I’m all the time captivated by its beautiful mix of jagged cliffs, glowing turquoise waters, golden sandy seashores, and charming whitewashed buildings nestled amongst lush Mediterranean vegetation. It’s no shock that it’s typically hailed as probably the greatest seashores in the entire south.
I cherished absorbing the solar, snorkelling, taking boat excursions to find hidden coves, eating in charming waterfront eating places, and ending the day by watching breathtaking sunsets over the ocean.
Location: Calabria’s Tyrrhenian coast, southern Italy | Dimension: small headland and seaside space | Vibe: wild and distant Mediterranean really feel
My private highlights…
Staying on the great 4-star Capovaticano Resort Thalasso Spa Resort – I cherished the stylish, trendy design, the personal sandy seaside, the two,000-square-metre wellness spa, the heated seawater swimming pools and the heavenly wellness therapies which used citrus fruits and fragrant herbs.
Eating on at Ristorante Le Grotte di DeSo – I used to be completely received over by the welcoming vibe, the handcrafted mosaic decor, the beautiful views of each the ocean and the mountains and my scrumptious dish of home made spinach Tortelli!
4. Lipari
I believed this was a singular and picturesque volcanic island! It exudes a tranquil vibe, because of its distant location within the Aeolian Islands and its dedication to preserving its unspoiled pure landscapes, conventional tradition, and historic appeal.
I personally discovered the surroundings right here to be pure magic – rugged volcanic cliffs plunging into glowing turquoise waters, a captivating mixture of pebble, rocky, and a few sandy seashores, lovable whitewashed buildings with terracotta rooftops scattered throughout the hillside, cobblestone streets, and interesting historic ruins to discover.
I arrived by ferry from Milazzo port in Sicily primarily based myself on the charming 4-star Lodge Mea – Aeolian Charme after which explored the traditional Lipari Fort and its fascinating Aeolian Archaeological Museum.
I additionally strolled by way of the charming streets of Marina Corta, relaxed on the distinctive pumice-stone seaside of Spiaggia Bianca, hiked scenic volcanic trails, and loved scrumptious meals at conventional trattorias!
Location: Aeolian Islands, north of Sicily| Dimension: small island city (largest of the Aeolian Islands) | Vibe: intimate and effortlessly Mediterranean
My private highlights…
Sipping on a candy Malvasia delle Lipari wine and watching the sundown over the Baia di Canneto (Bay of Canneto) from the pebbly however very wonderful Coral Seashore.
5. Ischia
It is a romantic and really picturesque island! I like the way it has preserved its laid-back appeal by embracing wellness tourism centered round its pure thermal springs, reasonably than succumbing to mass tourism!
It’s a shocking mixture of pebble and sandy seashores, rolling inexperienced hills, glowing turquoise waters, and charming pastel-coloured homes dotted throughout quaint little villages, all topped by the majestic Aragonese Fort standing proudly on its rocky perch!
I took a ferry from Naples and soaked within the well-known thermal waters at Negombo and Poseidon Gardens, explored the historic Aragonese Fort, relaxed on the attractive seashores of Maronti and Sant’Angelo, hiked the paths up Mount Epomeo, found the charming cities of Forio and Ischia Ponte, and dined at waterfront trattorias.
Location: Bay of Naples, southern Italy | Dimension: massive volcanic island | Vibe: chic-but-laid-back Italian island really feel
My highlights…
Staying on the 4-star Sorriso Thermae Resort & Spa – the 5 thermal swimming pools full with hydromassage jets have been superior and so have been the wellness amenities particularly the soothing Mud Remedy therapies (also called Fangotherapy)!
Taking a enjoyable yacht tour across the island – it was nice to find secret coves, swim on the Grotta dell’Amore and have an onboard lunch of freshly made linguine!
6. Noli
This charming medieval city by no means fails to win me over! It stays splendidly off-the-tourist radar because of its small measurement, dedication to preserving its medieval heritage, and dedication to genuine, low-key tourism reasonably than large-scale improvement – to me, it felt like a peaceable, timeless escape from the trendy world!
I used to be completely captivated by the beautiful turquoise waters, the combination of pebbly and sandy bays, the medieval stone partitions, slender cobblestone streets, and historic towers that body the previous city, together with the picturesque Ligurian homes topped with terracotta roofs.
I stayed right here for a peaceable brief break, the place I relaxed on the tranquil seashores, wandered by way of the medieval previous city with its historic towers and partitions, hiked the breathtaking trails of Capo Noli, admired the charming San Paragorio Church, and indulged in freshly made linguine that completely captured the flavors of the area!
