Blog

The Beach is Back
By: Effetto Italy On: August 1, 2020 In: Italian Culture
Italy’s seaside remains one of its most irresistible attractions, with over 5000 km of coastline and the most beaches in continental Europe. But as in many parts La Dolce Vita, there is a certain way of doing things and an Italian beach holiday is no exception.
Public vs private
Visitors must decide on the type of beach to visit. Public beaches are free and you can bring your own umbrellas, chairs and equipment. Some of these beaches do not have restrooms or lifeguards on duty, but they do have a certain freedom that allows you to set up and lounge as you like. Private beaches (bagni) come with all of the glamourous amenities one might need to enjoy a day in the sun… lounge chairs, an umbrella, changing facilities, dining options. Prices will vary but it’s usually a flat fee, and you can rent for a day, week or month depending upon the beach club.
Blue Flag Beaches
If your beach has a Blue Flag, it has been certified by the Foundation for Environmental Education. You can rest assured that stringent environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria have been met and maintained and that the quality of the water is good. Italy has 385 Blue Flag beaches.
Types of beaches
Many of Italy’s best beaches, such as in the Italian Riviera or Campania, are very rocky and pebbly, albeit gorgeous, motivating many beachgoers to wear flip flops or water shoes during their time there. But you can find wonderful sandy beaches as well, particularly in Sardinia, Puglia and Tuscany.
What to eat and drink
Surprise, surprise… food and drink is as much a part of beach culture as it is the rest of Italian life. Gone are the snacks and hot dogs that you might find in the states. While the regional influences will always be apparent, you are very likely to find seafood on many beach menus – whether in perhaps a house antipasto, a linguine alle vongole or a grilled fish. And don’t forget to accompany your meal with a lovely white wine like Vermentino or perhaps an Aperol spritz aperitivo later in the day.
No matter where you decide to go, you’ll find that there’s nothing quite like the flavor of the Italian beach. Looking for more advice on where to go, contact us today!
Ciao for now!
The Effetto Italy Team
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