Jesolo(Lido di Jesolo)... This resort is located east of Venice and has an equally sandy and even longer beach. Venice airport is again close - about 40 minutes by ATVO bus (see www.atvo.it).
Further east you can find places such as Eraclea Mare(Eraclea Mare), Caorle(Caorle) and Bibione(Bibione), which is also quite easy to get to by ATVO buses.
To the south of Venice is the pretty town of Chioggia with its adjoining resort Sottomarina(Sottomarina)... The beaches here are also sandy, and the infrastructure is well developed, but getting by public transport is not as convenient and quick as to the above resorts. In this case (especially if you are traveling on vacation with small children) it makes sense to order a transfer (see) or rent a car, since this can be done directly at the airport (see www.rentalcars.com, www.economybookings.com and similar sites).
By the way, all these resorts can be reached not only through Venice airport (Aeroporto di Venezia Marco Polo, VCE), but also through the nearby Treviso airport (Aeroporto di Treviso Antonio Canova, TSF), as well as through Verona airport (Aeroporto di Verona Valerio Catullo, VRN). However, a few words should be said about Verona separately.
- Venice. General info + Venice beaches
Getting to the beach resorts in Italy through Verona is perhaps not the most good idea(unless cheap tickets turn up - see www.skyscanner.ru, www.momondo.ru, www.aviasales.ru and other flight search engines). However, one cannot fail to notice that it is a stone's throw from Verona to Lake Garda (Lago di Garda), where there are also beaches. It is clear that a beach vacation on the shores of an Alpine lake is not at all the same as a vacation at the sea. However, this opportunity should not be overlooked either. Moreover, Garda is interesting not only as a beach, but also as thermal spa... From this point of view, it is worth looking in particular at Sirmione(Sirmione).
However, back to the seaside resorts, and pay attention to next moment... Verona can be interesting as a transit point on the way to the beach resorts of the Adriatic in the event that you plan to travel to Italy by train (more about the railway connection between Russia and Italy).
Again, like Verona, Milan boasts proximity to lakes. In addition to Garda, it is worth mentioning at least two more lakes here - Como(Lago di Como) and Maggiore(Lago Maggiore), - where you can also find beaches.
- General information: about Milan, about Bergamo
- Flights: to Milan and Bergamo
- Transfers:,
- Car rental locations: in Malpensa, at Bergamo airport
Genoa, as already mentioned, is located on the shores of the Ligurian Sea, and the most convenient way to get to the beach resorts of Liguria is not through Milan, but just through Genoa. In addition, you can not only fly directly from Russia to Genoa, but also take a direct train. There are a lot of options: in Liguria there are both sandy and pebble beaches.
West of Genoa, for example, are San Remo(San Remo), Diano Marina(Diano Marina), Alassio(Alassio), Pietra Ligure(Pietra Ligure) and Finale Ligure(Finale Ligure)... The beaches in the western part of Liguria are quite wide, long, often sandy, although pebbles are not uncommon. All these places are not so far from Genoa, but if you wish, you can find beaches and closer: for example, in Arenzano(Arenzano)- here the beach is pebbly - or in Cogoleto(Cogoleto)- beaches are partly sandy, partly pebbly.
There are also many interesting places to the east of Genoa. Most of the beaches of eastern Liguria are pebbly and at the same time do not differ in length (probably, with the exception of the beach in Lavagna, Lavagna). But the water here is clean and the places are picturesque. Attention should be paid, for example, to Sori(Sori) and Camogli(Camogli)- both towns are near Genoa. A little further is located Santa Margherita Ligure(Santa Margherita Ligure)... Even further - Sestri Levante(Sestri Levante); here, by the way, there is a wonderful sand beach... The further, the more rocky the terrain becomes, however, there are also places for swimming. There are even beaches in the Cinque Terre. The most interesting are in Monterosso al Mare(Monterosso al Mare): there are both sandy and pebble (more).
All the listed resorts of Liguria are accessible through railway transport... Genoa Airport (Aeroporto di Genova Cristoforo Colombo, GOA), in turn, has convenient connections to the Sestri Ponente train station (Genova Sestri Ponente Aeroporto).
A detailed overview of the beach resorts on the Ligurian coast is presented in this article.
Let's return to the shores of the Adriatic Sea, where, in addition to the considered resorts, there is the well-known Rimini(Rimini)... Wide sandy beaches, calm sea and excellently developed tourist infrastructure - all this attracts in Rimini and its surroundings great amount beach lovers. There is a place here for families with children, for noisy youth, and for elderly tourists (read more about hotels and districts of Rimini). In addition, this is a favorite destination of Russian tour operators. Therefore, before thinking about an independent trip to Rimini, you should carefully study the offers of travel agencies (you can look at the same and). It is highly likely that buying a tour in Rimini will be cheaper than organizing a vacation on your own.
Conveniently, Rimini has its own international airport (Aeroporto di Rimini Federico Fellini, RMI), from where, if you wish, you can even walk to some hotels (see, for example, Hotel Ascot). In addition, Rimini is conveniently accessible via Bologna Airport (Aeroporto di Bologna Guglielmo Marconi, BLQ).
However, it is not at all necessary to be limited to Rimini and its immediate surroundings. If you like the Adriatic, but you are not attracted by either Rimini or Riccione(Riccione) nor Cattolica(Cattolica) nor Milano Marittima(Milano Marittima), then it is worth taking a closer look at the located to the south Pesaro(Pesaro), Fano(Fano) and Senigallia(Senigallia)... Here - all the same wide sandy beaches and a smooth entrance to the sea. These resorts are also easily accessible via Rimini airport. The airport of Ancona (Aeroporto delle Marche, AOI) is also worth keeping in mind.
To the north of Rimini you can pay attention to such places as Lido Adriano(Lido Adriano) and Punta Marina(Punta Marina), which is not far from Ravenna.
