Italian Coastline Holiday Destinations
Italy's coastline offers visitors a plethora of gorgeous beach destinations. From the soaring cliffs and quaint villages of the Amalfi Coast to the otherworldly turquoise of Sardinia's shorelines, Italy has something for everyone. That said, lets check out some of the most popular Italian coastline holiday destinations.
While many Italian beaches are already a favorite among international tourists, there are also some great hidden gems that aren't well known and don't have the same crowds.
Sicily
Sicily is the largest island in Italy’s Mediterranean region, separated from mainland Italy by the Strait of Messina. It’s a coastal holiday destination that is slowly getting recognized for its many attractions and its incredible scenery.
There are several ways to visit the island and each of these has its own unique appeal. The first is by taking a tour. A guided tour will allow you to take advantage of everything Sicily has to offer, without having to worry about your own transportation or accommodation.
Choosing a tour is also a good way to avoid the high costs that come with travelling by yourself. A local tour operator will be able to offer you great rates on tours that include hotels and transport, as well as excursions to various destinations throughout the island.
The best time to book a trip to Sicily is in September or October, as this is when the weather is at its most pleasant. The beaches are still sparkling but the temperatures are a little cooler and you can enjoy your time more easily exploring the island’s towns and historic sites.
One of the best places to explore in Sicily is the Citta Vecchia (Old City) in Syracuse. This is a city of narrow streets, labyrinthine passageways and ancient architecture that evokes a bygone age. Wandering through these ancient streets, surrounded by flower-laden balconies and past a variety of dazzling coastal scenes, will leave you with a new appreciation for the charm of the Sicilian town.
Another great place to visit in Sicily is the Valley of the Temples near Agrigento. These ancient ruins are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and offer visitors a glimpse into the history of the island.
If you’re looking for a more active holiday, consider hiking through the natural surroundings. There are plenty of hikes that take you through the beautiful mountains, forests and canyons in Sicily.
Aside from exploring the natural wonders of the island, you can also find a range of fascinating museums and archaeological treasures. The Antonio Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum is one of the top museums in Sicily, and it features a huge collection of interesting finds from the past.
Calabria
Calabria, the toe of Italy’s boot, is a region of great natural beauty and culture. It is bordered by the Tyrrhenian and Ionian Seas and has a variety of rocky beaches that are ideal for swimming or relaxing on. The rugged terrain makes it an excellent choice for hiking, cycling and other outdoor activities.
It is a place full of history and culture with plenty of ancient castles, churches and abbeys. It also has a beautiful coastline of sandy beaches and rocky coves.
The climate in Calabria is warm and sunny all year round, although it can get a little cooler up on the high mountain ranges in the north of the region. The southern slopes of the Aspromonte massif are often used for skiing in the winter, while the area is home to several national parks and other outdoor attractions.
While the northern and central parts of Calabria are often tourist-heavy, the south is far less crowded. This means that it’s easy to find small villages and beaches that are untouched by the crowds, so you can enjoy a more authentic experience.
As with many Italian regions, the people are welcoming and friendly, and you’ll likely feel at home right away. In addition, the region’s size makes it easier to visit in a week or two, and prices are generally low because it hasn’t been overrun by foreign tourists.
For food lovers, you’ll want to make sure to try some of the local specialties. While the main dishes are similar across provinces, each region has its own twist and nuances. For example, Spilinga is famous for its spicy pork pate called 'Nduja.
It’s also worth tasting the local cheeses like Pecorino and Reggiano, both of which are made from sheep’s milk. In the autumn, there are a number of festivals honouring eggplants, oranges, sausage, wild mushrooms and chestnuts, while in the spring, processions are held for Easter and Good Friday.
In Calabria, you can also sample some of the country’s best olive oils, which come from the indigenous varieties grown here. In the northern part of the region, you’ll find Bruzio and Lametia, while in the central part you can find a number of PDO and PGI olive oils that are made from more rare varietals.
Aeolian Islands
The UNESCO-protected Aeolian Islands are an incredibly unique Italian coastal holiday destination. This volcanic archipelago consists of seven islands formed by volcanoes and each island has a distinctively different character.
These seven rocky islands lie just north of Sicily in the Tyrrhenian Sea. Their dramatic landscapes were created by volcanic activity over a period of thousands of years, and today the Aeolian Islands are an archipelago of striking beaches, craters and lush Mediterranean coastlines.
Visitors to these Italian coastal holiday destinations can enjoy a wide range of activities, from hiking to diving, as well as beautiful scenery and cultural highlights. Each island has its own distinct appeal, and it’s easy to tailor an itinerary to suit your interests.
Stromboli is one of the most popular Aeolian Islands and offers a great deal of natural beauty. The island is a popular destination for nature lovers who come to hike its famous volcano. It is also known for its striking black sand beaches, which shimmer like diamonds in the sun.
The island of Salina, which was the film set for Massimo Troisi’s Il Postino, is also a must-visit during your trip to the Aeolian Islands. Its stunning landscapes are a major draw, as well as its beautiful cliffs that are colored by steaming fumaroles.
It is possible to visit Salina and its surrounding areas from Lipari, the main port of the Aeolian Islands. However, you will need to take a ferry or hydrofoil between the two islands. There are many ferries and hydrofoils to choose from, so be sure to check the latest timetables before you travel.
Another excellent option is to charter a private boat and sail your way around the Aeolian Islands, with your own personal captain and crew. You’ll be able to visit some of the best locations on the entire chain, such as Cala Junca, whose imposing cliffs are beautifully colored by the steaming fumaroles.
There are several ways to get to the Aeolian Islands, and most tourists arrive by ferry from the mainland of Italy. It’s a relatively straightforward journey from Catania, Palermo or Reggio Calabria, although there are a few different routes that you may be able to take.
Sardinia
Sardinia, also known as 'Sardegna', is an Italian coastal holiday destination that offers a lot more than just gorgeous beaches and a beautiful coastline. The island is known for its interesting history, wild mountainous interior and vibrant towns.
While you'll find plenty of luxurious and exclusive hotels in the more popular areas such as the Costa Smeralda, there are many other lesser-known places that offer an authentic experience on your Italy holiday. So, if you want to get away from the crowds and enjoy some peace and tranquillity, consider planning your next trip to Sardinia instead!
You'll love the crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand of the island's beaches. The best ones are at San Giovanni di Sinis near Cabras, Chia near Cagliari and Is Arutas in Oristano province, among others. If you're into water sports, there are also some great opportunities to go sailing or kiteboarding.
The island's beaches are not only stunning, they're also extremely clean and safe for swimmers. They are often dotted with lifeguards who ensure that the waters are kept tidy.
For a more active getaway, try one of the many hiking trails around the island. You can take in spectacular scenery, as well as a chance to spot wildlife such as flamingos and turtles.
If you're interested in the island's history, then you should make sure to visit the Museo Archeologico Nazionale in Cagliari. Here, you can see some of the most intriguing 'nuraghi' (mysterious stone structures), which date back to 3,500 years.
Across the island, you can take in a range of archaeological sites, including the Valley of the Temples. There are also numerous Roman ruins in the area, which are also worth seeing.
You can also explore the region's unique cuisine and its traditional products. The locals have a wide variety of food traditions, and you'll find plenty of markets that offer free tastings.
Another thing to do is to visit the island's many scenic road ("Strada Panoramica"), which runs along the South-East coastline and is known for its panoramic views of the sea. Alternatively, you can hire a bike and enjoy a ride around the area.
Hope this article will be of use to you when you plan on Italian coastline holiday destinations. Happy holidays.
