Where to go on holiday in Italy: summer 2023

Summer has arrived, and it's time to plan a great trip! If you're wondering where to go on holiday in Italy, this article is perfect. We suggest the most exciting summer destinations for 2023 for really memorable vacations.

Spending holidays in Italy: 4 good reasons to do it

Choosing to spend your holidays in Italy is a forward-thinking decision for many reasons:

• You can explore the richness of the Italian territory, discovering new glimpses of your country.
• Take advantage of the territorial proximity to explore multiple regions in one trip.
• By choosing to holiday in Italy, you economically support local hospitality activities.
• You can travel in your private car, with complete autonomy.

We have splendid summer destinations. Not to mention the opportunity to rediscover Italy's most beautiful villages with countryside vacations, organize fantastic alternative holidays by trekking along CAI trails, and spend holidays in the mountains or by the lake.

Where to go to the seaside in Italy?

Spending holidays on the seaside is a common aspiration for many Italians: according to ISTAT data, in 2022, 52.5% of Italians chose seaside locations as their summer vacation destination. It is not easy to decide where to go in Italy because the beauty of our seas is tempting in all latitudes.

Beach holidays in Italy are undoubtedly the most popular, especially those in Puglia, Sardinia, Sicily, Romagna, and Campania. The transparent waters and white sandy beaches of Salento, the unspoiled beauty of Sardinia's bays, the perfect organization of accommodation facilities in Romagna, the breathtaking panoramas of Capri and the Amalfi Coast, and the fascination of Sicilian culture - all are valid reasons to choose one of these destinations for summer 2023.

Also, there are many other possibilities in various regions. Are you wondering where to go on vacation in August? Here's another list of seaside locations with stunning beauty:

• The Conero Riviera, in the Marche region.
• The Pontine Coast, in the province of Latina, Lazio.
• The Tremiti Islands, in Puglia.
• The Costa Verde, in Molise.
• The Sulcis-Iglesiente Region, in Sardinia.
• The Trabucchi Coast, in Abruzzo.
• Cilento, at the border between Campania and Basilicata.
• The Jonic Coast of Taranto, in Puglia.
• The Etruscan Coast, in Tuscany.
• The Coast of Oranges, in Calabria.

Map of the sea in Italy

Italy is a peninsula surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, with a coastline measuring 8,300 kilometers. The Ligurian Sea, the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Adriatic Sea, and the Ionian Sea are the four seas that surround the Italian coast. Almost all regions of Italy have a coastline and offer enchanting seaside destinations scattered throughout the territory, from north to south through central Italy. This map of the sea in Italy will help you better orient yourself in your choice!

Summer 2023 vacations: 5 seaside places in Italy

For summer vacations in 2023 spent exploring different territories, we recommend these five places by the sea with incredible charm:

Camogli

Camogli is a marvelous seaside resort in Liguria, nestled on the Golfo Paradiso and protected by the Regional Natural Park of Portofino. Its location is picturesque with a refined and chic atmosphere, with restaurants à la page and narrow streets that wind through the Ligurian hills.

Camogli's sea is turquoise and clean, with a pebbly beach divided into private bathing establishments and free-of-charge public beach areas. There are several beaches in Camogli, including the bay of San Fruttuoso, located towards Portofino, which is an unspoiled beach and less frequented than the town of Camogli. Heading towards Recco, another seaside village like Camogli, there are other enjoyable beaches, such as Spiaggia dei Frati, Scogliera Ciappea, and Spiaggia di Mulinetti.

Discover Camogli, the Aua Bracelet from the 22/23 summer collection. You can find it here

What to do in Camogli?

If you choose to spend your vacation in Camogli, you can savor the lifestyle of the Ligurian Riviera in the best way possible. Additionally, have the opportunity to visit architecturally significant buildings, such as the Castle of Dragonara, the Basilica Minore of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Sanctuary of Nostra Signora del Boschetto. What else can you do in Camogli? Plenty of hillside hiking: panoramic trails wind through the woods of the Natural Park, leading to magical places like the Romanesque church of San Nicolò di Capodimonte.

Trapani

Trapani, one of the provinces of Sicily, is the ideal summer destination for combining relaxing beach days with vibrant and lively evenings, offering numerous activities and an authentic Sicilian atmosphere. Moreover, staying in Trapani allows you to explore other areas of Sicily, such as the island of Favignana or well-known seaside locations like San Vito Lo Capo.