- General information: about Rimini, about Bologna
- Flights: to Rimini, to Bologna
- Transfers:,
- Car rental locations: at Rimini airport, at Bologna airport
Pisa is perfect as a transit point on the way to the spacious sandy beaches of the so-called Tuscan Riviera (aka Versilia). In particular, from the airport of Pisa (Aeroporto di Pisa Galileo Galilei, PSA) in just over an hour you can take a bus (for more details see www.pisa-airport.com) to such popular seaside resorts how Viareggio(Viareggio) and Lido di Camaiore(Lido di Camaiore)... Nearby also Forte dei Marmi(Forte dei Marmi), Marina di Massa(Marina di Massa) and Marina di Carrara(Marina di Carrara).
Eastern Liguria with its cozy beaches, picturesque bays and other natural beauties, along by and large, is also not far away, and if you are interested in this particular region, then Pisa should be borne in mind as an alternative to the considered Genoa.
Also, look south of Pisa. Interesting places a lot: for example, Marina di Cecina(Marina di Cecina), San Vincenzo(San Vincenzo) and Follonica(Follonica)... These are quite calm resorts, perfect for families with children.
Separately, it should be said about the island Elbe(Elba) where you can find beaches for every taste: sandy, pebble, and rocky. By the way, Elba has its own small airport (Aeroporto dell "Elba). You can fly here from Pisa (see www.silverairitalia.it) and some other cities. More traditional way to get to Elba - ferry from Piombino, to Piombino can be reached by train.
For more information on the beach resorts in Tuscany, see this article. By the way, all of the above places can be reached via Florence (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola, FLR). Nevertheless, Pisa is closer and flying to Pisa (at least from Russia) is more convenient and cheaper than to Florence.
- General information: about Pisa, about Florence
- Flights: to Pisa, to Florence
- Transfers:,
- Car rental locations: at Pisa airport, at Florence airport
The outskirts of Rome are also not deprived of beach resorts (the beaches here are often sandy). For example, literally a few minutes drive from Rome's Fiumicino airport (Aeroporto di Roma – Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci, FCO) there is a resort town Lido di Ostia(Lido di Ostia)... From the point of view of logistics, nothing could be better (you can get here from the airport by the Cotral bus), but from the point of view of the quality of rest, there are options that are much more interesting.
If you focus on the immediate vicinity of the Italian capital, then you should pay attention to Anzio(Anzio) and Nettuno(Nettuno)... It is convenient to get from Rome to these resorts by rail - it takes about an hour.
But, perhaps, the most interesting beach resorts are located to the south. This is, first of all, San Felice Circeo(San Felice Circeo), Terracina(Terracina), Sperlonga(Sperlonga) and Gaeta(Gaeta)... However, public transport is not as convenient to get to these places as to Anzio and Nettuno. Therefore, in addition, we also mention Formia(Formia): There are beaches here and you can get from Rome by direct train. In addition, from the Formia railway station, you can easily take a taxi or a bus to the same Gaeta - it takes about 15 minutes.
Concerning Sorrento(Sorrento), then directly in the city and there are almost no beaches as such. One of the few lucky exceptions is the La Tonnarella hotel with access to a small private beach (small pebbles). However, Sorrento is easily accessible from Naples (eg by train on the Circumvesuviana railway - see www.eavsrl.it). In terms of beach holidays in Sorrento, it makes sense to target places like Meta(Meta) and Marina di Puolo(Marina di Puolo).
On the Amalfi coast, with the beaches, things are better - you can swim and sunbathe as in the mentioned Amalfi(Amalfi) and Positano(Positano), and in other towns - Praiano(Praiano), Majori(Maiori), Minori(Minori) etc. The beaches are pebbly, small and very picturesque. You can get from Naples to Amalfitana by bus (see www.sitasudtrasporti.it) directly or with a change in Salerno (first by rail, and then again by bus).
South of Salerno, you can pay attention to Paestum(Paestum), Agropoli(Agropoli) and Marina di Ashea(Marina di Ascea)... The beaches here are sandy, the prices are affordable, but the resort infrastructure (in Ashe, for example) is often not very well developed. But it is convenient to get from Naples - an hour and a half ride by rail. It is not so convenient to get to places like Santa Maria di Castellabate(Santa Maria di Castellabate) and Cape Palinuro(Capo Palinuro)... However, they also deserve a mention, and if you are traveling by car, then take a closer look at them.
One of the most interesting places in the vicinity of Naples in terms of beach recreation is the island Ischia(Ischia)... There are many beaches in Ischia, and in addition to them there are thermal springs. You can get there by ferry.
It is worth bearing in mind in particular the airport Lamezia Terme(Aeroporto di Lamezia Terme, SUF)... To the north of it is, for example, Amantea(Amantea), and to the south - Tropea(Tropea) with their wonderful sandy beaches. This is Calabria - the region is far from the richest, but the sea and beaches are excellent. It should be noted that many resorts in Calabria, including Amantea and Tropea, can be easily reached by rail from Naples, or even from Rome (although the journey, of course, is not close and takes quite a long time). Another Calabria airport is located in Reggio Calabria(Reggio Calabria, Aeroporto dello Stretto, REG)... Nearby, we note such a resort as Shilla(Scilla).
Don't lose sight of Puglia too. You can navigate here by the region Salento(Salento)- "the heel of Italy" - in general, and places like Galipoli(Galipoli), Otranto(Otranto) and their immediate surroundings, in particular. The region is also of interest Gargano(Gargano)- "spur of the Italian boot". And even in Bari(Bari) and Brindisi(Brindisi) where the main local airports are located (Aeroporto di Bari-Palese, BRI, and Aeroporto di Brindisi-Casale, BDS), beach destinations can be found.
