When it comes to luxurious, glamorous locations in Europe, Italy is the nation that first comes to mind. Its historic sites are unequalled across the continent, from the Coliseum to the Pantheon, and it also hosts some of the greatest art treasures of the Renaissance period, as well as the breath-taking spectacle of St. Peter’s Basilica. Modern Italy is equally famed for its fashion houses and its world-class shopping opportunities, but many choose it as their holiday destination because of a very different reason: its golden beaches that reach out to azure seas. Here are three of the very best beach areas that can be found in this exciting and enticing country.
Licata
Licata is one of the most beautiful resorts on the southern coast of Sicily, an area renowned for its high-class destinations. What makes Licata, in particular, stand out is that it is far less secluded than more famed beaches in the area such as Agrigento. Sicily is an island with a character all of its own, and has beaches and resorts to suit every taste, but even more importantly, it has a range of high-quality Sicily villas near beach resorts that have a real touch of glamour and luxury. If you want exclusive resorts without the crowds, then this Italian island is a great choice.
Levanto
No beach in Italy is as exclusive or lauded as Levanto in Liguria, so as you walk on its sands, you’re highly likely to bump into an Italian sports, music, or film star. Its reputation as the beach of choice for Italy’s wealthy and famous means that it’s a great place to sit back and people watch but be sure that you’re following the very latest beach fashions or you may feel out of place. Its location means that it’s easily reached by those staying in the Tuscany region, and it’s also close to the fascinating Torre del Lago, once home to the legendary composer Giacomo Puccini.
Spiaggia del Fornillo
Spiaggia del Fornillo sits on the famed Amalfi coast, near to the celebrated village of Positano. The village itself has a history dating back to medieval times and still has the classic look and feel that many associate with Italy. The church of Santa Maria Assunta, in particular, is a must-see, thanks to its unique Byzantine icon of a black Madonna. Even more spectacular is the Spiaggia del Fornillo beach, especially as the sun sets behind its mountainous backdrop. It’s a beach frequented by the young and beautiful, but even if you’re not as young as you once were, you’re sure to feel youthful and invigorated after holidaying there.
With its long coastline, Italy has beaches and resorts to suit every taste and every budget, and with good public transport links, it is possible to combine a beach vacation with a stay in world-renowned cities such as Rome, Florence, Venice, and Milan. If you’re looking for a beach resort that offers something a little extra special, however, then Spiaggia del Fornillo, Levanto and Licato can show you how to enjoy la dolce vita in style.