Italy is the ideal destination for summer holidays, to go either with your friends, family or even alone. All places in Italy are great but which region should you choose for your Italian holidays this summer?
In the list below you will find the 7 best coastal areas of Italy, the most beautiful towns or villages that will enchant you with their unique architecture and their romantic atmosphere.
Want something more Luxury? Read our previous guide: 8 Best Luxury Travel Destinations In Europe For 2017
Let’s get started.
#1 – Apulia
Some of the best beaches in Italy are in Puglia. If you are looking for clean sandy beaches with white sand and crystal waters, find a beach hotel or rent a beach villa in Puglia.
Puglia beaches are ideal for families. They are easy to access by car and along the coastline you can find shops, restaurants, fast food chains, play areas for kids and anything else you might need for a nice and relaxing family holiday.
The town which has most of the hotels and vacation houses is Porto Cesareo. Of course, accommodation prices are relatively expensive in the town. More or less they fluctuate around 170 € per night (for a double room with breakfast).
If this is too expensive, you can choose one of the villages located near the city, where prices are at least 40% cheaper.
#2 – Calabria
The old town of Calabria, is full of beautiful trattorias and shops, while it’s golden beaches are surrounded by rocks. This is another popular destination for families.
Tropea is one of the busiest cities of Italy and besides its natural beauty it’s also a destination that is very close to the historic ice-cream emporium Gelati Tonino.
Here you can find incredibly crazy ice cream flavours such as onion and cuttlefish or even octopus!
#3 – Portofino
This tiny village of just 500 inhabitants is one of the hot spots of the Italian Riviera.
Located close to Geno, is the luxurious answer to the rustic villages of Italy.
The charming streets are full of expensive boutiques of international brands, gourmet restaurants and some of the most wanted sea view terraces throughout the Mediterranean.
As the ship approaches the Gulf of Tikilio you will get the feeling that you are in a Caribbean harbour.
#4 – Cefalu
Built between the mountain and the coast, just an hour away from Palermo, the idyllic town of Cefalu is small, but popular, especially for those looking for sunny places.
Apart from the beautiful beaches, Cefalu has nice restaurants and a good nightlife, especially during the summer months when the population is tripled.
If you decide to rent a villa in Sicily this summer, for sure Cefalu will be one of your favourite places to visit over and over again.
#5 – San Vito lo Capo, Sicily
Another incredible place that is full of tourists in the summer, is San Vito lo Capo in Sicily, not far from Trapani airport.
If you visit this place, you will easily recognise the Arab influences that exist mainly in their local kitchen where the couscous is what prevails and not the pasta.
There is something for everyone. On the one hand, you can enjoy the beach bars and fabulous cocktails and on the other hand, the family restaurants and secluded beaches.
#6 – Sorrento
The wonderful city of Sorrento in the Bay of Naples is famous for its sunsets and extolling figures such as Goethe, Nietzsche and Verdi.
The entire city feels like it is painted in red just before the sun gets lost in the Tyrrhenian Sea, off the west coast of the country.
It is filled with beautiful villas, gardens and the famous historic center which dominated by the Piazza Torquato Tasso, the Sominova headquarters and the city’s cathedral, the Duomo.
From Sorrento you can take the boat for a day trip to Capri in less than 1 hour.
#7 – Camogli
A small Italian village in the Italian Riviera. Camogli is not only scenic and beautiful, but also surprisingly active.
Apart from the colored houses, visitors are enchanted by the small harbor with shops and restaurants, but also the great square where children play freely and older enjoy their coffee in a relaxing atmosphere.