Like most other tourists, having visited only one city in Italy (in my case it was Rome), I mentally put a tick in front of this country - I checked myself, so to speak. Imagine my surprise when I arrived in the north of the country, and a year later - in its south. It was then that I realized that two different parts of Italy are like two separate worlds. They differ in everything - architecture, geographic features, culture and traditions, character of people, their attitude towards tourists, even types of pizza, after all.
Until the first half of the 19th century, on the territory of present-day Italy, there were many different states that were not connected with each other, although their inhabitants spoke similar languages. Most of them were in a state of socio-economic decline, which made the population extremely dissatisfied. In the 30s, a revolutionary organization called Young Italy was created, which advocated the creation of a unified country and its national independence. It reached its ultimate goal in the early 70s, when Rome became the capital of the unified state. This movement is called nice word risorgimento (in Italian it means "rebirth").
Today Italy is divided into 20 regions, which, in turn, consist of several provinces. Of these twenty five have a special autonomous status and at least one more, in addition to Italian, an official language. You can move along them freely both by car and by public transport; the railway system, which connects the whole country from north to south, is especially convenient in use. Before proceeding with the description of each part, I would like to note that all regions, even the smallest ones, are worth visiting.
Valle d'Aosta
I will start, perhaps, with the northernmost, and probably the most “non-Italian” region of the country. He is one of the five that I talked about in the previous paragraph. Being on the border with France, Vallee-d’ has adopted a lot from his neighbor, including the language - French is recognized as the official here, there are also several dialects. The administrative center is a wonderful city, which many call "alpine Rome" because of the well-preserved ancient buildings.
The region itself, surrounded by the most high mountains Europe (Mont Blanc, Gran Paradiso, Monte Rosa and Matterhorn, each with a height of more than 4000 m), is famous for its premium ski resorts, the total length of which exceeds 1000 km. A six-day lift pass costs more than 300 EUR, and the slopes are dominated by red ones.
There are also many castles in the region, the most famous of which is called Fenis (Castello di Fenis). In this majestic medieval building with several towers and a double defensive wall, you can mentally travel back to the era of the knights thanks to its slightly mystical atmosphere.
As for the gastronomic delights of the region, be sure to try the Fontina cheese, which has been made in the area's small cheese dairies since the 13th century. In terms of wines, the most popular are Fumin, Muscat blanc di Chambave and Petite Arvine, which are produced in high alpine vineyards.
Piedmont
The region is famous for its many lakes. The largest are Maggiore, Garda, Iseo. If you are in these parts, be sure to devote a day to at least one lake - such beauty cannot be missed. Lovers active rest will appreciate the many hiking and cycling trails, tennis courts and golf courses.
There is also one of the largest and oldest national parks in the country - "Stelvio" (Parco nazionale dello Stelvio). It is characterized by a wide variety of flora and fauna, so do not be surprised if a predatory golden eagle flies over you while walking, and several young deer emerge from the forest.
Due to the large number of lakes, it is famous for its dishes made from freshwater fish, and it is also the birthplace of mascarpone cheese, which is used to make many desserts. When in Milan, be sure to order risotto alla milanese, and of course, do not forget about the sparkling wine Franciacorta, the so-called Italian champagne, which is produced near the city.
Trentino-Alto Adige
A feature of this region is its division into two parts - southern Italian-speaking Trentino (in honor of the capital - the city of Trento) and northern Alto Adige (aka Südtirol), where, like in neighboring Austria, German is spoken. Earlier, Trentino - Alto Adige was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which also had a tremendous impact on its development.
This region is especially loved by fans today. winter species sports - ski resorts located in the heart of Südtirol, among the massifs of the Dolomites. There are many tracks, so they are suitable for both beginners and pros, their quality is at the highest level, and the prices are much more pleasant than in the French part of the country. In particular, a 6-day ski pass costs around 160 EUR. In addition, the region is recognized as a world center for mountaineering, so if you have always wanted to try this extreme sport, you are on your way here.
As for winemaking, the southern part is famous for this (as it should be - Italians are more wine lovers than Germans), the most popular brands are Vino Santo and Trentodoc. The northern part specializes in growing apples and all kinds of dishes made from them, mainly desserts.
Veneto
Probably one of the most popular Russian tourists part of the country. The capital of the region is unique and romantic Venice, which you can read about. Also worth a visit is Verona, where, according to Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet lived.
In addition to romantic and cozy cities, it is famous for its good beaches. I can vouch for Caorle - a typical fishing village with a beautiful square and port, which is worth visiting at dawn when boats return from the sea with their catch.
If you want to get away from the crowds of tourists, go to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In summer, it is incredibly beautiful, calm and, importantly, cool, and at the beginning of winter the ski season opens.
In addition to fine wines (the best in the region are Leonildo Pieropan, Amarone della Valpolicella and Bardolino Classico), it is worth trying the famous grape vodka. In local non-touristy restaurants, you will not find the usual pasta, pizza and lasagne - the cuisine is different from the average Italian. I advise you to try fresh seafood dishes and Venetian liver (fegato alla veneziana), which is prepared according to a special recipe with onions and red wine.
Friuli Venezia Giulia
This is a small region that has everything at once: and beautiful architecture, and snow-covered slopes, and beaches, and opportunities for agritourism. The administrative capital is magical Trieste, which during the prosperity of Austria-Hungary was an important political and cultural center, and today is famous for a mixture of the culture of Eastern and Western Europe.
In my opinion, it is worth going here in spring to admire the unique architecture of Trieste and visit the famous Cantine Aperte festival, which means “open wine cellars” in Italian. On it you can taste many wines, as well as get advice from expert sommeliers and find out the answers to all your questions.
Speaking of winemaking: Friuli Venezia Giulia is famous for its white wines, so every tourist should try the local Pinot Grigio. In the restaurants, look out for the seafood and prosciutto San Daniele, the region's gastronomic pride.