The sea of Trapani is unique in Italy, with locations ranging from fine sandy beaches like Spiaggia di San Giuliano to rocky bays like Spiaggia delle Mura di Tramontana, all with crystal-clear waters. Many more are delightful places to discover around Trapani, including Pizzolungo, Cala Nono Chilometro, Tonnara Bonagia, and Màcari.

In Trapani the sunset is magnetic and we know it well! For this, we have created a rope bracelet in shades of red, orange and pink: it is the bracelet dedicated to Trapani!

What to do in Trapani?

Trapani is a city that offers a lot to tourists: visit the marvelous Cathedral of San Lorenzo, stroll along the promenade that connects the city's extreme points, namely the Museo Civico Torre di Ligny and the Villino Nasi, where you can enjoy unforgettable sunsets, the Pepoli Museum tells the history of Sicily through unique archaeological artifacts from around the world, the historic center of Trapani and the beautiful Salt Ponds, with their naturalistic breathtaking naturalistic views and scenery. If you are interested in archaeology, you should explore the areas of Erice and Calatafimi, where you will find well-preserved Greek amphitheaters and temples.

Lignano Sabbiadoro

Lignano Sabbiadoro is the perfect place for a fun-filled seaside vacation, with its eight kilometers of uninterrupted beach, over 150 hotels, and countless beach resorts and umbrellas. Lignano is divided into three areas: Riviera, greener and quieter; Sabbiadoro, known for its nightlife and entertainment; and Pineta, striking a perfect balance between the previously mentioned localities.

The sea in Lignano Sabbiadoro is the classic Adriatic Sea: fine, golden sandy beaches with shallow waters whose color reflects and merges with that of the seabed. The sea in Lignano Sabbiadoro is among the cleanest in Italy and has been awarded the Blue Flag certification for thirty-three consecutive years.

Lignano Sabbiadoro in the new AUA Bracelets collection: discover more.

What to do in Lignano Sabbiadoro?

Lignano Sabbiadoro offers everything you could want in a seaside vacation: fitness activities, concerts, trendy venues, nightclubs, amusement parks, and water parks, as well as shops for shopping. Moreover, you will be in a strategic location: Lignano Sabbiadoro is 50 km from the beautiful city of Udine and 70 km from Venice, where you can enjoy excursions in Veneto and the rest of Friuli!

Among the expanses of umbrellas, the laughter of children and the ice cream that always melts too quickly, Lignano Sabbiadoro is one of the destinations to which we have dedicated the bracelets of the Summer Capsule Aua. Here it is!

Porto Sant’Elpidio

Porto Sant’Elpidio is in the province of Fermo, in the Marche region, a historic seaside village destination off the beaten path of the most crowded beaches of the Adriatic, such as San Benedetto del Tronto, Grottammare, or Numana.

Like many places on the Adriatic Riviera, Porto Sant’Elpidio also boasts a long (seven kilometers) and well-organized waterfront with pine groves, green areas, bars, shops, and beach resorts. The beaches of Porto Sant’Elpidio are a mix of pebbles and fine sand, with transparent water that gently slopes, making it ideal for relaxing swims.

We have honored the beauty of Porto Sant’Elpidio with a new AUA bracelet.

What to do in Porto Sant’Elpidio?

The strength of the Marche region is having nature and the sea at your fingertips: you can go from a morning at the beach to evenings spent in agritourism and the countryside of the Marche, which is fresh and relaxing. For example, you should visit Sant’Elpidio al Mare, a medieval village built with the typical Marche brick and adorned with many impressive buildings, such as the Abbey of Santa Croce al Chienti, the Gerosolimitan Tower, the Church of Madonna dei Lumi, or the Church of Sant’Elpidio Abate. From Porto Sant’Elpidio, you are not far from many beautiful cities in the Marche, such as Ascoli, Offida, and Loreto.

Look at the Port Sant'Elpidio bracelet, directly from the new collection bracelet by Aua bracelets.

Sperlonga

Sperlonga is a seaside location with great charm. Located on the Pontine coast in the Lazio region, province of Latina, Sperlonga is scenically impactful: a seaside village perched on promontories along the Tyrrhenian coast, adorned with cliffs and white houses against the backdrop of green hills. Sperlonga is rich in history: the Roman emperor Tiberius chose this place as his coastal "retreat," and the remains of his imperial villa still stand here.

