beaches in Italy?

South of CT and north of Livorno are a lot of great beach towns. You can see a map of the area at the venere website: http://www.venere.com/tuscany/versilia/?ref=546112 We went a couple years ago. They are sort of fancy so expect to pay to lounge. You will likely have to rent a chair and umbrella, no free lounging accept for every couple miles in a 20mx20m space. I think we paid 10-12 euro a day for our chair. Lots of hotels and a night life too.

Liz, my oldest son spent some time in Europe several years ago and talks very fondly of his visit to CT. He can't wait until next fall when we return to Italy as a family show that he can show his younger brother (now college age) CT. He was talking of the wine, beaches, hiking, etc., at dinner on Mother's Day, wheting his brother's appetite for the trip. CT is a place to kick back and relax and/or hike, depending on your preference.

Deb

Allow these young adults to make their own plans. Rest assured that they will do what they wish to, even thought you attempt to guide them.

If these young peoples' mental expectation is of a Hawaii, Southern California, or French Riviera (say Nice) beach and "beach scene," then they're likely to be disappointed with the CT beaches. Obviously, I have no idea what their expectations are, but as a general comment only I'd say: For a beach scene for young people, there are better choices in Italy than the CT beaches.

A couple of years ago my college age daughter and sister went to Europe. Their portrayal of the trip when they returned was unlike anything I could even fathom on a European tour. Although we helped plan their route and hotels/B&Bs beforehand, they totally decided their own itinerary. They did plenty of museums, etc. but were very much more interested in meeting people and having adventures. Regarding beaches: I do recall that they spent an afternoon and a couple of evenings at Lido Beach in Venice. There they found many other young people like themselves from all over speaking many languages, lots of music until the wee hours, and general hedonism. They felt very safe (police visible) and there was vaporetto service to St. Marks that ran very late/early.

Also, in CT there are giant rocks and ledges over the water that you can sun on and swim off of, especially near Monterosso. You can swim in Vernazza by the small harbor and there is a decent beach in Monterosso. CT is the perfect spot for some vacation R&R - hike a little, swim a little, drink some wine, eat lots of great food, and siesta in the sun - can't beat that!

Hello Liz, if you would like sandy beaches with no cliffs etc. I would suggest the Adriac coast. Just south of Venice. Beautiful sandy beaches for miles. Towns like Rimini, Pesaro, Catolica (you need a detailed map for that one.) Spend the summer of, (do I dare say?)1958 there. No tourist's? 1958? Lots of young people. Of course have no idea what it is like today. Have a friend in Chicago who goes every year to Pesaro. Good Luck, Karin

Sorrento has a lovely beach, even though it is rarely mentioned here. One side you need to pay to get in. The other side is free public.

I went to CT with a group of 75 twenty year olds during a study abroad program and everyone had a blast. Monterosso has two small beaches and Riomaggiore has cliff jumping! They can also hike between all the towns which is popular for young people. Even without good beaches, CT will still offer a nice break from the big cities.

they might want to look at Jesolo if they are going to be near Venice.

Thank you all so much. I have never done this kind of communication. It's so cool. This has really helped me. My daughter asked me about taking a hairdryer. Different voltage, right? Can she buy a cheap one in Rome?

Just a few miles from CT is Santa Margarita Ligure also a train stop. This beautiful town has a great beach and lots to see. In CT, Monterosso al Mare village has a small beach and worth relaxing at.

I second Michelle's suggestion, head south as the water is much nicer than the sea around Jesolo.
Along with Gaeta, in that same area she might want to consider Sabaudia or Sperlonga.

Yes, Rimmini is the place to go. Easy train trip from Bologna and Venice. The beaches are great and the town very lively. Also the Lido is fabulous. They will have a great time.

Yes we have different voltage in Europe. A us hairdryer will short out and possiable throw a breaker in a hotel. You can get EU voltage ones in a travel store in the states, or pick up one once you get to italy. She could also look on amazon for a dual voltage one. iPods, cell phone and most camera chargers are dual voltage so all you will need is a plug adaptor.

Liz - if they are really set on a beach experience, they would do better to head south. Either way down south to Positano area or north of Naples (between Rome and Naples) there is the lovely town of Gaeta. It has lovely beaches (lidos) and is a cute town. We really loved the beach - even better than the Amalfi Coast. I'm sure they will have fun whereever they go.
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Thank all of your for your response to my inquiry. If you had a college age kid going to Italy what would be your suggestions. They could go to another country.