Emilia-Romagna
This is, perhaps, the most promoted region of the Adriatic Riviera, since Rimini is located here - the most popular resort among Russian tourists. The administrative capital is the city with the oldest European university and magnificent architecture.
In addition to the bustling tourist Rimini, there are many calm cities with clean beaches - for example, San Mauro Mare. Sports car fans will be delighted with museums dedicated to such automotive giants as Ferrari, Lamborghini, Ducati, Maserati.
Moreover, this is one of the main gastronomic centers of Italy - it is here that traditional Italian lasagna, the famous Bolognese sauce, sparkling Lambrusco wine, Parma ham and delicious Parmesan cheese appeared.
Tuscany
A region of vineyards, endless green fields, the birthplace of many great artists, cities with incredible cathedrals - all this is she,. Its capital is the famous Florence, which one cannot help but fall in love with (you will find out why).
Here, just half an hour away by train, there is a place worth stopping for a short while to take a photo with a falling tower on your palm (don't laugh - this is a must do). Not far away is located and - a city whose symbols are the Chianti wine and the Pali horse races (il Palio).
Here you can also relax on the sea - the largest port of Tuscany is located in Livorno, and nearby there are many small towns that are perfect for a relaxing family vacation. I cannot fail to mention the island of Elba, where Napoleon was exiled at one time. Huge ferries leave from Piombino every day and offer amazing views as you get closer to your destination. It is worth spending a day on the island - beautiful landscapes and luxurious villas will remain in your memory for a long time.
Frankly, having arrived in Rome for a week, on the last day I wanted something different - either because of the heat, or because of an overdose of architectural works of art, and we began to think about where to go. There were three options - the thermal resort of Fiuggi, national park Circeo, the coastal resort of Gaeta. We chose the third and did not lose at all! Leaving the train, we breathed in the fresh sea air and, probably, immediately fell in love with this cozy city, not spoiled by tourist attention. In addition to a very good beach holiday, the region is famous for its Monte Orlando park. Be sure to go up there. There you can wander for a couple of hours, admiring the opening views of the coast.
Hungry, sit down in a restaurant and order, of course, the carbonara spaghetti, which first appeared in Lazio. Also worth trying are the so-called telephone wires (Suppli al telefono) - delicious rice balls stuffed with mozzarella. For white wines, try white Frascati and Marino, for reds I highly recommend Aprilia.
Molise
This small region It is not at all popular with tourists, but in vain - having arrived here, you will feel like a discoverer - the local beaches and parks are so unexplored. It seems that time has stopped here - all the main highways connecting the south and north bypass Molise. Instead, there are a lot of "tratturi" - ancient roads, which many years ago were actively used by shepherds.
Almost everything reminds of history here: many archaeological excavations, medieval abbeys, ancient castles, one of which - Monforte - is located in the administrative capital of Campobasso. Are you interested? Drive to the village of Isernia, where settlements (one of the first in Europe) appeared about 700 thousand years ago. Perhaps, if you want to taste that measured Italian life, about which films are made - you are here.
As for gastronomic delights, while on the coast, pay attention to seafood dishes. The region is home to several pasta factories - a paradise for pasta lovers. From alcoholic beverages locals strongly advise to try milk liqueur and cherry liqueur.
Campania
You can spend several months in this region and not have time to explore it completely, but you can stay here for just an hour and fall in love once and for all. It is here that the Amalfi coast is located, where it is absolutely impossible to find even one ugly place - which is only one of Rufolo's villa in Ravello.
There are many hiking trails such as the Trail of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei). Walking along it and admiring the opening views, I really thought that this is something divine, and that all this is not in reality - it is so beautiful there.
The famous Pompeii and the Vesuvius volcano are also located here - the only active volcano in Europe, and also - the administrative capital of the region. Behind him has established the fame of a very dirty and unsafe city, but many forgive him for the most delicious pizza in the world.
Besides Neapolitan pizza, Campania is home to my favorite cheese, mozzarella. They grow lemons, which are then used to create limoncello - a sour, but very tasty liqueur. Among the wines, I advise you to try the semi-sweet red Falerno.
Puglia
Apulia is, so to speak, a heel, if you imagine Italy as a boot. The region is famous for its clean beaches, which are not yet popular with tourists. Particularly beautiful, it seems to me, is the area near the capes of Castrignano del Capo and Santa Maria di Leuca. The coast is cut by wild cliffs and dotted with grottoes of azure water, and when you first see it, it seems like an eternity can be spent here.
The administrative capital is the cozy city of Bari, which has been compared to Paris itself. This is a very popular pilgrimage site for Christians, because it is here that the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker are located.
Locals are very fond of pasta, the most popular and unusual is orecchiette - small pasta with turnips. Such an unusual combination, as a rule, is not to everyone's taste, but this dish is worth trying. There is a city in the region where the best mussels in Italy are mined. I recommend Primitivo di Manduria for red wines, Locorotondo for whites.
Basilicata
This region is not at all spoiled by the attention of tourists, and therefore, in fact, it is beautiful. Semi-empty beaches with clear water attract those few travelers who still make it to the pearl of southern Italy with their pristineness and very inexpensive prices.
The main pride of the region is, of course, the cleanest coastline. In addition to simple beaches, there are several very worthy resorts with thermal springs - for example, the Terme La Calda and the Terme Rapolla. I advise you to pay special attention to the small town of Maratea - it is here that the statue of Christ the Savior is located. At 22 meters high, it is the second largest in the world after the statue in Rio. It is stupid to describe its grandeur and beauty of the landscapes opening from the mountain - you need to see it for yourself.
Basilicata has a lot of unusual culinary delights such as giblets (gnummarieddi) or horseradish omelet (rafanata). Aglianico del Vulture is produced here, which is produced near the extinct volcano Vulture. It has a light berry flavor and, as a rule, is very popular with the fair sex.
