Italy Beaches
The problem with Italy is not where to find a great beach, it’s which great beach do I go to? Italy has some of the hottest and most popular beaches in the world and they draw people from around the world each year. There are several places to go to enjoy the sunny Italian weather on sandy shores, so choose wisely but really wherever you go, it’s going to be fabulous!
Cinque Terre: This once secluded area of Italy consists of a series of rural communities. Cinque Terre, or five lands, is best known for its fabulous food, amazing terrain, and unparalleled beaches. It is so beautiful, in fact, that it couldn’t stay a secret for long and is now becoming a highly sought after tourist destination. To stay away from the large crowds try hiking along the walking paths that connect each village. This is not only a more secluded way to explore this beautiful land, it is also an amazing way to meet the local people, try the local cuisine and really immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery around you.
A great walk is to start at Riomaggiore and walk to Manarola. The path is great and the view is gorgeous. Then walk over to Monterosso. Here is the only sandy beach in Cinque Terre and it can get pretty crowded. But it is extremely relaxing and you can even rent a chair right there at the beach. After one visit to Cinque Terre it is bound to become your most favorite place in the world. Not just because of the beautiful beaches, but because it is so amazing and charming. The people are so generous and friendly and the food is to die for. It is so much more than just a day at the beach, it is a true Italian experience!
Ischia: The Emerald Isle of Ischia is absolutely spectacular. It is one of the most sought after beaches in all of Europe. It is located in the Gulf of Gatea and is covered with pine trees, hence the name “emerald isle.” The island is surrounded with golden sandy beaches, the most notable being Sant’Angelo. This island is truly the home of luxury with it world famous sandy beaches and naturally warmed spas. Monte Epomeo warms the springs naturally, which is an inactive volcano and quite a beautiful sight. This magical island is just a ferry ride away from Naples.
Sorrento: This beautiful beach town, like many in Italy, has a fascinating history. It is located about 30 miles south of Naples and was established by the Romans to keep the mythical sirens at bay. The beaches during the summer and high season are crowded and the streets can be impossible to drive on. But the town is quaint and beautiful and definitely worth visiting.
Amalfi: This town is beautifully situated above the Bay of Salerno and does offer some good but narrow beaches. If you are staying at one of the beautiful resorts in the city they will often have private beaches for their guests. For bigger plots of sand, however, travel to one of the nearby villages—Minori or Maiori. These are outright golden beaches with loads of souvenir shops, small cafés, and restaurants that will all be packed during the summer.