Location: Ligurian coast, northwest Italy | Dimension: small seaside city | Vibe: quiet, old-world, and gently romantic
My highlights…
Staying on the charming boutique Paradiso Di Manù – I cherished the distinctive however authentically Italian decor, the intimate and private vibe, the beautiful views of Spotorno Bay from its hillside location, the out of doors swimming pool and its excellent restaurant is carved into the rock!
Taking a two hour hike from medieval city of Noli to the Grotta dei Falsari (Cave of the Forgers) – I found Insta-worthy views of the attractive Ligurian Sea, the Gulf of Noli and even the define of the Maritime Alps within the distance!
7. Isola del Giglio
I like this secluded small island situated off-the-beaten-path! It has a laid-back ambiance attributable to its small measurement, out the way in which location, and dedication to preserving its pure magnificence.
I completely adore its surroundings, with turquoise waters, a mixture of sandy and pebble seashores, rugged cliffs, hillsides dotted with charming stone buildings, picturesque fishing villages, and the medieval fortress of Giglio Castello perched majestically above all of it.
I caught a ferry from Porto Santo Stefano in Tuscany and spent a dreamy lengthy weekend on the charming Lodge Castello Monticello enjoyable on the seashores, snorkelling within the clear waters which have been teeming with marine life, exploring the charming port city of Giglio Porto with its vibrant waterfront, hiked the picturesque trails, wandered the slender cobblestone streets of the medieval village Giglio Castello, and drank scrumptious native Tuscan wines!
Location: Off the coast of Tuscany within the Tyrrhenian Sea | Dimension: small island | Vibe: unspoilt with a gradual Mediterranean really feel
My favorite highlights…
Going snorkelling within the calm and exceptionally clear spot of Cala dell’Arenella and seeing swarms of tuna fish, black coral and even a moray eel (which made my day)!
8. Lake Maggiore
This romantic and old-world lake resort all the time wins my coronary heart! I’ve visited a number of occasions now, and I’m all the time charmed by its relaxed class and understated luxurious. It stays splendidly serene, tucked away within the beautiful Alpine panorama, and is much less well-known than its extra well-known lake resort rivals, Garda and Como. I truly choose it right here due to the far fewer crowds!
I like how the glowing blue waters of the lake are framed by inexperienced mountains, pastel-coloured villages, grand lakeside villas, fairly blooming gardens, and a mixture of sandy and pebbly seashores.
I come right here to laze round on the peaceable seashores, discover the beautiful Borromean Islands with their attractive palaces and botanical gardens, stroll by way of charming lakeside cities of Stresa and Verbania, take a scenic cable automobile as much as Mount Mottarone and see jaw-dropping views, discover the attractive botanical Gardens of Villa Taranto, take pleasure in scenic boat rides and dine on native meals and wine at cosy waterfront cafes.
Location: On the Italy–Switzerland border in northern Italy | Dimension: massive lake | Vibe: elegant, serene, and softly glamorous
My favorite highlights…
Staying on the lovely 4-star Lodge de Charme Laveno – I used to be fully received over by the combination of classy modern decor blended with retro design particulars, the Insta-worthy rooftop infinity swimming pool which had excellent lake views and the superb on-site spa.
9. Procida Island
This sleepy however very fairly island gives a splendidly genuine slice of life! I like the way it has stayed quiet and unspoiled, because of its lack of large-scale tourism and its dedication to preserving conventional appeal and a neighborhood lifestyle—it even had the respect of being named the nation’s Capital of Tradition!
I like the slow-paced vibe right here, together with the beautiful surroundings—sandy seashores, rocky coves, pastel-coloured buildings, the glowing blue waters of the marina, and slender cobblestone streets weaving by way of its charming villages.
Location: Bay of Naples, south | Dimension: small island | Vibe: genuine, and quietly enchanting
My highlights…
Strolling throughout the 100-meter footbridge to Vivara which was a small, crescent-shaped islet which have been the stays of an historic volcanic crater. From the slender bridge I may see panoramic views of the shoreline and distant volcanic peaks.
Exploring the previous deserted jail of Palazzo D’Avalos which featured a museum, backyard and artwork gallery – it was fascinating to see the rusted iron bars, the pale graffiti of former inmates, and artifacts like uniforms and paperwork which revealed the grim realities of what life was as soon as like there!
10. Scilla
This lesser identified gem of a coastal city by no means fails to appeal me! Scilla feels so peaceable unspoilt as a result of it’s tucked away from the vacationer crowds, letting its charming fishing village vibe and genuine Italian magnificence shine with out all of the hustle and bustle!
It gives a shocking mix of crystal-clear shimmering waters, a mixture of golden sand and pebbly seashores, picturesque pastel-coloured homes, and the dramatic Castello Ruffo perched majestically on a rocky outcrop.