Calabria
The hottest, southernmost region of the country. A favorite vacation spot for Italians themselves, and they should be trusted in this regard. I must say that in some cities there are a lot of Russians - for example, in Scalea there is a whole company that sells real estate to our citizens. You should also be prepared for the fact that most of the local population does not speak English, so write down all the basic phrases in Italian in advance. However, in the capital - - you probably won't have such problems.
Be sure to visit Diamante. I was told that unlike all the other cities on the coast, it did not have any flavor that would attract tourists. After long meetings, the authorities made a very beautiful embankment and invited artists to paint pictures on the walls of the city. It seems to me that it turned out very unusual and interesting.
What she is famous for in the field of gastronomy is, first of all, limoncello, which I already talked about a little higher. In local pastas, fileja pasta is most often used, and also delicious pecorino cheese is produced here.
Sardinia (Sardegna)
This island paradise is dearly loved by many people, whose names can be found on the Forbes list. On the northeastern coast of the Costa Smeralda are the villas of many, including Russian millionaires. However, do not think that a budget vacation is impossible here - the prices here are not too different from those in mainland Italy.
Sardinia has countless beaches and resorts to suit all tastes. For example, Porto Cervo is popular with people who love luxury holidays, Porto Rotondo is suitable for diving, and Baia is famous for its noisy nightlife and loud parties.
Most tourists come to the island for a beach holiday and completely forget about everything else. Don't make this mistake, go to the capital of the region - Cagliari. There, be sure to stroll through the historic center and climb the Bastion of St. Remy (Bastione di San Remy), which offers breathtaking views of the city and the sea.
Talking about local delicacies, you can make a list of several dozen points, so it is extremely difficult to single out one thing. Perhaps this is pasta or risotto with bottarga - this is dried tuna roe, from which all the locals go crazy. Be sure to try Malvasia - this is a very delicate and light dessert wine.
Sicily
Famous for its mafia clans, the island in reality turns out to be not at all as scary as many describe it. Picturesque landscapes fall in love with thousands of tourists, and the active Etna volcano seems to challenge the most daring of them, offering to climb to the top.
The capital of the island - - many deservedly call an open-air museum that combines the incompatible. So, walking around the city, you will walk along typical Turkish streets, stumble upon Arab mosques and see ancient Roman architecture.
It's impossible to get bored in Sicily. In Syracuse you will find many ancient excavations, in Messina you will listen to the legends that have been wandering here since the time of Homer, and Catania is worth a trip at least to see the city that is located at the foot of Etna and seems to have been reborn more than once.
When it comes to Sicilian cuisine, it is said to taste the paste with cuttlefish ink, which makes it look somewhat exotic. From alcohol, the refined and strong Marsala, Moscato, Faro-di-Messina are held in high esteem.
Anything to add?
Sunny Italy, washed by clear waters four seas, is considered to be an excellent place for a beach holiday. It is not for nothing that it has the longest coastal line in Europe. Wide beaches awarded with blue flags, fine fine sand, warm climate, emerald waters and diverse wildlife are the hallmarks of the best seaside resorts in Italy.
To spend an unforgettable vacation in a comfortable hotel on the shores of the azure coast offers not only the mainland, but also the islands scattered across the Mediterranean - Sardinia, Elba, Sicily.
Today Blogoitaliano has compiled for you a selection of the best resorts in Italy by the sea, offering all the variety of images for the perfect holiday.
Gabicce Mare
The resort area has grown on a hill, from where travelers will have a magnificent view of the sea and the surrounding area. The once modest fishing village has become a popular italian resort, which, however, unlike his brothers, managed to preserve the identity and the atmosphere of calm and serenity, despite the developed infrastructure.
The beaches of Gabicce Mare are covered fine sand, the sea warms up well
The urban area is characterized by spaciousness, fine, warm sand, clean, transparent waters and shallow depth. The wild beach, hidden behind a cliff, looks different: stormy waters, rocky bottom and rocky entrance. Such conditions will certainly be appreciated by lovers of diving or boating.
In short, Gabicce Mare - modern beaches, cozy hotels, homely hospitality, a bunch of restaurants, bars, green groves, alleys.
To find your best hotel for your holiday in Gabicce Mare, follow this link.
Cattolica
Cattolica is a small town in the Emilia-Romagna region, not far from, will delight tourists with many kilometers of sandy beaches on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. The main distinguishing feature of the beaches of Cattolica is coarse sand and soft, warm waters, which made the resort famous all over the world. V paradise we recommend to go in the middle of summer. A special charm to the local beach is given by the fence from the sea waves in the form of large stones, which allows you to relax in this place with children.
The beaches of Cattolica are perfect for families with children
The resort has all the conditions for rest and relaxation: kids can play in the playgrounds, sports fans can visit fitness rooms and massages.
All kinds of water activities are very popular in Cattolica, among which surfing is especially popular. In addition, deep sea fishing competitions are held annually in Cattolica.
Children will not be left indifferent by a trip to the local dolphinarium, as well as to the largest aquarium in Europe with the predatory conquerors of the seas and oceans - sharks. You can admire the underwater inhabitant not only through glass, but also live, by immersing yourself in the reservoir of the oceanarium.
The evening program includes relaxation in local restaurants on the coast and traditional Italian performances of the Royal Theater.
Are you looking for an unforgettable vacation in Cattolica? Find your hotel using this link.
Riviera Lazio seaside resorts
The Riviera Lazio, which stretches for 100 km along the Tyrrhenian Sea, is considered one of the largest beach recreation areas in Italy. The region is characterized by an abundance of sun, warm waters, clean air and picturesque landscapes. The beaches of the Riviera are exceptionally sandy, and the coast is dotted with provincial villages with a rich history. The resorts of the Riviera Lazio, despite the seemingly mundane beach holiday, win the hearts of vacationers, and the proximity to the Italian capital makes the place even more popular. If you drive a little to the north, the tourist will discover volcanic lakes, which will be a godsend for those who are fond of water sports in fresh water.
