Sea: beaches and seaside resorts

A necklace of precious pearls surrounds the entire peninsula of Italy, linked by transparent, astonishingly colourful water lapping dream-like beaches, sunshine and vivid traditions to be enjoyed to the full. If you are looking for complete detox and sheer beauty, then Italy's smaller islands are the perfect choice.

It is enough to look out over the edge of the ancient volcanic caldera that gave birth to the Valle di Monastero for your gaze to wander over vineyards as far as the eye can see. These are Zibibbo grapes from Pantelleria, a very ancient vine that is still cultivated on the island according to a technique introduced by the Phoenicians. So much so, in fact, that it also merited inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014.

The coastline stretching from the North Western section of the island across to the North Eastern area of Sardinia represents an ideal itinerary for those who love to spend their time visiting wonderful bays and for visitors who would prefer to combine a beautiful landscape with elements of cultural value. All this is possible when you travel from the Costa Paradiso – a district which by no mere chance acquired such a high-sounding name thanks to its enchanting beaches - to the tourist resort of Palau with its breathtaking landscapes.

Concentrated in the south of Italy, they are a visible sign of the tireless activity of the Earth, which has created these unique and extremely distinctive places in terms of shape and colour, and where the mouths of volcanoes are often still active. Their incessant bubbling, which sometimes turns into spectacular eruptions, makes these corners of the Mediterranean truly perfect for a special holiday, also in the pursuit of wellness. Indeed, thermal springs and volcanic muds are a special feature of these islands, particularly in the Aeolian Islands and on Pantelleria: here you can combine the relaxation of the sea, the freedom of boat trips, gourmet culinary experiences and relaxing or detoxifying wellness courses. In short, if you want to regenerate, these are the detox body treatments to try this summer, and beyond, in the spas and resorts of Sicily's volcanic islands.

In the meantime, let's consider some of the notable aspects of this pearl of the Mediterranean and its mosaic of wonderful scenery and facilities situated in an area of less than 8 square kilometres. A rocky coastline, cliffs overlooking the sea and various enchanting gorges enclosing small sandy beaches and basins of pure crystalline water are particular characteristics that render this island a unique venue. The interior of the island, which is of volcanic origin, is no exception and you will be captivated by its fascinating archaeological sites and small villages.

A mixture of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding in the sand. It is Sandboarding, an extreme sport that has also reached Italy. In Italy, there are 2 spots that lend themselves well to this discipline: the coastal dunes of Porto Pino, south of Sardinia, and the slopes of the volcano Stromboli, in the Aeolian Islands. Two completely different landscapes, but perfect for acrobatic descents on the sand.

The beautiful coast of the Province of Trapani is spaced in between enchanting bays and beaches that greet the transparent sea. At turns resounding with tones of green and deep blue, the waters run towards the spectacular panorama of the Egadi Islands. This setting, a dream-come-true, is perfect for every type of vacation, and most of all, it is absolutely magnificent every day of the year. Besides its astounding littoral makeup, the Coast is littered with charming little towns that you should know – Alcamo, Campobello Di Mazara, Castellammare del Golfo, Castelvetrano, Custonaci, Erice, Marsala, Mazara Del Vallo, Petrosino, San Vito lo Capo and Trapani – abuzz with life, sun, the sounds and smells and of the sea, and history and monuments.

Landing in an environmentally friendly marina is every sea lover's dream. There are two facilities in Sicily that not only offer the necessary services, from electricity to refuelling, but also operate in an environmentally sustainable manner: Capo d'Orlando Marina and Marina del Nettuno, in Messina. Both Blue Flag 2022, they boast the best waters on the entire Messina coast.

From the Roccelletta Archaeological Park in Borgia to Cape Colonna, this journey looks at the history of Calabria by travelling through its tourist destinations and along the charming coasts of the Ionian Sea in the Gulf of Squillace.

If that weren't enough, the boot of Italy is dotted with blue pearls, small and large lakes in the plains areas or high in the mountains that characterize our landscapes. Finding out what's under that delicate line separating water from sky is an impulse that encourages more and more people to have a go at diving. Many courses are available in Italy, even during a short stay, to get closer to this experience in many places where sea-beds are home to wonders. All designed by Mother Nature, of course, with the colours of gorgonian corals home to a rich variety of marine fauna, as well as homo sapiens over the centuries. Under the water, just off the coastlines, evident traces of human evolution emerge which, in Italy as in few other parts of the world, bear witness to an indissoluble bond with our past.

