Italy is one of the most beautiful places to visit, no matter the season; it is no coincidence that periodically, if not continuously, it is mentioned as the nation with the greatest number of possibilities offered to tourists, including accessibility and affordability.
There's no shortage of beach destinations in Italy a nd if you're looking for that perfect vacation to enjoy good food, amazing sea, the Mediterranean weather Italy is simply perfect!
10 Top-Rated Beach Destinations in Italy
Here is a list of places to go in Italy on your summer holidays. It is not an exhaustive and univocal list, but it includes famous and less famous places, areas that are worth visiting, that we personally know. For each location, we have also indicated the typical dishes, those that are worth tasting to go home with an even more indelible memory.
1. Costiera Amalfitana - Campania
The Amalfi Coast is one of the many Italian gems. A strip of land that overlooks the sea and that for decades has attracted visitors from all over the world: from Salerno to Sorrento, or vice versa, along a stretch of road that is difficult to forget, with its colorful villages, the lemon trees that silhouetted bullies everywhere and the sea peeping out everywhere. If you arrive from Sorrento, you will first meet Positano and then straight to Amalfi, Minori, Cetara (home of the famous anchovy sauce) ending your trip to Vietri sul Mare and then Salerno. If you start from Salerno, you will arrive in Sorrento in reverse order. Despite the charm of the seaside villages, including the small and delightful Atrani, do not miss a jump to Ravello, from where you can admire the whole coast from above. Obviously from the Amalfi Coast you can go to Naples for a day (or even more) in the city, to discover its beauties (and its pizza). From Amafi you can also go to Capri, to savor the Dolce Vita even more.
What to eat in the Amalfi Coast: a glass of limoncello, delizia al lemone cake, Sorrento-style gnocchi.
Recommended Activities2. Costa degli Dei - Calabria
The Costa Degli Dei is one of the most beautiful areas in Calabria: it extends from Nicotera to Pizzo Calabro and its peculiarity is that it is marked by white beaches and rocky cliffs. Tropea is the real gem in this area, with its beaches from which to admire the surrounding cliff. Do not miss Pizzo Calabro, a small fishing village with cobbled streets and the beautiful Colamaio beach. Among the most famous beaches of the Costa Degli Dei, those of Briatico stand out: white sand, high cliffs, and a high probability of finding a place even in high season.
What to eat in Costa degli Dei: red Tropea onion, tartufo di Pizzo (gelato).
Recommended Activities3. South Eastern Sicily
What to eat in the south-eastern part of Sicily: scacce ragusane (pizza), chocolate from Modica.
4. Riviera di Ulisse - Lazio
Riviera di Ulisse, in Lazio region, winds between Gaeta and Sperlonga and it is truly unique and surprising: rocks and cliffs fall sheer on pristine white beaches, with crystal clear sea, beaches with dunes but also natural parks and olive groves. Gaeta is the undisputed jewel of this area, with its "split" mountain (Montagna Spaccata( that awaits visitors with its beauty. As well as San Felice Circeo and Sperlonga, awarded the Blue Flag for many years
What to eat on the Riviera di Ulisse: black olives from Gaeta, tiella.
5. Maratea - Basilicata
Basilicata is one of those Italian regions that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime. Maratea is the only place in the region to face the sea; a coast of about 30 km with crystal clear sea, sandy and pebbly beaches, and the opportunity to relax in one of the most beautiful areas of our Italy. Among the unmissable beaches, we recommend Cala Jannita and the Black beach. Matera is not too far from here and it is worth the detour, just as it is worth visiting the Pollino National Park that divides Calabria and Basilicata, and is a unique place to visit.
What to eat in Maratea: sausage Maratea, ciaudedda, bocconotti (pastry).
Recommended Activities6. Riviera dei Cedri - Calabria
What to eat on the Riviera dei Cedri: cedars, chilli.
7. Gargano - Puglia
What to eat on the Gargano: caciocavallo podolico (cheese, black anchovies from Vieste.
8. Riviera del Conero - Marche
The Marche is a region to be explored! For the best summer holidays, we can recommend the Conero Riviera with the beautiful Numana and Sirolo, the enchanting white Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle, and the Spiaggia dei Sassi Neri. There is no shortage of equipped beaches for families and for those who do not want to struggle to reach the sea, including those of Porto Recanati or that of Marcelli.
What to eat in the Conero region: mosciolo, paccasassi, Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi.
9. Argentario - Toscana
What to eat in the Argentario: shaded eel, anchovy and onion pizza, ricotta pie.
10. Gallura - Sardegna
What to eat in Gallura: Gallurese soup, ricotta ravioli, suckling pig, seadas.
Recommended ActivitiesDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.If you want more information about it use the search engine!
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