The sea in Sperlonga is crystal-clear and turquoise when the wind and the water are calm. The beaches are wide and sandy, with free-of-charge public and private beach clubs. The most famous beaches in Sperlonga are Levante Beach, or dell'Angolo, which is almost entirely private. Moving towards the Ponente area, you will find more free public beaches.

What to visit in Sperlonga?

The Truglia Tower and the area of the Sperlonga Caves, where Tiberius built his villa, are the main attractions in Sperlonga. Overall, the town is picturesque and folkloric, allowing you to explore the Pontine coast, reaching other beautiful locations such as Gaeta and Terracina.

Where is the cleanest sea in Italy?

According to the analyses conducted by the National System for Environmental Protection, an organization that works in synergy with regional ARPA (Regional Environmental Protection Agencies) and the ISPRA (Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), the cleanest sea in Italy is in Puglia. The regions of Sardinia and Tuscany also rank high in the 2022 classification.

From north to south, many beach resorts can boast of having the cleanest sea in Italy. Approximately 210 sea locations received the Blue Flag, an international label certifying the environmental quality of the areas, ensuring clean and safe bathing water.

What is the most beautiful sea in Italy?

It is not easy to define the most beautiful sea in Italy because it's a subjective matter of personal taste. Some people love the vast Calabrian coastline, while others prefer the sandy coves of Sardinia, the natural beauty of Cilento, or the more inaccessible coves on the cliffs in the province of Bari, near Polignano a Mare and Monopoli.

5 affordable and lesser-known seaside destinations in Italy

August is known for higher costs in all tourist sectors, and most people take advantage of this month to enjoy the vacation days earned during the year of work, which can lead to crowded and bustling beaches. Despite the many renowned and popular seaside destinations in Italy, there are at least five affordable and lesser-known sea destinations that you absolutely must discover:

Taranto

Taranto is the ideal destination for a budget-friendly and less crowded summer vacation.

Did you know that the bracelet dedicated to Taranto is the best-selling in the history of AUA?

Less frequented by mass tourism that crowds other parts of Puglia, the province of Taranto boasts splendid beaches with crystal-clear waters. Look for places in the district of Taranto like Leporano, Pulsano, Marina di Lizzano, and Campomarino di Maruggio: you will find marvelous beaches with prices much lower than the more well-known areas in Salento.

If you want to discover more about the city of the two seas, also known as the capital of Magna Graecia, you must read our article on the 15 things to see and do in Taranto!

Portoscuso

Portoscuso is a seaside destination in the Sulcis region, which falls within the province of South Sardinia. Although people say that Sardinia is very expensive, the island offers a variety of accommodation options at different price ranges. South Sardinia is less touristy and more unspoiled and offers hidden gems like Portoscuso, a lesser-known seaside destination where you can spend unforgettable vacations in August. The transparent sea, white beaches, and relaxing nature make Portoscuso a place to put on your map for summer 2023.

Rodi Garganico

It is situated further from the most crowded tourist destinations but always in Apulia. Abundant nature, a slow and serene pace of life, and prices below the Apulian average make Rodi Garganico a charming seaside destination, situated in the province of Foggia, within the Gargano National Park, full of beautiful beaches, small bays, and rocky stretches, with a coastline that varies according to the coastal area. The sea is deep blue, and many accommodation options are available, even in nearby areas such as San Menaio or further towards the "spur" in towns like Peschici or Vieste.

Soverato

Calabria is a highly sought-after summer destination for many Italians and foreign tourists. However, there are economical and lesser-known places to visit. Like Soverato, a seaside town in the province of Catanzaro, with many surrounding coastal areas (Sellia Marina, Simeri Crichi) that are perfect for spending August without overcrowding. The immense and spacious beaches characterize the stretch of the Calabrian coastline, where you can enjoy total tranquility even during the mid-August holiday. Moreover, the proximity of the Sila Mountains allows more adventurous travelers to enjoy interesting mountain excursions.

