4 coastal gems not to miss in Italy
Colloquially named Bel Paese which means ‘beautiful country’, Italy is one of the most iconic countries in the world. Renowned for its combination of stunning landscapes and to-die-for locations, it’s no surprise Italy welcomes plenty of tourists from all around the world each year.
If you’re one of the 56% of American citizens who own a passport, here are five undiscovered gems to explore on your next trip to Europe.
1. Amalfi
If you’re planning a tour of Italy, you should include a trip to Amalfi. For travellers that like to ‘fly and flop’, you’ll cherish spending time on the beach surrounding this beautiful town. The Amalfi Coast isn’t short of beautiful beaches, and the ones that can be found in the town of Amalfi are the perfect example. With stunning views of the town towering over you as you stare out upon the glistening water, you can’t beat this idyllic sunbathing spot.
Once you’ve had enough of the warm sunshine, head to the town centre for an authentic Italian lunch (via the Cathedral, if you have time!) and finish off your day with a wine tour at the Tenuta San Francesco winery. There, you’ll be free to sample their collection of delicious wines and liquors.
2. Polignano a Mare
Nestled on a limestone cliff above the Adriatic, you’ll stumble upon Polignano a Mare. This stunning whitewashed town is situated above the striking pebble beach of Cala Porto. Here you will be able to immerse yourself in rich culture while visiting the spectacular cliff-top art gallery or saunter through the streets, stopping only for a swift espresso or gelato.
Polignano a Mare is situated in Puglia, the southern region of Italy that forms its heel. Puglia is one of Italy’s culinary hubs, being the biggest producer of olive oil in the country and supplying 12% of the world’s production. And talking about food, no trip to Puglia is complete without a taste of its seafood delicacies, which include Cozze arraganate, Cavatelli ai frutti di mare, and Zuppa di pesce alla tarantina.
3. Sperlonga
In the region of Lazio, Sperlonga is off the beaten path and a wonderful place to visit if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Rome. Snuggled in between Rome and Naples, Sperlonga is a magical town brimming with ancient architecture.
For a daytime adventure, a trip to the sea grotto is a must. Dating back to the Roman Times, these grottos used to be the preferred refuge for fishermen and peasants before the fall of the Roman Empire.
4. Cinque Terre
Translating to ‘five lands’, Cinque Terre is composed of five coastal towns – each as beautiful as the next – built upon the rocks lining the Mediterranean Sea. A trip to this rugged coastline is like stepping into a postcard.
Although each town has its distinct character, in each town you’ll find some common features. As you meander the streets you’ll discover colorful houses, vineyards clinging to steep terraces and harbors with fishing boats full to the brim with their daily haul of fresh seafood.
For sweeping sea vistas, head to the Sentiero Azzuro for an awe-inspiring hiking trail. Then, as you head back down, finish off your day with a trip to a local trattoria to sample the region’s famous sauce, pesto.
Final thoughts…
Whether you’re one of the 333.3 million Americans with Italian ancestry or you just fancy a trip to Italy, you’ll treasure spending time in the med. Exploring medieval architecture, relaxing on tranquil beaches or simply enjoying the impeccable vineyards and trattorias, you can be sure of a wonderful trip when you choose one of these coastal gems for your next vacation.
Feature Photo by Tom Podmore on Unsplash
