Fun in the sun awaits in these picturesque Italian beach towns.
These are some of my favorites.
Legend has it that this town on the Coast of the Gods was founded by Hercules.
Credit:Ivan Romano/Getty Images
Its often a stop on boat tours that depart from Costa Smeralda or Palau.
Many people visit the home where he died on the island of Caprera.
Forio’s main beach, Spiaggia della Chiaia, has calm waters great for families with small children.
Otto Stadler/Getty Images
You could spend hours wandering the narrow streets lined with shops, restaurants, bars, and gelaterias.
A good way to escape them is to take a boat tour of the caves and grottos withPugliamare.
you could also find great accommodations in town like the cozyB&B Vivere San Vito Lo Capo.
Ellen van Bodegom/Getty Images
(it’s possible for you to still see the ruins of his villa.)
With its whitewashed buildings, Sperlonga almost looks like a village in Puglia or the Greek islands.
The historic part of town rises above the beach below, offering breathtaking views of the coast.
Maremagnum/Getty Images
Gaeta, Lazio
Xantana/Getty Images
The next town over from Sperlonga is Gaeta, which is larger.
This is the kind of place where the sidewalks are paved in marble.
Don’t miss the hard-to-access bay of San Fruttuoso where a 10th-century abbey sits on a small beach.
Flavia Morlachetti/Getty Images
It can only be reached by hiking trail or boat from Camogli.
Many of thesetrabocchihave been converted into restaurants serving fresh seafood.
A bike ride is a great way to enjoy the sea views, stopping off at pebble beaches.
Massimo Calmonte/Getty Images
Just be sure to make a reservation if you want to dine there, especially on summer weekends.
maudanros/Getty Images
fabiano caddeo/Getty Images
Fantomas70/Getty Images
Xantana/Getty Images
leonori/Getty Images
© Marco Bottigelli/Getty Images
Andrea Pucci/Getty Images
NurPhoto/Getty Images.
Marco Scataglini/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Franz Marc Frei/Getty Images
