
European locals avoid overcrowded tourist spots for these five authentic seaside destinations instead
Positano is the colourful town carved into a cliff face on the
5
Italians are ditching Positano for other coastal towns instead
Credit: Alamy
5
Sperlonga has long sandy beaches
Credit: Alamy
A Facebook post by
The post said: "You can keep Positano. We're not there. We're in Sperlonga, eating cold pasta salad under an umbrella we've owned since the '90s."
It's no surprise Italian locals choose to stay away from the tourist spots as around five million descended on the
Positano is one of the busiest towns in the area as it boasts pretty beaches and houses that sit on the rocky cliff and look out to sea.
Read More on European Breaks
But with streets becoming all the more crowded, especially during peak season, locals will ditch it for quieter places - Sperlonga being one of them.
The coastal town sits an equal distance between Rome and
It has long sandy beaches, the top on Tripadvisor is Lido Beluga which one person described as an "oasis".
The beaches are generally shallow and good for paddling, so it's a popular spot for families with younger children.
Most read in Beach holidays
Sperlonga's old town is classically Italian with whitewashed buildings and narrow winding streets with decorative courtyards.
The seaside town was a popular spot for celebrities too with the likes of Brigitte Bardot being a frequent visitor in the 1960s.
Italy's Most Beautiful Towns
5
The Italian seaside town has white wash buildings and pretty flowers
5
Sperlonga has winding streets and pretty courtyards
Credit: Alamy
When it
The town is known for dishes like linguine vongole, which is pasta with clams, and tiella which is essentially a cross between a pizza and calzone.
Historically, Sperlonga is known for its large cave called Grotta di Tiberio.
The cave is part of the Villa of Tiberius - the remaining ruins of Emperor Tiberius' summer home.
It's not just Sperlonga that Italians would rather visit. Oother seaside towns they often go to include
There is also Alba Adriatica, a coastal town with just under 13,000 residents.
And Civitanova Marche is an Italian region in the Province of Macerata which has a mix of sandy and pebble beaches.
Another spot mentioned in the post is Palmarola, an uninhabited island off the west coast of Italy.
Locals or holidaymakers looking to cool off take a boat out to the uninhabited island and swim in the very blue water.
One Sun Writer
Plus, the
5
Italians have revealed the coastal towns they'd rather visit
Credit: Alamy

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The historic English manor that's launched a new Italian-like wine terrace in time for summer
I FEEL like I'm in a quaint Italian town as I sit listening to live guitar while enjoying a glass of wine in a beautiful ivy-walled courtyard. Yet I'm nowhere near Italy. I'm in the heart of Kent, visiting an historic health spa during its landmark 100th anniversary year. 3 Champney's Eastwell Manor, near Ashford, Kent, has undergone extensive renovations, including a total spa refresh Credit: PETER KOCIHA/Supplied 3 Along with the standard indoor swimming pool, with sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, there's a newly revamped outdoor pool Credit: Supplied From its quirky beginnings as the nation's first 'health farm', pioneering hydrotherapy in the '50s, to introducing This year, it is marking the milestone with a year-long 100 Years Young campaign. Think exclusive treatments and great products you won't find elsewhere. READ MORE TRAVEL GUIDES The wine is the only UK entry to make the top 50 in the 2025 World's Best Vineyards Awards. A variety of amazing small plates, including a delicious whipped feta and flatbreads, are the perfect accompaniment. Of course, you could go bigger, with pizzas, burgers and sandwiches on offer (the sea pizza being a feast of garlic chili prawns, salmon and pickles). Most read in News Travel Relaxing among the backdrop of an 18th century manor house, there are frankly few better ways to spend an evening. The next day I was transported from Italy to France, with a beautifully laid out picnic on the manor grounds. Go on a virtual tour of the Champneys hotel - the perfect Mother's Day retreat Hopping into one of the hotel Range Rovers, I am assured by the driver that the walk would be far too difficult to do myself. Taking an entire three minutes, I feel slightly put out until I spot the size of the hamper being hauled from the boot with a bucket of champagne. Perhaps my driver was right after all. My only company is an errant bee as he leaves me to enjoy a feast of fresh pastries and sandwiches. With more than enough to feed two people, I should have asked him to join me. Back at the spa, there are more centenary celebrations to delight, including two exclusive treatments. My Champneys 100 Years Facial (£105) begins with a meditation, followed by a triple cleanse, exfoliation and anti-ageing cryotherapy globes. Back at the spa, there's more centenary celebrations to delight, including two exclusive treatments. For more ingulgence, you could opt for The 100 Years Face & Body Reset (£150) with a massage, wood therapy, and lemon tea to finish. Along with the standard indoor swimming pool, with sauna, steam