A few kilometers from Syracuse, you can immerse yourself in a truly all-Italian earthly paradise: the Plemmirio Marine Park, one of the most pristine protected marine areas in Italy, which extends for 12 kilometers around the Maddalena Peninsula. Between mountain bike excursions, walks and unforgettable snorkeling sessions you’ll find some of the most beautiful beaches in Sicily. Nestled between cliffs overlooking the sea, ready to be immortalized in breathtaking shots. If you are now intrigued, here is everything you should know about the Plemmirio Marine Park, its most beautiful beaches, the Maddalena trail and what to see and eat in the magnificent surroundings of beautiful Syracuse.

Many know it as the Riviera of Fun, given its expansive and well-maintained beaches and innumerable attractions the Adriatic Riviera (in Emilia Romagna) is one of Italy’s best-known beach resort localities, and no doubt that the Riviera of Fun is a definition that suits this coast very well.

A sinuous promontory designed by the winds that Mount Conero (after which this area in the Marches was named) encounters while overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Tens of beaches surrounded by rocks and luxuriant vegetation that can only be reached by boat or on paths, and numerous cities full of history and tradition: This is the Conero Riviera. A surprising green and occasionally wild nature, unforgettable crystal-clear sea and many beaches - some easier to access than others - characterize the Riviera. Among these is Due Sorelle beach (which can only be reached by boat), named this way due to two large stacks (precisely the due sorelle or two sisters), and Mezzavalle beach.

Many know it as the Riviera of Fun, given its expansive and well-maintained beaches and innumerable attractions the Adriatic Riviera (in Emilia Romagna) is one of Italy’s best-known beach resort localities, and no doubt that the Riviera of Fun is a definition that suits this coast very well.

Versilia, a zone both fun and cultured, is known to many for its gossip pages. Yet this stretch of land (in the Province of Lucca), that runs past the slopes of the Apuan Alps and the Park of San Rossore, is famous for its beaches. Lying between the cities of Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio, its long, fine-sand beaches and coastal dunes – particularly from Viareggio to Torre del Lago – are typical traits of the Versiliese littoral. The resort localities that dot the coastline include the exclusive Forte dei Marmi, sunny Viareggio, Marina di Pietrasanta and Lido di Camaiore.

The third largest island in the entire Mediterranean, and with a seemingly-infinite array of assets, Elba requires a generous amount of time to visit and enjoy all of it. It is made up of eight communes, all of them with their own particular attraction. Similarly, each of Elba's other “six sisters” distinguish themselves with their own unique traits and features; nonetheless, their largest common denominator is their fantastically wild nature and landscapes.

People travel to the Costa Smeralda because they are attracted by the high-society lifestyle of its jet-set habitués or because they want to get to know the coves and promontories of one of the most fascinating and characteristic parts of the island. The real discovery of these places goes far beyond simple stereotypes.

Fine, white sand, breathtaking panoramas, waters that range from hues of azure to turquoise, and one of the most beautiful seascapes of the entire Mediterranean: welcome to Stintino, renowned touristic destination on Sardinia’s northwestern extremity, in the Province of Sassari. It started out as a fishermen’s village, when the Island of Asinara was made a penal colony. Not a bad idea, and Stintino possesses one of the most charming coasts in Sardinia – it is a certified paradise for sea lovers and an excellent vacation spot for those that want to take the plunge into its pure and wild natural surroundings.

Sea, nature and culture are at the heart of the soul of Porto Sant'Elpidio, a historic maritime village that has been able to enhance its beauty and its propensity for hospitality. The marvellous beaches, the pine forest overlooking the sea, and the cycle path for those who love active tourism make the village the ideal place for those who wish to lose themselves in the beauty of the sea and the landscape. But the village also offers theatre and music festivals, such as "Theatres of the World" and the International Children's Theatre Festival held in July at the Teatro delle Api.

