The Grotte di Catullo, a Roman archaeological site in Sirmione on Lake Garda.
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[For the latest information on requirements for leisure travel in Italy, go to Ministero della Salute.] When traveling to Italy in the summer, it can be difficult deciding whether to spend time seeing all there is to see or to surrender to the dolce far niente call of the country’s seductive coastline – lots of visitors want a lot of history and beach time, but can sometimes i don’t have them both on the same day. As the temperatures rise, the seaside drag often gets stronger, although once you’ve settled in your sun chair on the beach, you’ll likely want to order a cultural asset along with the Acqua Minerale.
There are of course artistic and historical treasures all over Italy – without them it is difficult to find a place. A famous resort town, Taormina has an important ancient Greek theater, and even smaller getaways include gems like the charming Riviera hamlet in San Michele di Pagana, which has a church with a Van Dyck painting on it. A number of Italy Large cities of art are in the vicinity of Beaches too, but if you’re looking for a smaller-scale coastal landscape, consider the five idyllic spots below, listed alphabetically and stretching from the shores of Lake Garda to Sicily. These are destinations where you can get up close and personal with Italy’s glittering coastline and admire major landmarks.
CEFALÙ, SICILY
Cefalù.
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The cathedral of Cefalù dates back to the 12th century.
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A beach in Cefalù in August. (Photo by Stefano Montesi / Corbis via Getty Images)
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Visitors to Italy will be dazzled by the glories of its many eras – from the remains and ruins of the Etruscans and Romans to the megawatt art and architecture created during the Renaissance. Less known is the time in the Middle Ages, when the Normans, who famously conquered England, made their claim to the sunny southern shores of the peninsula. However, if you head to Cefalù, a rustically beautiful seaside town with antique white houses lining the old fishing port, you can get a taste of this less heralded time in the country’s past. Visit the Cathedral of Cefalù with its famous religious mosaics, an imposing structure built on the orders of Roger II, the powerful Norman king, who allegedly came ashore after a heavy storm in the 12th century. Before or after heading to the beach, explore the city’s historic center, starting on Corso Ruggero, and see the Domus Regia, now known as Osterio Magno, formerly a fortress (now the tower is preserved) where Roger once was lived. The coast of Cefalù has a number of beaches with different mixes of sand, pebbles and rocks. Depending on the location, Lidos offer sun loungers and parasols. Accessible from the city is Lungomare Beach, which runs for more than four kilometers along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
FASANO / EGNAZIA ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK, PUGLIA
Mosaic of the Three Graces from Egnazia’s Citizens’ Basilica.
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Ruins of the ancient city.
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The Apulian coast near Savelletri, a Frazione of Fasano not far from the Archaeological Park of … [+]
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If you want to go way back in time, travel to the Archaeological Park of Egnazia, One of the most important historical sites in the region near the sea in the Apulian town of Fasano. Inhabited in the Bronze Age (15th century BC), settled hundreds of years later by the Messapians, an ancient people from the Salento area, and later ruled by Rome, the site is now an extensive open-air museum with the ruins of Gnathia , a thriving city and trading center under the Romans. The park is also home to Giuseppe Andreassi’s National Museum, which displays a treasure trove of artifacts from the Messapic and Roman periods and contains examples of Puglia’s famous Gnathia pottery, known for its intricate designs black glazed surfaces. Nearby is the Torre Egnazia beach with public and beach access. For a luxurious vacation go to Borgo Egnazia, now a goal in itself. This magnificent hotel is a beautiful complex of ocher and white Apulian architecture with a villa, cassette and various room and suite options, Private beaches as well as indoor and outdoor pools.
PORTOVENERE, LIGURIA
Portovenere.
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San Pietro church.
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A beach on the island of Palmaria.
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For centuries, conquerors sought Portovenere for its strategic maritime location; When they came, they left their mark, resulting in a cross-era mix of places to visit today. The city was settled by ancient Rome and probably formerly inhabited by the Ligurians. It was an important sea port for the Byzantine Empire. In the Middle Ages, the seafaring republic of Genoa Portovenere dominated; it came under Napoleon’s rule in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. And there is some literary history to add to the mix – Lord Byron stayed here and often swam in one of his bays (now named after him) and, according to legend, all the way to Lerici to visit his writing friend Shelley.
Not to be missed are the medieval church of San Pietro, built on the site of a former pagan temple, on a cliff with exceptional sea views, and the Romanesque church of San Lorenzo, which houses important religious art. You will find more impressive views of the 12th century Doria Castle, a testament to the former military might of Genoa and its powerful Doria clan. The colorful outbuildings that flank the port face the medieval Borgo and its main street, Via Capellini (which takes you to San Pietro). In the nearby fraction of Le Grazie, you can visit Villa Varignano from Roman times. Portovenere has a beautiful rocky coastline, but if you’re looking for a private beach, go to Sporty beach, a stylish lido with a restaurant and bar. The nearby Isola Palmaria (a short water taxi ride away) has both public and private beach options. The Grand Hotel PortovenereThe five-star hotel offers a wonderful view of the harbor. that intelligently restored Column 24 is in the heart of the Borgo.
SYRACUSE (SIRACUSA), SICILY
The ancient Greek theater in the Archaeological Park of Neapolis in Syracuse.
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Duromo square.
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Fontane Bianche beach.
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Siracusa is a thriving city-state in ancient Greece and dates back to the 7th century BC. In its archaeological park in Neapolis you will find important structures like the one around 470 BC. A Greek theater built in BC, where concerts and performances take place to this day. (For a schedule for 2021, go to INDAFondazione.org.) On the historical and mythical island of Ortygia you will find an impressive old town and a beautiful Piazza del Duomo, anchored by the Cathedral of Syracuse and originally the site of a Greek temple. The popular Aranella and Fontane Bianche beaches with sandy shores, lidos and public areas are less than 20 minutes’ drive from town.
SIRMIONE, LAKE GARDA, LOMBARDIE
Fortress Sirmione’e Rocca Scaligera.
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The Grotte di Catullo.
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Sirmiones beach Lido delle Bionde.
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Located on a narrow peninsula on the southern shore of Lake Garda, Italy’s largest lake, Sirmione is a popular summer vacation, especially for European travelers. And for good reason – in addition to its abundant natural beauty, there is a bustling historical center, Roman ruins, and an impressive castle to see. At the end of the Sirmione peninsula is the Grotte di Catullo, not a real grotto, but the remains of a Roman villa from the 1st century AD and one of the most important archaeological sites in Northern Italy. Those who lived here did so in style: in addition to the ruins of a clearly very spacious apartment with a wonderful view of the lake, there are remains of a large swimming pool. The fortress castle Sirmione’e Rocca Scaligera dates from the 13th century and, thanks to its light stone facade, does not look as foreboding as some of its counterparts built in the same period. You can visit the colorfully illuminated facade during the day at night or even watch a performance on site. Sirminone has a choice of beaches, including Jamaica Beach, at the very tip of the peninsula near the Roman ruins with flat rocks and clear tropical waters. In the Spiaggia Lido delle Bionde you will find a restaurant on the lake, facilities for renting chairs and umbrellas, as well as sports equipment such as canoes and pedal boats.