My favorite highlights…
Eating within the fabulous Restaurant Bleu De Toi – I cherished the normal stone constructing it was housed in, the distinctive platform which was constructed instantly over the ocean (the place we may dine) and my heavenly risotto which got here with citrus fruits and a pink pumpkin sauce!
11. Calabria and Basilicata Areas
These are are splendidly rustic and untouched areas! I completely love how quiet and intriguingly mysterious it feels, because of its distant location, dedication to preserving conventional life, and the splendidly low ranges of mass tourism in comparison with different standard Italian areas.
I’m in awe of the charming mix of wonderful sandy and pebbly seashores, rugged mountains, rolling hills, unspoiled coastlines, and historic cities that includes historic stone buildings, cliffside villages, and charming church buildings.
I stayed in these areas for a blissful fortnight and explored the beautiful cliffside seashores of Tropea, hiked the dramatic landscapes of Pollino Nationwide Park, found the UNESCO-listed cave dwellings of Matera, explored the charming hilltop villages of Civita and Maratea, relaxed alongside the attractive Ionian shoreline, and visited historic sights from Greek ruins to medieval castles!
Location: Southern Italy (toe and instep of the “boot”) | Dimension: two massive areas | Vibe: soulful with a gradual, old-Italy really feel
My private highlights…
12. Tremiti Islands
This distant and unspoiled spot all the time leaves a long-lasting impression on me! There are 5 islands in complete, residence to simply 454 residents. It exudes a splendidly tranquil vibe, tucked away within the Adriatic with restricted vacationer infrastructure and the added safety of being a part of the Gargano Nationwide Park’s marine reserve.
I discovered a treasure trove of a mixture of sand and pebble seashores, hidden coves, rugged cliffs, dense pine forests and a number of other historic buildings surrounded by aquamarine waters.
I caught the hydrofoil boat from the city of Termoli on the mainland and stayed for a blissful 4 days on the quirky and laid-back Relais Al Faro Mattress&Breakfast.
I swam and snorkelled within the attractive waters, relaxed on the sandy seaside at Cala delle Arene, hiked the awe-inspiring trails on San Domino, explored the historic Abbey of Santa Maria and medieval fortifications on San Nicola, and took an exquisite boat tour and found dramatic sea caves.
Location: Adriatic Sea off the coast of Puglia, southern Italy | Dimension: small island archipelago | Vibe: low-key with a castaway Mediterranean really feel
My highlights…
Happening a newbie’s dive tour with a skilled teacher in San Domino – I’ve to confess I used to be slightly nervous however seeing groupers and faculties of sea bream and silvery barracudas in addition to underwater caves made the expertise actually unimaginable!
13. Lake Orta 
I feel it is a very lovely hidden gem! I like visiting this lesser-known gem as a result of it gives a way more tranquil and under-the-radar vibe in comparison with the extra well-known Italian lakes, and it proudly steers away from mass tourism.
I feel this place is slightly slice of heaven, with its calm, glassy waters surrounded by pebble and rocky seashores, a number of small sandy stretches, lush inexperienced hills, cobbled streets, elegant villas, charming gardens, and the atmospheric small island at its heart, topped by an historic monastery.
I stayed in a stupendous lakeside boutique resort and spent my days exploring the charming village of Orta San Giulio, visiting the peaceable Isola San Giulio with its historic monastery, strolling the serene nature trails and chapels of the Sacro Monte, having fun with picturesque boat rides, and easily enjoyable by the tranquil lakeside.
Location: Piedmont, northern Italy | Dimension: small lake | Vibe: romantic with a nostalgic, elegant really feel
My favorite highlights…
Staying on the ultra-romantic Relais & Chateaux Villa Crespi – I used to be in awe of the elegant decor, the historic Nineteenth-century villa it was housed in, the 4 poster mattress within the visitor room, the wellness amenities and the beautiful lake views, it was exhausting to go away!
Wandering by way of the beautiful cobblestone streets early within the day – the morning mist hovered above the shimmering lake and made it appear nearly magical!
14. Lampedusa Island
This secluded cove is a beautiful secret magnificence spot! Positioned on the distant island of Lampedusa, I discovered it may solely be reached by boat or a difficult hike, which has fortunately deterred massive vacationer crowds!
I personally thought it was a beautiful pure paradise with lovely turquoise waters and tender white sands, framed by rocky cliffs.
My private highlights…
Happening a sundown dolphin watching tour on a yacht – crusing on a big trendy catamaran, recognizing playful dolphins whereas sipping on native cocktails and going for a sundown swim was a really superb expertise!