A profound harmony has always reigned between the village of Loano and the sea, linked by an endless interweaving that has accompanied the village since the dawn of time. In fact, its maritime tradition is strong, linking the growth of the town to the activities of shipyards, fishermen and sailors. Sea as history, therefore, but also as a natural resource of great importance, to be enhanced and protected. Loano safeguards its maritime environment thanks to an artificial reef, an important work at European level, which contributes to the development of ecological conditions that favour the repopulation of marine flora and fauna. Loano with its Marina, with its beaches, with its enchanting sunsets over the sea and with its shops offering typical products and local handicrafts. And a place of transit that is also a place of identity, is the port, which symbolically represents sea voyages, the life of fishermen, exchanges and intertwining. Everything on the sea, everything thanks to the sea.

Between sea, flora and fauna Its name, meaning “valley of gold”, reflects its beauty. According to legend, it derives from the nymph Andalora, who allegedly took her own life so as not to end up in the hands of the Saracens. Andora is among the most renowned and visited towns of the Riviera delle Palme, an area that boasts the perfect combination of tranquil seaside villages, a lively nightlife, especially in summer, and beautiful beaches. You can explore the historic centre, with the Church of Santi Giacomo e Filippo and the Castle of Andora, built in the 12th-13th centuries to defend from enemy assaults. The beaches, among the widest and sandiest in Liguria, are the perfect place to relax by the sea. For natural beauty, we recommend the Butterfly Park, a garden near the sea where you can immerse yourself in the local vegetation. Birdwatchers can observe numerous species in the wild in the protected area of nearby Val Merula. Or, if you prefer marine fauna, you can take an excursion to the Cetacean Sanctuary.

Numana: between the blue sea and the Rosso Conero Numana is a colourful fishing village on the Conero Riviera with large, easily accessible beaches. This village is in the Marche region and in its lively historic centre there is a fascinating Antiquarium museum, which documents the very ancient origins of the Picentes settlements on this coast. Excursions by boat or canoe can be organised from the little port of Numana, while the green hills invite you to discover the hinterland along the Rosso Conero wine route with its thousand scents. What to see in Numana A stroll through Numana invites you to discover a pleasant historic centre that runs along the Costarella, a gentle flight of steps that connects the village on the slope to the beaches and the sea. At the top of the promontory, above the harbour, you will see the Arco di Torre, what remains of the bell tower of a church or watch tower destroyed in an earthquake in 1930, next to which is a bronze monument dedicated to fishermen. The belvedere is where you will want to go on summer days to enjoy the breeze that is always blowing there and the view of the coast. Not to be missed is a visit to the Antiquarium, a small museum documenting a major archaeological discovery: the trousseau of the Tomb of the Queen of Sirolo (6th century B.C.) found in Sirolo in the I Pini archaeological area. In the Sanctuary of the Crucifix, you can admire a cedar wood crucifix, a Byzantine work from the 13th century. Also of interest is the Town Hall, housed in a building dating from 1773, which was the summer residence of the bishops of Ancona. For beaches, you can choose between the two bays close to the cliff (the Spiaggiola and the Spiaggia dei Frati), or the large beach south of the harbour that extends to the hamlet of Marcelli, with bathing facilities and toilets for families. Numana’s turtle cove For several years, the municipality of Numana has been collaborating with the Riccione Cetacea Foundation to ensure the rescue, care and rehabilitation of sea turtles. A “turtle cove” has been created in Numana: once the turtles have recovered from injuries or accidents, they are placed in a fenced-off area in the sea near the harbour. Here they continue to be observed and monitored by marine biologists and volunteers to assess if and when they are finally fit to return to the sea. The moment of releasing them into the wild is always filled with emotion. The Rosso Conero wine route Numana is surrounded by vineyards which make good starting points for exploring the Rosso Conero wine route. This winds its way from Ancona to Osimo, between the towns of Numana, Sirolo, Camerano, Offagna and Castelfidardo, between the cliffs and the countryside. Here, some twenty wineries produce Rosso Conero DOC and Rosso Conero Riserva DOCG, wines made from Montepulciano and Sangiovese grapes that are influenced by the presence of the sea, the limestone soil of the promontory and the micro-climate of the coast. Full-bodied and fragrant, Rosso Conero wine is ideally paired with meat dishes. Find out more: www.turismonumana.it/en

A village of sea and legends, Conca dei Marini. Here the eyes struggle in the light reflecting off the waves and white houses, and seek shelter in the shade, to finally open up and lose themselves in the panorama from the village. Stories of navigation come to our ears as we stroll through the village, but above all the legend of the janare: it is said that in the olive grove of the church of San Pancrazio in past centuries these women, experts in rituals, herbs and magic, were to be found, perhaps witches, perhaps wives who deceived the wait for their distant loves. The pretty centre is as if divided in two: a lower part, flush with the water, reflecting in the bay, and an upper part, with whitewashed houses, vegetable gardens, olive groves, and trees laden with fragrant lemons. Everything here is a spectacle: simple, authentic, to be experienced.

