ParkerSunshine

Wondering if there are any great beaches in Italy, during a visit in July or August? Are they beautiful? swimable? in close proximity to a major city?

charnees

Well, they will be jammed with Europeans, and I mean jammed. Especially in August when half of Europe is on vacation.

Waldo

There are some real good beaches in Italy. Unfortunately, I can't think of any near large cities. I think the best one is in Gaeta, in the Serapo district, but I'm biased in favor of Gaeta. The beach at Sperlonga is also great, and is in a lovely area. For pure beaches, the Celantano coast, between Naples and Calabria, has a long stretch of fantastic beach, and the town of Palinuro is a nice place to spend a vacation. I am completely enamored with Naples, but there are no good beaches there.

Gina817

We went to Sperlonga/Gaeta after reading Waldo's posts. There is also another Fodorite who posts about the area often.

We are so glad we went! The beaches were gorgeous and clean. The area is far less touristy than other areas. It's a "one of a kind" place to say the least.

I'm also mad about Naples for the record : )

LoveItaly

Hello, Parker, we always enjoyed Pescara which is about 150 miles east of Rome along the Adriatic. Pescara has miles of beautiful beach as well as some very good fish restaurants. Pescara is a "new" city due to the damage during the war. It is a city that is fun to explore. We always stayed at the Hotel Carlton, reserved one of the rooms in the front overlooking the Adriatic and the beaches as the hotel is just across the street from the beach. The hotel location allowed us to walk into the downtown area of Pescara. Here is a picture of Pescara and their very long beach.
http://www.world66.com/europe/italy/...orthen_riviera

markrosy

The best beaches between Anguilla and Thailand are without doubt on Sardinia. The cities of Calgiari and Alghero have plenty interest but are not world cities.

StCirq

Another big fan of Sperlonga and Gaeta here. And yes, they will be wall-to-wall in July and particularly August.

LoveItaly

Yes, Sardinia has beautiful beaches and I would encourage anyone that is able to do so to visit that beautiful and very interesting island. The seafood is fantastic also.

ParkerSunshine

where is Sardinia???

ekscrunchy

Parker: I would suggest doing some reading on your own before asking a question like that.
You are all over the place with your questions about beaches for this, your first trip to Europe. You are also asking questions about South American beaches and Thai beaches, for this summer.

I think it would be more considerate of other people's time if you look into the suggestions you have already received and then come back and ask questions about a list of a few possible destinations. Do you have any kind of budget in mind and if so, this might influence your decision of a destination.

pookymimi

I looked on Sardinia and it's beautiful!
We are going to Rome after Sorrento, what would it be easier?
Going to Sardinia from Sorrento or after Rome?

Thanks

mamcalice

There is a new thread on this site that includes information from The Guardian about the "bests" in Italy. There are a number of best beaches listed. Look for it.

MicheleCR

Great question and responses. We are going to Italy at the beginning of July. I'm reading horrible crowds. We are trying to steer clear of Amalfi Coast and touristy areas. Will it be super crowded in Sperlonga/Gaeta as well?