In addition, the region contains many ancient castles, mansions, villas and fortresses. The “visiting card” of Lazio is considered to be the national protected area “Circe” and karst depressions. From here it is very convenient to go on excursions and shopping in, go to admire Vesuvius in, and also make boat trip to nearby islands.
In Anzio, you can find a calm and secluded getaway
You can stop for rest in one of the popular resort towns:
The neighboring town of Bibione is famous for its thermal waters and thalassotherapy courses. Here, as well as in Lignano, the sea is shallow and warms up well. Bibibone is a young resort that was developed only half a century ago. Outdoor enthusiasts will be amazed at the wide range of entertainment options. All conditions are created here for surfing, water skiing, sailing, tennis and golf, as well as horseback riding and hiking. Shopping lovers will not be ignored either. The newly built Bibione shopping center is recognized as the best in northern Italy.
There are many hotels in Bibione, but they are almost always busy. Book in advance at one of the best seaside resorts in Italy. ...
Sorrento
Photos by: Rodrigo Soldon, Otberg, Lokyam, Leonardo Scardamaglio, Moyan Brenn, Evgeny Zhukov
The Italian "boot" is not an ankle boot or, God forgive me, a sneaker. This is a complete jackboot. The territory here is vast, there are many beaches, there is plenty to choose from.
How are you planning to relax this summer? Do you want to improve your kids' health on a calm coast? Would you rather be secluded on the beach reading a new novel? Or maybe in 2019 you have a wedding anniversary and you want some romance? Or did you finally have the same vacation dates, and you decided to rush to Italy with the whole gang?
So where to go: to the mainland or to the islands? It is also advisable to estimate the prices in advance ... And you would not be wrong with the weather ...
Panic aside! Especially for you, we made our way into the secret archives and scouted everything.
Read on and you will understand:
- how to organize a beach holiday in Italy;
- when the season starts;
- and what excursions are contraindicated to skip.
So this is Italy! Welcome!
Conquering the mainland!
Adriatic riviera
Everything here is very modest: a three-hundred-kilometer coastline and more than 600 beaches on it. The air temperature in summer is 26-29 ° C. And the water heats up to 21-26 ° C. This also includes the Venetian Riviera and.
Season: April - October.
Geography: the north-east of the country, and in the language of the shoe master - "bootleg".
Sea: Adriatic.
How to get there: by plane - to Rimini () or Ancona, then - by bus, train or taxi.
Popular resorts: Puglia (sea and amazing architecture - here it is, "heel"), Grottamare ("Palm Riviera" for shopping and dancing lovers), Cattolica (an oasis for family vacations), Pesaro (sea, nature and ... opera!), Pescara (pine groves, convenient transport links), Riccione (luxury vacation 10 minutes from Rimini).
Highlights:
- chic infrastructure (amusement parks, zoos, hotels, shops, cafes, etc.);
- availability of popular attractions;
- holidays and concerts in season;
- the possibility of active recreation (sports, competitions, excursions, discos).
Dmitry (28 years old, Yaroslavl):
“We looked at beach tours for a long time, but it seemed a little expensive. We read the reviews and decided to organize everything ourselves. We stopped in the town of Gabicce Mare. Clean coastline, well-equipped beaches - no complaints here. We spent most of our vacation there: we swam during the day, walked around the city in the evening, dined in a cafe. We went a couple of times, and that's just it. "
Ligurian riviera
Due to the mountains on these shores, a mild climate is maintained. In summer, the thermometer reads 27-30 ° C. Water temperature: in May - 15 ° C, from June to September - 20-25 ° C, in October - 19 ° C. So, you can swim even in autumn.
Season: May - October.
Geography: northwest Italy.
Sea: Ligurian.
Popular resorts: Alassio ( quartz sand instead of pebbles), Levanto (a vacation spot for the Italian elite), Lerici (for lovers of a quiet holiday), San Remo (luxury style: boutiques, casinos, restaurants).
Highlights:
- you can go to France (Nice, Monaco, Corsica);
- see a million sights in Genoa;
Neapolitan riviera
Summer here begins in May, when the air warms to 21 ° C and the water to 18 ° C. In the period from June to September, the air temperature is kept at 24-27 ° C, and the sea pleases with a stable 22-25 ° C.
Season: May - September.
Geography: western coast of the country.
Sea: Tyrrhenian.
How to get there: air flight to Naples (), then - by land transport.
Popular resorts: Capri, Ischia (see the insular part of the article - below), Sorrento (prestigious vacation in the city of lemons).
Highlights:
- Punta Campanella Marine Reserve;
- hiking in the mountains;
- a paradise for diving fans.
Tuscan Riviera
If your vacation is in July or August, Tuscany is definitely not the best choice. During this period it is very hot here, the temperature rarely drops below + 30 ° C. But here there is an impressive nature: the metal-bearing hills, the Apuan Alps. And also full of museums, and architectural masterpieces at every turn.
Season: May-June, September - October.
Geography: northwest of the country, near Liguria.
Sea: Tyrrhenian.
How to get there: we fly to Rome, Milan or Genoa, from there - by any convenient ground transport.
Highlights:
- discos La Bussola and La Capannina dei Franceschi;
- Leaning Mountains and Leaning Tower of Pisa;
- extinct volcano Monte Amiata.
Ksenia (33 years old, Tver):
“We usually buy tours, but we went to Tuscany ourselves. Savages, so to speak. They rushed with my husband, with children and ... were very pleased! Rates here are much lower than in Rome and others tourist spots... There are also fewer people. If you want a seaside vacation - lie to yourself on the beach. I wanted civilization - ".
