The Best 5 beach resorts in Italy

Italy has thousands of miles of coastland along the Mediterranean. Four seas within the peninsula lap against the country’s sublime shores. Besides, the Adriatic Sea borders the east, the Tyrrhenian and Ligurian Seas are on the west coast, and the Ionian to the south.

Beaches and coves boast stunning scenery, great towering cliffs, shimmering clear waters in myriad blues, and the finest soft sand.

There are so many options for visitors to these breathtaking coasts, but here are 5 of the top beach resorts.

Borgo Egnazia, Savelletri di Fasano, Puglia

‘Nowhere else is the motto of Egnazia, a recreation of a typical Apulian fortified village. In a quieter part of Italy, this beautiful hotel resort overlooks the marine blue of the Adriatic Sea with delightful little coves and fine sands. This romantic complex of courtyards, piazzas, turrets, and classy villas is in tufa limestone. This gives a dream-like quality echoed in the creamy-white décor throughout.

Accommodation is spacious, elegant, and supremely comfortable with carved stone tables and vaulted ceilings. There are also exquisite wooden furniture, balconies and terraces, great views, and gorgeous bathrooms. Moreover, the Roman-style villas are off-the-scale opulence. However, all the suites feature every modern amenity, including wi-fi and entertainment systems.

Family-friendly, the resort has two children’s clubs and several top-class restaurants for all ages and tastes. There is also a world-class golf course beside the Adriatic shores.

Couples can also marry in the romantic on-site chapel. They then celebrate in a pretty courtyard overflowing with bougainvillea and fragrant jasmine. Moreover, a superb Vair spa with therapies to re-attune mind, body, spirit, luxury pools, and many events adds to this resort’s attractions.

Rocco Forte Verdura Resort, Sciacca, Sicily

Set in a vast expanse of Mediterranean beauty, Verdura boasts acres of lush countryside, a spectacular coastline, fabulous décor, and Sicilian cuisine. This luxurious retreat, sitting in a lovely valley on the southern shores of the Mediterranean, is the flagship resort of the Forte group.

The 168 rooms and 32 suites are spacious and opulent with exquisite Italian fabrics and furnishings. They also feature handcrafted tiles and excellent sea views from balconies and terraces.

The swish accommodation features 4-poster beds with drifting white muslin and pristine snowy-white bed linen. Besides, generous in-room amenities and deluxe bathrooms are part of the highlights. Villas have extra rooms/beds, private pools, and gardens.

The Sicilian passion for food is world-famous, so no surprise there are nine dining options. Using fresh crops from the hotel’s garden and the finest local produce, some great classics like caponata serve up in gourmet style.

Furthermore, fresh pasta and pizzas are taken to another level. Diners can choose a romantic fresh-caught seafood meal watching the sunset on the Mediterranean shoreline or the splendid clifftop terrace.

Most of all, a 60ft Infinity pool, fabulous spa, championship-designed golfing facility, and private beach complete the picture of this serene resort.

Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda, Sardinia

The emerald waters and white sands of this lovely region along the north-eastern coast of Sardinia captivated Prince Karim Aga Khan in the 1960s. The gorgeous Cala di Volpe was dreamed up during this time. It was constructed replicating a quaint traditional fishing village overlooking the stunningly beautiful bay. The area also rapidly became popular with the glitterati and remained the haunt of wealthy and glamorous names.

Elegant and opulent, the hotel complex reinvented traditional Sardinian style with contemporary comfort in the 121 guest rooms and suites. There are soft pastel colors and pale blue washes, and white linen cover plush sofas. Besides, you will also find beds with accent azure blue in handcrafted ceramic floor tiles.

Bespoke crafted furniture, marble bathrooms, private terraces, and heavenly views creatively blend with sophisticated in-room sound and entertainment systems and wi-fi.

Moreover, several restaurants, using fresh local seasonal produce, serve imaginative top-class Sardinian-Mediterranean menus to match the incredible scenery. Guests can also choose from barbecues by the pool, gourmet meals in the hotel restaurant, or drinks and light meals in beachside bars. Furthermore, fine Japanese cuisine or a boat trip to the beach club diner are other options.

Oriental influences continue in the Shiseido Spa and Wellness Center for guests to unwind in. For active guests, the Pevero championship golfing facility is nearby. Additionally, tennis courts are on-site or a seawater pool for swimmers. Toy Club is also available to keep the kids happy. Cala di Volpe is part of the Luxury Collection of hotels.

Hotel 11 Pellicano, Tuscany

In a haven of Tuscan loveliness, Hotel Pellicano is a 5-star treasure overlooking the gorgeous coastline of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The Pellicano was constructed in the 1950s and rapidly became the resort of choice for Hollywood stars and global VIPs.

Pellicano mainly consists of several luxury cottages on a clifftop location in Porto Ercole. This is on a small peninsula south of the historic city of Florence. The hotel also benefits from a private beach and a seawater pool, delightful gardens, and tennis courts around the main building.

The cottages are full of natural light, with airy ivory fabrics picking up the rooms’ ethereal feel. Floor-to-ceiling windows open onto romantic balconies with stunning sea views or the peaceful flower-filled gardens surrounded by the sight and scent of Tuscan pines. Besides, deluxe bathrooms and all modern amenities are standard.

Dining is world-class with a Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant. You can also have mouthwatering dishes in the grill diner. The wellness facility also offers a range of luxury treatments with expert staff, a boutique, and a fully-equipped gym. Nearby, Argentario also has a spa as well as a superb golf course.

Grand Hotel Miramare, Liguria

The Ligurian coastline is particularly loved by Italians, a place of brightly colored houses, authentic Italian restaurants, and beautiful sea views. Portofino is glimpsed across the Bay of Poets in D H Lawrence’s letters from Liguria, and the whole area has a romantic poetic quality.

The delightful five coastal villages of Cinque Terre are unmissable. Besides, many other places along this coast offer lovely walking and boating trips. This luxurious classic Art Nouveau seafront hotel fits into the scene perfectly.

Seventy-five rooms and nine ultra-luxe suites grace this grand building. Most have balconies and sea or Mediterranean park views. Polished wood floors, Carrara marble bathrooms, ornate furniture, crisp white bed linen, and fine artwork also feature in the top-notch accommodation. Moreover, plenty of modern in-room amenities and bathroom luxury toiletries are in all rooms.

You can enjoy gourmet dining in the beautiful dining area of Vistamare restaurant or on a lovely terrace overlooking the Italian Riviera. Poolside dining by the saltwater pool is another of several good options.

Furthermore, an outstanding spa and fitness center add to the hotel’s host of other benefits.

Visitors to Italy’s long coastland regions are spoiled for choice in destinations and resorts. The five here are some of the most renowned and loved hotels in equally admired Italian beach locations.

By Guido Graf