Thursday, April 29, 2010

Italy's Golden Beaches

Home of spectacular art, top class fashion and some of the world's most famous cuisine, Italy is the epitome of glamour and luxury. Living la dolce vita is what Italians love to do most - and it's certainly an experience with holiday makers to this golden country can enjoy.

In the hectic cities, sightseeing is king. But out on Italy's more tranquil - but no less glittering - coastline, life takes a step back into that wonderful dolce vita vibe, and the luxury hotels Italy is famed for make their mark.

North: Venice - Lido di Jesolo

Venice is typically known for its gondolas and waterways, but this romantic city also hides some magnificent beaches out in the lagoon. The man-made and sandy Lido di Jesolo is the perfect escape from the tour groups and summer heat of the city streets. Rows of sun beds decorate the miles of dolomite sand and entertainment abounds when night falls thanks to the popularity of this fashionable town.

West: Emilia-Romagna - Rimini

Often known as the Italian Riviera, Rimini boasts more than just beautiful beaches. Here, the most trendy and famous seaside destination in Italy has the archaeological attractions and luxury hotels Italy offers so pleasingly to its visitors. The historical town centre is well worth exploring once relaxing on the shore becomes a tiring. But after dark, things really heat up in summer as the clusters of bars and nightclubs attract both young and old revellers to enjoy a few glasses of local wine.

East: Lazio - Sperlonga

South of Rome, this beautiful seaside town is Italy at its most unspoiled and traditional. Whitewashed houses cluster on a headland above the coast, whilst narrow stairways lead down through the streets to the sand below. North of Sperlonga, the area is more developed (with hotels staking out their territory with sun beds and parasols), but the real haven is south of the harbour where gorgeously clean and untouched stretches of beach open up before you.

Out to Sea: Sardinia

Often overlooked by visitors to Sardinia, the island of Sardinia is a treasure trove of secluded beaches and ancient ruins. Easily reached by air (into major airports at both south and north points on the island), it is still isolated enough to remain wonderfully unspoiled. At the northern tip of Sardinia, the Emerald Coast is the island's glitzy stretch of tiny private beaches - often reached only by water, they haven understandably been popular with yacht owners. Down south, excellent diving opportunities and flamingo filled lagoons bring a more relaxed type of visitor to this coast.


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