Are you in the middle of Rome, and your soul is torn to the sea, not seeing any barriers? Here .
Now let's stay a little islanders!
Ischia
Want to see gardens where lava once flowed freely? Visit La Mortella Gardens on this island. And after the tour, taste the local culinary masterpiece - Ischitan style rabbit. Under the traditional limoncello, juicy meat goes off with a bang.
Ischia has a mild climate. From May to October, the water temperature is from 18 ° C to 22 ° C, the air temperature is from 21 to 24 ° C.
Season: May - October.
Geography: west coast, near Naples.
Sea: Tyrrhenian.
How to get there: to Naples - by plane, to the island itself - by ferry.
Popular beaches: Cartaromana (great view of the island), Marina dei Maronti (3 km of sand), Citara Beach.
Highlights:
- thermal springs for health improvement;
- Aragonese castle;
- excursion to Pompeii.
Capri
Want endless dancing and fun? Then look for accommodation in the city of Capri. Do you prefer a quieter pastime in the evenings? Come to nearby Anacapri. But remember that both cities are quite expensive. For more than one year, they have been chosen for recreation by the mighty of this world.
In the summer months, the water is warm - from 22 to 27 ° C. The air temperature is also conducive to relaxation: from 21 to 28 ° C.
Season: May-November.
Geography: as part of the province of Naples.
Sea: Tyrrhenian.
How to get there: flight to Naples, transfer to a boat and ... You have arrived in Capri!
Popular beaches: Bagni Tiberio (calm sea, special steps for descending into the water - ideal for relaxing with children), Da Giola (for those who love half-empty shores), La Fontelina (very fashionable rocky beach, places must be booked).
Highlights:
- imperial villas;
- Blue Grotto;
- Phoenician stairs.
Sardinia
On this island, palm groves coexist with pine groves, and it is difficult to count the varied reserves. And what a magnificent statue of Christ is worth!
The island will also be appreciated by diving enthusiasts. Cultural enthusiasts will have fun with a visit to the Garibaldi House Museum or the Labrolle-La Maddalena Museum.
The climate in Sardinia is very gentle. Already in April it is 18 ° C outside, in May - a full 22 ° C. And in summer it's beauty in general: air - from 26 to 30 ° C, water - from 20 ° C to 25 ° C.
Season: May - mid-November.
Geography: between Sicily and Corsica.
Sea: Mediterranean.
How to get there: in season - charter flights from Moscow, the rest of the time - by plane to Rome (), then - to Cagliari or Olbia.
Highlights:
- the ancient churches of San Nicola and San Antonio;
- "Graves of giants" near Arzachen;
- caves Grotto-Netuno, Neptune's cave.
Anton (46 years old, Balashikha):
“For the third year we have been resting only in Sardinia. These small islands around are striking: on two adjacent ones, the sand can be of different colors, gold and, for example, pink. Marvelous! Nature is impressive on the main island: there is always some kind of flower smell on the streets, sometimes vines descend right along the walls of houses! My wife is a doctor, so she immediately dragged me to the wax museum of anatomy in Cagliari. Honestly, I am not a fan of such exhibitions, but my wife and son spent several hours there. "
Features of holidays on the island of Sardinia in, and.
Sicily
It is always pleasant to relax in Sicily, but a special chic is to combine visiting museums and monuments with swimming in one of the three seas. It is most convenient to do this starting in May, when the air has already warmed up to 22 ° C, and the water - up to 18 ° C. In the summer months, temperature fluctuations are as follows: air - from 25 ° C to 29 ° C, water - from 21 ° C to 26 ° C.
Season: May - October.
Geography:"Toe" or south of the Italian over the knee.
Sea: Mediterranean, Tyrrhenian, Ionian.
How to get there: the first flight to Milan, Rome or Venice (), the second to Palermo or Catania.
Highlights:
- excursion to the city of Corleone;
- and then to Syracuse;
- volcano Etna.
More about holidays in Sicily:
At my mother's home in the kitchen, according to Potap and Nastya Kamenskikh, it is certainly delightful. But the resorts of Italy on the sea beckon no less. And you can take your mom with you, what's the question?
Tina Krainichenko
I was bribed in this hotel by excellent reviews on all booking sites without exception, fresh modern design, location close to the beach and the Grado baths (yes, there are thermal springs in the city too!). You can stay in apartments with one or two bedrooms; in any case, they will be equipped with everything needed for a long stay, including a washing machine.
2. Moneglia, Liguria
Photo from here
Moneglia, whose beach also has a blue flag for its cleanliness, is located between Genoa and the Cinque Terre and can be a convenient base for exploring the surrounding area. In one direction - the luxurious Portofino, a little further - the contradictory Genoa, in the other - the absolute Italian must see Chinve Terre, five towns clinging to the rocks. The coast is rocky and is said to be great for diving as well.
I would go to Monela just for the sake of this hotel! Judge for yourself: a former monastery built in the 15th century, antique furniture, the possibility to use the swimming pool and restaurant of the nearby hotel, tastings of local products and wine. I really love places where the owners try to be different from their neighbors and put their soul into the establishment, and not just put beds and TVs in the rooms.
3. Monopoli, Puglia
In Monopoli, a small town between Bari and Lecce, I almost went on vacation two years ago. Just imagine: an absolutely white city with only yellow bell towers peeping through here and there, a sandy beach, which is a two-minute walk away, a clear sea. Nearby - kilometers of deserted coast with bays, which can be reached by car, an hour's drive - Bari with the relics of St. Nicholas and Lecce, Florence of the south. My friend, the same one, rested in this region a couple of years ago and was completely delighted! She can be trusted - in Italy she was, in my opinion, everywhere.