rooms and hot tub, there's a newly revamped outdoor pool, with cream-covered plush sunloungers and beautiful sunset views. Tucked next door are the Mews Cottages, with my room hidden behind a baby pink door. Inside, a comfy double bed and lounge look out over lush grounds, and I make the most of the roll-top bath and Elemis toiletries. Complete with my leftover hamper strawberries. Not bad for a spa that's been doing this for 100 years. They've clearly learned a thing or two about la dolce vita. 3 The Sun's Kara Godfrey enjoys the view from Eastwell Manor's new summer terrace Credit: Handout GO: KENT CHAMPNEY'S STAYING THERE: One night at Eastwell Manor starts at£325 for two people, with unlimited spa, gym and class access as well as dinner, breakfast and lunch. A picnic hamper is £55pp. See


The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
We flew to Rome & it cost LESS than dinner out in the UK, we saw the Trevi Fountain & Colosseum then went to our own bed
A SAVVY couple have revealed how they took a day trip to Rome and it cost them less than a dinner out in the UK. Layla Coward jetted off to the Italian capital with her boyfriend Alex Sterling for a midweek date, and it cost them just £120. Advertisement 4 Layla Coward and Alex Sterling went to Rome for the day Credit: Jam Press/Layla Coward 4 The pair say it cost them less than dinner out in the UK Credit: Jam Press/Layla Coward 4 They managed to see all of the sights and buy souvenirs before heading home Credit: Jam Press/Layla Coward The pair, from Bromley in South East London, flew out from London Gatwick and they were able to pack in a The pair saw the iconic Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon and had time for a tour of the Colosseum – before flying home that same evening. The trip, along with souvenirs to bring back home, cost them just £120 'We couldn't believe how much we squeezed in – it felt like we were there for days, not hours,' Layla, 18, told Luxury Travel Daily. Advertisement READ MORE REAL LIFE STORIES 'We were constantly on the move, but everything was so beautiful that we didn't even feel tired until we were back on the plane. 'It honestly felt like a dream – walking around Rome with the sun shining, eating snacks and taking it all in.' The couple have been together almost a year and were surprised with the romantic day trip by Alex's parents as a birthday present. Layla says the day started early with a 5 a.m. wake-up call before boarding their 9 a.m. flight to Rome. Once they landed, the duo took the Leonardo da Vinci Express into the city and walked to the Trevi Fountain. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous They then headed on to the Pantheon and Colosseum where Alex's parents had also pre-booked them tickets. Layla said: 'I knew the Trevi Fountain would be big, but seeing it in person was something else. 4 They say it cost just £75 per person Credit: Jam Press/Layla Coward The pretty Italian city break with retro car tours and rooftop bars - and you can fly there in British Airway's brand new plane 'We didn't plan every stop, we just went with the flow and ended up finding loads of incredible places – it all worked out perfectly.' Advertisement With return flights costing around £50 each, plus snacks, train fares and a spontaneous €50 Uber when their return train was cancelled, the whole trip came in at roughly £75 per person. Layla says it was incredible value – especially compared to a typical UK date day. The 18-year-old said: 'We'd easily spend £60 just on dinner, and if we did a proper day out with activities and a meal, it could cost around £200 – which is why we don't do it often. Everything you need to know about visiting Italy Brits must have at least three months left on their passport from the day they plan to leave the country. Tourists do not need a visa if visiting for up to 90 days in 180 days. Make sure your passport is stamped on entry and exit. Travellers may be asked to show hotel booking confirmations and that they have enough money for their stay at the border. Holidaymakers may also need to show proof of insurance. Italy is one hour ahead of the UK. The country uses the euro with around €10 working out to £8.55. Flights to Italy from the UK take between 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the destination. 'Even concerts can be more – I've paid over £150 for just one ticket before. This was definitely the best value-for-money thing we've ever done.' Advertisement After catching their 9:35pm flight home and a delay at Gatwick, the couple finally made it back through the door at 2am. It's not Layla's first experience with an extreme day trip either. Just a few weeks ago, she flew to Milan with her mum to celebrate the end of exams. That time, it was all about shopping, but next time she plans to keep her budget low – capping future one-day adventures at £50. Layla said: 'If you're smart about it, it doesn't have to cost a fortune – you just need comfy shoes and a bit of energy. Advertisement 'I'd definitely do it again, but maybe when it's a bit cooler – Rome in July was like walking around in an oven. 'We've made memories that'll last forever – and all in a single day. It was our first time abroad together and honestly the best date we've ever had.'


