Beach destinations: popular summer vacation spots

Summer is a time when the sea becomes a priority for many Italians. Beaches, relaxation and fun, but not only that, because there is a lot of history and culture among the popular destinations.

But what are the most sought-after destinations for summer vacations in 2023?

Summer vacations: top 10 popular destinations

Among the preferred summer vacation destinations we find the Greek islands, a perennial favorite of Italians, as well as various Spanish and Portuguese resorts. Then there is beautiful Croatia and the coast of Albania, which is becoming increasingly popular thanks to its turquoise sea and affordable prices.

The top 10 most popular destinations for summer vacations in 2023''year:

• The Greek Islands
• Albania
• Portugal
• Croatia
• Canary Islands
• Madeira
• Asturias
• Montenegro
• Alentejo
• Elafonissos

Greece and its islands

From popular islands such as Mykonos and Santorini to Kos, Rhodes, Zakynthos and Corfu: the Greek archipelago offers many vacation opportunities in varied and always spectacular landscapes. The clearest sea prevails in this ancient land, with Greek ruins scattered across the different islands. It is difficult to list all the most beautiful beaches, from Sarakiniko on Milo Island to Elafonisi in Crete, Kalamitsi in Halkidiki and many others. Relikt beach on Zakynthos is particularly'. 'renowned, it is surrounded by white cliffs and crystal clear waters.

The archipelago is also rich in archaeological sites, such as the Acropolis in Athens or the palace of Knossos in Crete. In addition, there are plenty of activities such as excursions, canyoning, kayaking or paddling along the coast to discover the different islands.

Elafonissos: the pearl of Greece.

Situated on the southernmost point of the Lakonia region and covering only 19 square kilometers, Elafonissos is a concentration of paradisiacal beaches washed by a crystal clear sea. In first place, of course, is the beach of Simos, considered the most beautiful on the island and one of the most beautiful in the whole of Greece. An unforgettable place for those who visit Elafonissos, with its''unspoiled nature and a sandy beach stretching along Saracinico Bay.

Albania: an increasingly popular destination

Less popular than Greece, but with fast-growing tourism, Albania offers its beautiful beaches. Among the most famous are Xamil, Saranda and Dermi, increasingly popular summer vacation spots. It also has the cleanest sea and fine sand, plus there are plenty of lagoons, nature reserves and natural ecosystems to visit. In recent years, Albania has attracted a lot of interest from visitors, being among the most popular destinations in Europe and Italy.

Portugal: Algarve among the most popular destinations

With a mild climate and many breathtaking beaches, Portugal is one of the most''popular destinations for Italians. Portuguese summers are long and sunny, with a climate sheltered from the Azores anticyclone. Among the most popular summer destinations is the Algarve region, rich in picturesque scenery and beautiful bays surrounded by grandiose cliffs. Not far behind are the coast of Lisbon, which also has many attractions, and the coast of Porto, rich in history as well as beautiful beaches such as Praia do Senhor da Pedra.

Garden of Portugal: Alentejo

From the Tejo River in southern Portugal stretches the Alentejo region, the largest in the country. With rich cork tree plantations and vineyards, it is considered the garden of Portugal. The most famous tourist spots are Évora, Monsaraz and Mertola. But the region boasts''and plenty of beaches not to be missed, including Praia de Galapinhos, Praia do Malanau and Comporta Beach.

Madeira and lush nature

With its natural beauty and pleasant climate all year round, Madeira is a very popular tourist destination. The island is located in the Atlantic Ocean, southwest of Portugal and about 545 kilometers from the coast of Morocco, and is known as the "floating garden". It is rich in incredible landscapes and rainforests such as the Laurisilva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The beaches here are very beautiful and varied, some of sand and others of pebbles. Praia' Beach'da Prainha and Formosa Beach are among the most beautiful in Madeira.

Croatia: one of the most popular destinations among tourists

With a variety of landscapes along the coast, Croatia offers many attractions for tourists who visit every year. Sandy beaches and crystal clear seas characterize the Dalmatian coast, but many places are popular in the summer. The island of Hvar (Lesina), for example, is one of the most famous along with Dubrovnik and has 2,274 hours of sunshine per year. Not to be missed are the spectacular Plitvice Lakes, located in the interior of Croatia, in northern Dalmatia. This complex of 16 lakes linked by waterfalls spans 33,000 hectares of forests and natural caves, and is home to many''wildlife species. Other popular destinations in Croatia include Kres, Krka and Cape Kamenjak.

Spain: Canary Islands

Composed of eight tropical islands of volcanic origin, the Canary Islands are a very popular beach destination for international tourism. Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Lanzarote and La Palma are the most famous, each with its own charm, with the constant presence of crystal clear seas and unspoiled nature. Folklore and hospitality characterize the villages in these paradisiacal places. Among the most beautiful beaches are Playa del Las Teresitas (Tenerife), Playa de Maspalomas (Gran Canaria) and Playa de Papagayo (Lanzarote).

Asturias: culture and activities in the open''air

Located along the northern coast of the Iberian Peninsula are the Asturias, one of the most popular destinations for summer vacations. This region of Spain is known for its natural beauty as well as its cultural heritage. The beaches and mountains are popular attractions for many tourists in the summer, with many activities such as hiking, biking and visiting museums. Particularly famous are Rodiles Beach, the longest beach on the coast and an ideal surfing spot, Playa de Cuevas del Mar and Playa del Silencio.

Montenegro: a pearl in the Balkans

Located on the Balkan Peninsula and washed by the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro offers many tourist attractions. One of''Tis the town of Kotor, which is home to the most famous bay in the country. It is a small village of only 5000 inhabitants, surrounded by walls and with magnificent views of the bay. Budva, with its beautiful beaches and lively atmosphere, and the Tara River, with its intense turquoise color and known for its extreme sports, are also very popular. According to the Travel.Thewom website, Montenegro stands out among the most popular summer destinations internationally.