La Bella Vita: Italy's best free beaches and how to drink coffee like an Italian
Italy is one of Europe's most popular summer holiday destinations as pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters draw millions of people to the country every year.
But with more and more of the country's 8,000-kilometre shoreline being claimed by private lidos and daily beach club rates soaring again this summer, it can cost a pretty penny to spend a day at your favourite spiaggia.
Luckily, some of the country's most idyllic beaches remain free to access and, while they may only offer basic amenities such as bathroom facilities and snack bars, they're by far the best option if you're looking to sunbathe on a budget (or are simply looking for a more authentic seaside experience).
If you're spending your summer holidays in Italy but are not a fan of the beach (or just can't endure scorching conditions), don't worry.
The variety of the country's landscape means that those preferring temperatures in the low 20s over the high 30s (and lately, 40s) of the summer heat have no shortage of cool-weather havens to choose from.
Whether you're looking to cool off in a mountain meadow at thousands of metres of altitude, or are considering exploring the history, culture and culinary traditions of a picturesque hilltop village, there are some stunning destinations you should keep in mind when planning your escape from il caldo.
Italy's coffee culture is admired and imitated across the world, but this centuries-old tradition comes with a set of rules and norms that can be hard to navigate if you weren't born in the country.
Whether you live in Italy or visit regularly, if you're looking to blend in with the locals next time you get your caffeine fix, here's a complete guide to where, when and how to drink coffee like a true Italian.
Is there an aspect of the Italian way of life you'd like to see us write more about on The Local? Please email us at news@thelocal.it.
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La Bella Vita is our regular look at the real culture of Italy – from language to cuisine, manners to art. This newsletter is published weekly and you can receive it directly to your inbox, by going to newsletter preferences in 'My Account' or following the instructions in the newsletter box below. Italy is one of Europe's most popular summer holiday destinations as pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters draw millions of people to the country every year. But with more and more of the country's 8,000-kilometre shoreline being claimed by private lidos and daily beach club rates soaring again this summer, it can cost a pretty penny to spend a day at your favourite spiaggia. Luckily, some of the country's most idyllic beaches remain free to access and, while they may only offer basic amenities such as bathroom facilities and snack bars, they're by far the best option if you're looking to sunbathe on a budget (or are simply looking for a more authentic seaside experience). If you're spending your summer holidays in Italy but are not a fan of the beach (or just can't endure scorching conditions), don't worry. The variety of the country's landscape means that those preferring temperatures in the low 20s over the high 30s (and lately, 40s) of the summer heat have no shortage of cool-weather havens to choose from. Whether you're looking to cool off in a mountain meadow at thousands of metres of altitude, or are considering exploring the history, culture and culinary traditions of a picturesque hilltop village, there are some stunning destinations you should keep in mind when planning your escape from il caldo. Italy's coffee culture is admired and imitated across the world, but this centuries-old tradition comes with a set of rules and norms that can be hard to navigate if you weren't born in the country. Whether you live in Italy or visit regularly, if you're looking to blend in with the locals next time you get your caffeine fix, here's a complete guide to where, when and how to drink coffee like a true Italian. Is there an aspect of the Italian way of life you'd like to see us write more about on The Local? Please email us at news@
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