It's a waste to go to Italy to lie on a beach unless you have been there many times and want to chill out on Capri. First timers should always see Florence, Venice, Rome and Milan.

I agree with some other posters above; if you are looking to just lay on the beach, I don't think Italy is for you. The coast is beautiful but its generally not the sandy kind of beaches you may be thinking of. And going during the winter months is definitely too cold to lay on the beach.

As far as the jackets are concerned, I'm not sure about May, but we were in Rome this March and only wore jackets in the evening. The weather was about 60-65 and long-sleeves and/or sweaters worked out fine. I don't think you would need a coat or jacket in May, but I'm not sure. We are from the midwest (St. Louis), and 65 in March felt terrific, especially when compared to the typical 30 degree weather at home!

Wouldn't it be lovely and uncomplicated if the weather in Italy, or anywhere for that matter, was identical day after day, year after year. Then one would know what the temperature would be on any given day. Let's get back in the real world and understand that travelers take clothing to cover most weather possibilities, including raincoats and umbrellas, sweaters, etc.

Agree with the above post suggesting the OP do a little homework before coming here to have her entire trip planned. Picking Italy to lie on the beach strikes me as odd, but everyone to their own opinion.

Get some guidebooks, do some research, surf the net and get some ideas. That's what most of us do.