Sabaudia

Sabaudia is a seaside resort located in the province of Latina. Did you know that the director Paolo Sorrentino filmed a part of his acclaimed movie "The Family Friend" here in Sabaudia? He immortalized the splendid Tyrrhenian coast of this seaside location in many scenes, with its golden beaches and cobalt blue sea. Here you will find a cool climate and clean air thanks to the Circeo National Park covering the inland area. Additionally, you can explore beautiful places nearby, such as Lake Paola, the Villa of Domitian, the village of Sermoneta, the gardens of Ninfa, and San Felice del Circeo.

One of the bracelets of the Summer Capsule 2023 is dedicated to Sabaudia. Do you like it?

Four ideas for alternative vacations in Italy

As we know, spending summer vacation at the seaside is the most popular choice. The Italian summer is marked by high temperatures, making the sea the ideal answer to beat the heat. However, there are many ways to have alternative vacations in Italy without sacrificing relaxation:

Going on a vacation in the mountains

Yes, Italy is a peninsula with plenty of coastlines, but we also have envy-inducing mountain ranges. Going on vacation in the mountains in Italy leaves you spoiled for choice: the Alps, the Dolomites, the Apennines cutting through Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna, Abruzzo, and the Lucanian Dolomites. Spending vacations in the mountains means enjoying the high altitude to breathe fresh air, savor delicious local products, swim in pure streams and fresh lakes, and take advantage of the long days for trekking adventures.

Visit the most beautiful villages in Italy

Coastal locations are lovely, but medieval towns also have incredible charm. Visiting the most beautiful villages in Italy can be a complementary experience to a countryside retreat or a beach vacation, with forays into the discovery of small inhabited centers where life flows slowly, history pervades every monument, and a serene and relaxing rhythm.

Capalbio, a village to which we have dedicated a bracelet for the summer season, is among the most beautiful villages in Italy: a perfect destination for a summer vacation, located on a hill but overlooking the beautiful sea of ​​Argentario.

Don't forget the blue of Capablio: for this reason, we have put it in a bracelet of the Summer Capsule Aua 2023.

CAI Trails, vacations immersed in nature

One of the ways to have alternative vacations is to decide to walk the CAI (Italian Alpine Club) trails within the broader context of the Sentiero Italia (Italy Trail), covering 7000 kilometers distributed over about 500 stages in 20 regions. Immersing oneself in nature is uplifting and rejuvenates the spirit. Spending the night in a tent in an uncontaminated clearing or seeking hospitality in ancient hostels for travelers, nourishing yourself with local raw materials, and above all, getting to know people along the way: it is the ideal alternative vacation for those who love spending time in a meaningful way, even on vacation.

Cultural tourism

Rome, Florence, Venice, Bologna, Verona, Turin: the list of Italian artistic heritage is very long, and in all regions, there is a treasure to discover. Why not take advantage of the milder months, like June and September, to embark on a cultural tourism journey? There are many art cities in Italy, some near splendid seaside locations. Churches, art galleries, museums, archaeological sites, castles, and art collections: culture is the best gift you can give yourself.

What to bring on a beach vacation?

The time has come to prepare your suitcase, and the question arises spontaneously: what to bring on a beach vacation? First and foremost, remember to bring everything you need for a day at the beach.

• Beach towel
• Swimsuit
• Sunglasses
• Hat, flip-flops, or sandals
• Sunscreen
• Goggles if you enjoy swimming
• Books or various pastimes (paddles, crosswords, headphones) for when you want to relax.

If you decide to go to a free-of-charge beach, you will also need a beach umbrella and perhaps a couple of beach chairs to relax even more.

Regarding what to bring on a beach vacation for your clothing outfit, we recommend a predominantly summer style: light linen and cotton dresses for the evenings, comfortable-fitting shorts and t-shirts for daytime at the beach, or shorts and skirts with lightweight fabric. Opt for bright colors but in light tones to avoid feeling too hot. You can also bring denim or other fabric jacket for cooler evenings if necessary. If you want to create a very summery mood, choose floral shirts, solid-color Bermuda shorts, or a shirt with a mandarin collar.

To complete the list of what to bring on a beach vacation, you can also wear a bracelet that adds character to your wrist: discover the AUA bracelet collection, made of glass and silver, designed to enhance any clothing style.

Tour Italy with AUA Bracelets

Bracialetti AUA is a brand of glass and silver bracelets designed to honor the beauty of the Italian cities that are the most fascinating: discover our complete collection.