Saracen Towers, ancient churches and breathtaking beaches One of the most famous and popular villages on the Amalfi Coast is Maiori, home to the largest beach around. Accessible by land or sea, one of the first characteristic sights you will be struck by are the Saracen Towers, former defensive lookout posts. The most famous are Torre Normanna and La Cerniola in the hamlet of Erchie, with beaches and coves accessible by sea. Near the town, past the Torre Normanna watchtower, you will find Salicerchie Beach, which you can reach by walking down 160 steps. Spiaggia del Cavallo Morto (Dead Horse Beach) is also worth a visit: you can’t access it directly for safety reasons due to the risk of landslides, but you can admire and photograph it from above. Maiori is also known for its churches that preserve works and votive offerings that evidence local rituals and traditions. Don’t miss the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare (the best known), the Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie and the picturesque Abbey of Santa Maria dell’Olearia, close to a rock face. In the Gardens of Palazzo Mezzacapo, which hosts shows and events, you can relax amid elegant, scenic fountains. From the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria a Mare to Piazza Milo in Maiori, the Sentiero dei Limoni (Lemon Path) winds its way through lemon groves and wild vegetation for about nine kilometres, passing through Minori, Torre and Ravello.

If that weren't enough, the boot of Italy is dotted with blue pearls, small and large lakes in the plains areas or high in the mountains that characterize our landscapes. Finding out what's under that delicate line separating water from sky is an impulse that encourages more and more people to have a go at diving. Many courses are available in Italy, even during a short stay, to get closer to this experience in many places where sea-beds are home to wonders. All designed by Mother Nature, of course, with the colours of gorgonian corals home to a rich variety of marine fauna, as well as homo sapiens over the centuries. Under the water, just off the coastlines, evident traces of human evolution emerge which, in Italy as in few other parts of the world, bear witness to an indissoluble bond with our past.

Lake Maggiore is one of the most beautiful Italian lakes and has enchanted the great Italian and foreign artists who have stayed here. It is believed to be the largest of the pre-Alpine lakes, hence the name "Maggiore", it is of glacial origin and its banks are in Lombardy, Piedmont and Switzerland. Surrounded by mountains and hills that shelter it from the cold northern winds, the lake has the Ticino River among its tributaries, a historic water route connecting the Po Valley to Central Europe.

The historic international regatta, the Barcolana in Trieste, is back for its 54th edition. As tradition dictates, it is held on the second Sunday in October, but spans an entire week with a rich calendar of events, including those specially tailored for children. Here is what to do in Trieste with children from 29th September to 8th October 2023, to enjoy the beauty of the Gulf of Trieste and feel like the real stars of the Barcolana.

With over 8,000 kilometres of coastline, Italy is a favourite destination for surfers from all over the world. From the coasts of Sardinia to the varied shoreline of Liguria via the Tyrrhenian ridge, there are many incredible places that provide waves and dream locations, and are more or less suitable depending on the time of year. If you're planning a surfing holiday in Italy, here are the unmissable surf spots in summer and winter, home to the most famous surf schools in Italy. Are you ready to go?

Spring holidays such as Easter are the time of the year when it’s permissible to escape the ritually laid tables and family gatherings. If you are fearless at heart, you could treat yourself to an out of the ordinary, alternative holiday full of adventure, and vivacious fun. Challenge yourself with outdoor experiences and exploring landscapes, with histories and traditions that will take your breath away. Here are 6 exciting destinations to spend an Easter weekend full of open-air fun, starting in southern Italy.

Standing on a board and holding a paddle in your hands: if you too are a Stand Up Paddle enthusiast, which has been sweeping the beaches in recent years along with the more traditional surfing, check this out. Have you ever thought that this water sport can also be enjoyed with great satisfaction in a lake? The crystal clear waters of Trentino, surrounded by forests, are perfect. Here is a map to help you find your way around.