The Irish Sun
8 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
The little-known European sunshine spot with 35C heat, miles of sandy beaches, delicious cuisine & €60 Ryanair flights
TAKE a look at the little-known sunshine spot with 35C heat, miles of sandy beaches, delicious cuisine & €60 Ryanair flights. Rimini is a breathtaking city located in northern Italy. 5 Rimini, Italy is the perfect destination for an end of summer getaway Credit: Getty Images 5 The architecture and colourful buildings are simply stunning Credit: Getty Images 5 The coastal city has miles of sandy beaches Credit: Getty Images The hottest month in Rimini is August, when sunny days already reach up to 33C, making it the perfect time to visit. Rimini is one of Italy's most vibrant seaside resorts, famous for its miles of sandy beaches, Roman history and vibrant nightlife. And Located in the Emilia-Romagna region, Rimini sits on the northeastern coast of Italy and attracts thousands of holidaymakers from around the world every READ MORE IN TRAVEL The popular beach town is a great-value alternative to pricier Italian hotspots, offering a lively atmosphere without the need for overspending. Rimini boasts over 15km of sandy shoreline, with well-equipped lidos, beach clubs and a long seafront promenade ideal for cycling or evening strolls. The beaches are packed with sunbeds and umbrellas, with shallow, warm water that's perfect for families and swimmers. This includes Lido San Giuliano and Bagno 26 Most read in News Travel Watersports activities are popular here and tourists can try out paddleboarding, banana boats or even parasailing during summer. There are also boat trips from the harbour to explore the coast, enjoy sunset cruises or head down to the nearby town of Cattolica for the day. Landlocked country you probably don't know Off the beach, Rimini has many historical sites, from its Roman origins to Renaissance architecture and local markets. Key landmarks include the Arch of Augustus, Tiberius Bridge and the 13th-century Castel Sismondo in the heart of the old town. The city centre is lively but relaxed, filled with ice cream shops, vintage stores and traditional restaurants serving piadina flatbreads, fresh seafood and handmade pasta. Just a short train ride away is Riccione – a lively town famous for beach parties, DJ nights and rooftop bars. Here, you'll find lively aperitivo spots, late-night dancing and plenty of open-air events during the summer months. DELICIOUS CUISINE Along the beach, you will find cafes, The venues by the beach often provide local cuisine and products representing the city and country, meaning plenty of delicious pasta to try. The Old Town of Rimini has many picturesque streets to explore, with gorgeous plants on the streets, local shops, food-tasting classes and museums telling the tales of the Old Town. It is well known for its wine-tasting and fresh pasta classes, with tourists travelling worldwide to try delicious Many restaurants and pubs can be found on the streets, with a bottle of beer costing as little as €2, while a meal out at a mid-range restaurant will cost €14. Many nightlife events are held in the Old Town, expressing the culture of the local pubs and famous clubs with classy architectural styles that make you feel like you've stepped back into the Roman Empire era. 5 Breathtaking views of the crystal-blue sea Credit: Getty Images 5 The city is packed with historical sites Credit: Getty Images