Here at Italian Fix, we’re equal-opportunity bathers. Off a boat, at a beach or in a bathtub — if it involves luxuriating in water, we’ll take it! Because as long as we’re in our swimsuits, we’re winning.
If you haven’t put on a bikini since 1999, then be inspired by the Italian ladies above.
This is Italy. No matter your shape, age or gender — when it’s beach time, it’s go time. Heck, the entire country pretty much closes down next week so they can go to the mare. Beach breaks are religion here; no boss, no sagging economy and no government is gonna bust up this national habit.
Here are some of our fave water baby moments from our years of taking our clients to Italy:
Cruising the Aeolian Islands
If you’ve not yet been to Sicily, WTF (what the focaccia) are you waiting for? Sicily is seriously having her moment these days — it’s really rising in popularity. I think it’s because Sicily has retained much of what we love about Italy (amazing food, places, history) but has managed to keep the things we hate about Italy (exorbitant prices, crowds) at bay.
This is part of Italy you want on your bucket list, but it’s very much a “who you know” kinda place, so local knowledge is key. Getting from A to B can be tough if you don’t have a driver (or your own car). On our tours, we cruise around in a small Mercedes van, and when we travel to the Aeolian Islands (the Hawaii of Italy) we get out on the water, because once you’ve laid eyes on it, you don’t want to be anywhere else.
A slice of the Cinque Terre
There are so many things to do on any given day in the Cinque Terre that many people never even make it to the beach. But if you’re a mermaid, you’ll love that 4 out of the 5 villages have a swimming hole that is easily accessed by foot. We prefer the beach clubs, because having a lounger, umbrella, showers, change rooms and gelato all within arm’s reach makes life so easy and relaxing. On our Cinque Terre tour, we visit one of our fave beaches in the area — check it out on our Italian Fix Instagram Stories.
Boating the Cinque Terre coastline
Seeing the Cinque Terre from the water is the BEST way to score that serene vibe we’re all after on vacation. Bonus — this is the best vantage point for taking photos of the colorful villages along the coast. We always do our boat excursion the day before the tour ends so that when you’re on your flight the next day, you can close your eyes and still feel a bit of that sun on your face and the sea spray on your toes.
Beach time in Positano
There are HUNDREDS of photos all over the internet showcasing Fornello beach in Positano. While on our Southern Italy tour, you can cruise down there at any time, as the entire town is built around this gorgeous stretch of sand. With just 400 stairs to navigate to get up and down in Positano, you’ll burn all the pasta carbs you ate the night before and then some!
Lounging by the pool in Sicily
One of my fave pool-time situations is at one of the hotels we stay at during our Sicily tour. With the spa treating us to such gorgeous concoctions as almond milk baths in a copper tub, and the pool overlooking an active volcano and the sea, it’s hard to resist the temptation to sell everything and move here. Like, right into one of the pool cabanas.
Exploring the Amalfi Coast by boat
We rent a beautiful boat and take our clients to tour the Amalfi Coast for the day, stopping at a restaurant right on the beach. Coming by boat is so much more fun than scaling the million stairs! And cruising the Amalfi coast by boat is THE way to explore this area. Plus, the photos you’ll take can be posted on the fridge for the rest of your life, making you smile every time you reach for cream for your coffee.
Capri sun (and sea!)
We spend a day on Capri during our Southern Italy tour, and our guests love the beach scene here. Try Marina Piccola or La Fontelina for some serious mermaid inspiration.
Looking for some watery ideas to spice up your next trip to Italy? Here are a few places we love, straight from the pages of our own tour itineraries.
Bagni Sabbia d’Oro, a private beach in Bonassola (a train ride away from the Cinque Terre).
Marina Piccola or La Fontelina beaches on Capri. Close to the landmark Faraglioni rocks, a symbol of Capri.
A private beach in Monterosso — we love Bagni Eden.
Private boats in Sicily or in Positano. Ask your hotel for a recommendation.
The swimming hole at the marina in Manarola. Sure, it’s miniature, but taking a dip here is so picturesque and the water is to die for.
In Portovenere, do as the locals do and swim in Grotta Byron when the sea is calm.
Interested in joining us on a tour, to experience some of these mermaid moments for yourself? We’ve got day tours and overnight tours waiting for you. If you’re not already on our mailing list, add yourself here. Questions? Write us at ciao{@}italianfix.com.
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