In this hotel everything is done the way I like it! Design in light colors, sea view, many cozy corners where you can relax in the fresh air, a pool to swim in the morning, fresh and quality repair... You can rent a room, or you can rent a suite with a balcony overhanging the sea. In any case, you will see few people, because the hotel is small. Romantic, huh?
4. Alba Adriatica, Abruzzo
There are not many resorts in Italy with long sandy beaches and a gentle entrance to the water. One of them is Rimini, but you know everything about it yourself. Another is Alba Adriatica in Abruzzo. I came across this resort when I was looking for a place to relax with my dad: walking distance to the beach, comfortable entry into the water, convenient transport accessibility from the airport (in this case, it's Rome), the lack of slides to climb, a variety of restaurants and shops. If you are looking for a holiday with children, perhaps Alba Adriatica is perfect for you.
The hotel is a 5-minute walk from the beach, in a separate building. Inside - a very fresh renovation, apartments with 1 and 2 bedrooms (the second is a rarity!), The price of which includes umbrellas and sun loungers on the city sandy beach. Each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen for those who love to cook on vacation, wireless Internet access, air conditioning in every room, new plumbing, TVs.
5. Marotta di Fano, Marche
Marotta di Fano is a town on the Adriatic coast of Italy, located between Rimini and Ancona. It is easy to get here via Bologna airport (where tickets, by the way, are always cheaper than to Rome and Milan). The beach here is sandy, with a comfortable descent into the water. If you go to these parts, then do not miss, I beg you, the magnificent medieval and green hills of the Marche region!
The hotel is just a few steps from the beach. The hotel itself has a lot of light and air, a swimming pool, a very modern interior and furnishings, a good restaurant, judging by the reviews. On the booking sites, hotel customers praise the staff, the cleanliness and furnishings of the rooms and the excellent value for money.
6. Elba Island, Tuscany
Yes, yes, this is the same island where Napoleon Bonaparte whiled away his days! Elba is located between Italy and French Corsica and is part of national park... This means that the climate here is mild, the landscapes are varied, the beaches are comfortable, the water is clean. Among the vacationers there are mainly Swiss and German tourists of a respectable age, which means that there are a lot of routes for hiking and trekking, peace and quiet.
This hotel is for situations when you want to lie down, do nothing and do not go anywhere. Everything is close by - a swimming pool with a sun terrace, a sandy beach with sun loungers and umbrellas, a restaurant, a spa center, the center of Portoferraio, the main city of the island. Those who are too lazy to go even to dinner can take half board at the hotel and spend their holidays in a horizontal position, although I would still ride in the Elbe mountains.
7. Palinuro, Campania
You will drive here for a long time and along winding roads, but you will come to the ringing silence, the sea and beaches awarded the blue flag, small bays and stunning sunsets and sunrises. For those who are not lazy, Palinuro can be the final destination of the Campania coastline journey, which must start at, continue at, detour to, and eventually end at this inaccessible branch of paradise.
What I liked the most about this hotel is the deluxe room terrace you see in the photo. Behind the sliding doors is a hot tub, then there is a well-furnished room with all modern amenities... However, there are terraces or balconies in all rooms and most of them look directly at the sea. The beach is very close, but for the lazy and those who like to swim from side to side there is a pool with sea water... The hotel also has a small spa area.
8. Santa Maria del Focallo, Sicily
I am absolutely convinced that you will not understand why Italy is like this. Sicily is a completely separate Italy, Italy in absolute terms, an island literally stuffed with incredible landscapes, archaeological and historical values, an island where the most delicious food in Italy, the most delicious chocolate, the most delicious ice cream, the tartest wine and the most delicious seafood! Santa Maria del Focallo is located on the southern coast of Sicily, close to Ragusa, Noto and Modica, must-see places on the island. The beach has a blue flag, it's pretty strong wind making Santa Maria del Focallo one of the best kitesurfing destinations in Italy.
I warn you right away: you definitely need a car for rest here, because the hotel is located not on the beach, but in the interior of the island. However, without a car, as my personal experience has shown, it is generally very difficult in Sicily. The hotel is located in a UNESCO protected area, occupies an old, but beautifully restored building, surrounded by greenery. The rooms are more spacious, you can drink wine on your own terraces, and relax by the pool with or without a book. On the beach in Pozzallo, guests will be happy to provide parasols and sun loungers.
9. Ischia Island, Campania
Ischia, of course, can hardly be called a little-known resort, but the mild climate, the proximity of Naples and Capri, which I am in love with, as well as the presence of thermal parks made me include it on this list. I seriously considered Ischia as an option for a vacation in early May with my parents, but then I realized that I would probably go there in September alone with my husband. Here you can do everything that people usually do at the resort: walk white trousers, go on a yacht, ride a convertible, drink wine. Ischia, in a word, is a vacation with the taste of dolce vita, forgive me this hackneyed expression.
I even feel a little sorry to share this place, it is so beautiful! Small hotel, fully matured in nautical style, is a 10-minute walk from the center of Ischia Porto, the liveliest town on the island, and the port itself, from where you can sail to Naples, Capri or Procida. The hotel has its own small beach. The rooms are furnished with love and great taste, and the owners, who even speak Russian, are ready to help their guests in every possible way in organizing their vacation.
10. La Maddalena, Sardinia
The small island of La Maddalena is a 10-minute boat ride from the north-east coast of Sardinia. The most convenient way to get here is by arriving at the Olbia airport. La Maddalena, like Sardinia as a whole, is a place destined for to a greater extent for a luxurious and secluded holiday.
This hotel is another contender for my September vacation with my husband. This is a five-star resort with a spa, several restaurants and its own yachts. Those who wish can go scuba diving or snorkelling, sail along the coast, explore the island itself and the island of Sardinia. I would divide a two-week vacation in Sardinia into 2 parts: I spent one in this hotel, the second in Sardinia itself, in the interior of the island.
Several resources to help you choose a location and hotel for your Italian summer vacation: