When to Go

The coast is at its best in April, May, and early June. The weather is generally pleasant, and hotels and restaurants have just reopened for the season. By May the seawater is warm enough, by American standards, for swimming, but you can often have the beach to yourself, as Italians shy away at least until June. Temperatures can be torrid in summer, and the coast is swarming with visitors—during August all of Italy flocks to the shores. The early fall months are more relaxing, with gentle, warm weather; swimming temperatures often last through October. Many restaurants and hotels close down for the winter.