August is finally here and while many of us have been dreading this month due to its intense heat, many Italians have been looking forward to it to take their ferie, paid time off and are packing their bags to escape the city’s heat and head to the beach or the mountains.
During this month, all of the major cities literally empty out, many stores close for about two weeks (watch for signs chiuse per ferie), while the vacation hot spots, such as Sicily and Calabria, become incredibly packed with people. One of my students once told me that he and his family went to Rome in August (which is not the best idea) just to find themselves surrounded by their countrymates and drenched in the sweat of the humidity of the Eternal City.
I explained that August if the hottest and most humid month especially in Rome; however, the breeze at southern beach locations make it a pleasant month for those who like crowds and parties on the beach.What are the best beaches to go to in you happen to be in Italy in August?
Costa Smeralda, Sardegna
The perfect mix between relax and fun, la Costa Smeralda is among the calmest stretches of the Mediterranean, making it comparable to beaches in the Caribbean (even better if you consider wine and food when picking your vacay spot). While I usually don’t like to spend time in the most expensive resorts (or perhaps can’t afford it yet), if you’d like to indulge in the luxurious Italian Med life, head to the famous resort town of Porto Cervo, the major hot spot in the Costa Smeralda.
San Vito lo Capo, Sicily
A picturesque seaside village, San Vito lo Capo offers a great deal of relax, adventure and entertainment. Spend the early morning hiking the Riserva Natural dello Zingaro, then head to the beach to sunbathe and finally get ready for an evening of great food and live music.
Sestri Levante, Liguria
One of Liguria’s hidden gems, Sestri Levante is just as beautiful if not more than Le Cinque Terre, but not quite as touristy and with a lot more to offer. Located half-way between Genova and La Spezia, this former little island, now connected to the mainland by a silver of sand, is the perfect fairytale escape. Take a romantic stroll on the harbor, relax at the quiet beach of Baia del Silenzio and explore the seafront promenade of Baia delle Favole for a livelier atmosphere.
Marina di Pescoluse, Puglia
Known as the Maldives of the Salento coast, this white-sand beach with its crystal-clear water is the perfect place to relax while drinking a cocktail prepared by one of the many establishments on the beach. There is also plenty of free beach space (no entrance-fee) where you can just take your towel, kick your feet up, and let the time roll away. I recommend taking a boat tour to fully experience the beauty of this stretch of sea and coastline.
Baia di Grotticelle, Calabria
Along the Costa degli Dei, in a wild and fascinating setting, lies a stunning bay stretching for almost a mile with rich marine life and hidden coves and caves, perfect for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. Many inlets can only be reached by boat or by hiking the many trails that surround the bay. The sandy bottom in the bay gets a little rocky around the cliffs where most of the marine flora and fauna lives. If your family or group is split between adventure-seekers and those who just want to relax, this beach is the perfect location.
