Where is the second best coast in Italy?

With 180 kms of coastline and 26 seaside resorts, LE MARCHE was awarded no less than 16 Blue Flag Awards for 2011!

Blue Flag Awards recognise an area that meets exceptionally high standards, testing the quality of the water, the natural clean environment and many other related services.

From Gabicce Mare to San Benedetto del Tronto, the forms and colours of the coastal landscape are constantly changing. The white cliffs facing onto the Adriatic Sea alternate with the deep green of the hills, spotted with the venerable villages and the ochre hue of the long beaches. The coast runs along in two straight and almost perfectly flat portions divided by the Monte Conero promontory.

Those in the know come to Le Marche in search of authentic Italy, idyllic scenery of snow capped peaks, rolling hills and meadows of olive groves and vineyards with its fair share of charming old villages.

Now there is another reason to come to Le Marche – its fabulous award winning beaches, from the lively seaside resort of Pesaro to the smaller resorts such as pretty Sirolo on the Conero peninsula.

Ask our experts about Le Marche. http://www.paradisepossible.com/


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Italian honeymoons that are just beachy

With the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge making the Seychelles their choice for a honeymoon, suddenly beach destinations have become the hottest spots to celebrate the first few days of wedded bliss. Here we explore our top four picks for an Italian style beach honeymoon that goes beyond peachy – they are what we call simply “beachy.”

Picking the right beach for your needs in Italy can be somewhat difficult as there are so many to choose from however here are our top “romantic” Italian beaches….and yes it was very difficult to choose.

Salina, one of the Aeolian islands is a lava beach and sea which is simply beautiful.  The water is clean and home to a variety of sea animals, plants and volcanic craters. Rocky rather than sandy with the bay of Pollara as its main centre piece.  Couples can enjoy good food here in the surroundings and take advantage of the natural environment and a bit of unwinding and tranquillity.   If you fancy some partying then check out Panarea or Lipari as it is all going on here in the height of the season, July and August being the main time to dance the night away.

Sardinia is pure bliss and has so many wonderful beaches to offer. It is just so hard to have to pick one so we have selected a few great ones.  The beach of Cala Goloritzè, located along the Sardinian northeastern coast in the north of Arbatax. With a clear bottom and a white pebbled beach.  This is a hard beach to get to and I feel that this adds to its fascination. We nowintroduce you to the Bidderosa beach run by the district of Orosei, a heavenly configuration, accessed via a path filled with eucalyptuses and junipers and to this you can add the scent of wild lilies. The sand is silver in colour, the rocks red and the sea a deep blue and in total there are 5 coves of incredible beauty to discover.  Considered by some to be one of the best in the world. Sardinia also has Cala Luna, white sand backed by high limestone cliffs with blue and clear water which is shallow hence why it is also a great recommendation for families. Not forgetting Cala Fuili and Cala Mariolu.

Capalbio is not only famous for the beauty and charm of its town centre and let me tell you it is truly charming....but also for its splendid beaches and coastline which face the waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, one of the most beautiful areas in Tuscany. The Coast of Capalbio is 12 kms long and the beaches are strikingly beautiful with soft dark sand and clear blue water.   The beaches are under environmental protection which restricts the number of people who can be on the beaches at one time. This is because the coasts are part of the Oasis of WWF, which is responsible for the management and protection of environmental treasures.

Fornillo beach is located in a pretty cove in the beautiful village of Positano.  Better off season but still it is sheer heaven. The beach is cuddled by the mountains at the back and then before you, you have the blue waters of the Mediterranean and Li Galli islands while being partly guarded by the 16^th century watchtower.

Have you a favourite Italian Beach - Well please tell us about it....

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31 Blue Flags for Liguria!

The beautiful coastal region of Liguria has been awarded 31 Blue Flags – the highest number of blue flags in Italy. The voluntary eco-label has been awarded to over 3,450 beaches and marinas in 41 countries across Europe, South Africa, Morocco, Tunisia, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada and the Caribbean. 14 of Liguria's marinas have also been awarded the Blue Flag.

The Blue Flag Programme takes into consideration water quality, environmental education, management and safety, among others.  It works towards sustainable development at beaches and marinas. The Blue Flag is a statement of quality so visitors can be assured of the most crystal clear waters, pristine shores and a welcoming, safe environment.

Pick of the best Blue Flag beaches in Liguria:

Lerici Beach offers a stunning backdrop of green cliffs, crystal clear waters and a charming Italian town bathed in shades of terracotta. The beach is a perfect combination of sandy stretches and rocky cliffs, with views over to the islands of Tino, Tinetto and the distinctive lighthouse on Palmeria. After a day on the glorious beach, head for the town for an aperitif and delicious seafood.  Lerici is perfect for exploring the Riviera east of Genoa, including the magnificent coast of the renowned Cinque Terre.

Check out the ABTOI tour operators for help in planning your fabulous holiday in Liguria http://www.loveitaly.co.uk/regions.php?id=9