where to got for a beach style holiday in italy?

sarcycyril

hi,

i have never been to italy before and would love to but dont know where to start! we want to be near a beach but equally have some stuff to do? a few people have recommended sorrento or the amalfi coast?

has anyone got any suggestions?

thanks!

poppy_f1

i've been to lido de jesolo - very handy for venice and has lots to do, loads of markets in the local towns and has a waterpark if you like that kind of thing

Pollycat

Take a look at Sicily.

There's lots to see on the island.

I'd pick up some brochures from a travel agent to give you some ideas, then pop to your local libary for books and also look on Tripadvisor.

blue_haddock

I've been to alghero in sardinia which was fantastic, it didn't feel like a resort at all. There are things you can do locally but its all very low key.

Rimini is much more resort like but it feels up market. Lots of good restaurants and more nightlife than alghero. there is lots to do locally including visiting San Marino

white_rose_jax

We really enjoyed Cattolica. We booked a package through Thomas Cook and stayed at the Park Hotel. My review is on Trip Advisor. The resort caters mainly for Italian families which gives you a genuine feel of Italy. We booked trips to Florence and Venice both quite expensive but well worth it.

lesley1960

I will second Sardinia , the beaches are fantastic ,although its quiet Island .Sorrento is lovely lots to do ,but cant remember seeing any beaches?

poet123

Diano Marino is nice, you will find most beach resorts in Italy are very much Italian oriented, few brits, but that is why we love it. Not like Spain where aside from the sun, you could be in a UK resort. Also,most beaches are privately owned by hotels, so if self catering you will have to pay for the use of the beach in many places.

The Amalfi coast is wonderful, but the main resorts are not beach resorts, there are a few outisde of Naples. We stayed in Baccoli in a villa, lovely people, nice restaurants, greatbeaches. We were the only non Italians in the village though, and were treated really well.

sarcycyril

thanks for the replies.

so if i am to go to sardina, tuscany or sicily where do people recommend?

thanks

Jake'sGran

I still prefer Spain and it's beaches. We did do Italy a few times but always stayed in the Lake area i.e. Garda, Magiore where the scenery is lovely but I found the northern Italians a bit above themselves. The food where we stayed was excellent. I have always understood that one has to pay for use of beaches in places like Lido de Jesolo. There is a place in north of Majorca which is regarded as probably the best resort on the island. It is Puerto Pollensa. You can take a boat from there to Formentor - not far away - where the beach really is white sand and there is only one very expensive hotel. If you ever try Sicily don't hire a hire as they are crazy drivers. Beaches are good though.

poet123

Each to their own I guess, although I loved some places on Majorca and Ibiza, it would not bother me in the slightest if I never set foot on mainland Spain ever again.

As I said in my post above it is common to pay for beaches in Italy unless you use the one belongiong to your hotel. Also we always hire a car in Italy, it is a great way to see the countryside.

Adaline

I love the beaches and culture in Salento, on the tip of the 'heel' in Apulia. My favourite beach is Torre San Giovanni on the Ionian coast: the nicest bit of sea I've swum in! Also Santa Maria di Leuca and Otranto are great. Hire a car and travel round: it's a fabulous place, and not too many holiday-makers (yet, but mainly Italians!). It gets very hot in the summer.