Beach in Sicily, Italy / photo by admin

1. Ostia

Ostia is about thirty minutes from Rome by train, and is one of the most popular summer day trips for Roman citizens. Three miles of golden sand is bordered by the Paolo Toscanelli boulevard; a great place for you to stroll down, popping into the cafes and restaurants for bite to eat. The beautiful beach is divided up into public and private areas- you can access the private for a fee; these beaches are usually less crowded with better facilities. If you’re tired of the sun, check out the Roman ruins or the historic port of Ostia Antica.

2. Nettuno

Slightly further from Rome is the bay of Nettuno. Easily accessible on foot, the sea esplanade leads to modern Nettuno; whereas the older ‘Il Borgo’ part is located near the town centre. Il Borgo contains some of the Amalfi coast’s best restaurants, with a beautiful view over the port area. Live music and other activities take place over the summer on the esplanade and the marina. The best small beach is the Spiaggia le Sirene.

3. Santa Marinella

It’s just a quick train ride from the Rome Termini station, (only 45 minutes) to this picturesque beach commune. The clean Mediterranean sand and crystal waters attract many locals, so this isn’t the place to go if you’re looking for privacy and seclusion! Adding to the allure, one of Italy’s most famous seafood restaurants – L’Acqua Marina – is located only ten minutes away.

4. Sperlonga

When you need a break from the history, consider Sperlonga. Although it’s two and a half hours from Rome, the journey is definitely worth it when you see the stunning pale sandy crescent and open ocean view. The beach is well-developed, with all facilities within easy reach; and the local eateries serve everything from fish and chips to authentic Italian cuisine. Some places will even deliver food direct to your beach towel!

5. Santa Severa

With the officially-recognized cleanest waters around Rome, this beach is easy to get to from Rome by bus or train. In addition to the pristine sand, there’s a nature reserve located on a nearby headland; as well as a naturally formed cave system once used as a hiding place by slaves.

Whether you’re renting one of the Rome apartments or staying in an Amalfi coastline villa; visiting a local beach is the perfect way to finish off your summer vacation. Make sure you leave early to grab that prime spot on the sand!

Next time you are heading over to Europe, why not rent one of the apartments in Rome from Worldwide Accom.There are many within the city centre, close to the metro stops as well, meaning you can easily hop on the metro to all the attractions or even to the beach.

The post The Best Beaches in Italy appeared first on Europe Explored.

Muntanya Russa – Parc d’Atraccions del Tibidabo, Barcelona / By Jordiferrer (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Costa Brava

Lying on the north east of Catalonia, Costa Brava’s coastal location is a haven for holiday makers. The lure of crisp beaches and stunning coastline makes it irresistible for those who enjoy soaking up the sun. The name itself comes from ‘costa’, meaning ‘coast’ and ‘brava’ meaning ‘wild’. While the Costa Brava attracts those who just want to lie in the sun, it has many other parts to explore.

Even if you book into a family friendly resort, there’s a lot to explore. There are towns such as the picturesque Begur, which is visited for its rustic charm and history. There are still remnants of the town’s intriguing past history, especially at Begur’s castle, which was completed in the 17th century. As a family, the municipality is full of great opportunities to explore the rugged side of Spain.

Barcelona

Barcelona is Catalonia’s capital, and second only to Madrid for size in Spain. This is a thriving, cosmopolitan city that boasts a rich, cultural heritage. It is made up of a busy collection of restaurants, galleries and events that are perfect for adults and children. The city itself is very kid friendly, and it’s not hard to find something to keep them entertained.

Along with the must-see attractions such as Gaudi’s Sacred Family Church and the Dali Museum, there are other activities such as theme parks, zoos and more. Tibidabo Amusement Park is located atop Mount Tibidabo, which is the highest point of the lush, verdant Collserola Ridge nature park. The amusement park itself is 512m above sea level, which lends itself to some dramatic, and exhilarating rides.

Valencia

The history of Valencia dates back to 138 BC, where it began life as a Roman colony. Since then it has developed into a very modern city without sacrificing many of the historical connections that formed its foundation. Valencia lies on the banks of the river Turia, which offers incredible scenery and breathtaking views.

When visiting Valencia, its essential to visit the Bioparc. Not so much a run of the mill zoo, the Bioparc has been designed to give animals more freedom, replicating their natural habitats as accurately as possible. You really do feel as though you are (safely) exploring the animal’s environments, instead of finding them caged in ours.

I Dream Elephants brings a great choice of kids clothes, including Spanish brand Bobo Choses.

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