While many travelers head to Italy for the beautiful architectural sites scattered throughout the city or the scenic countryside with its rolling hills and meadows, others head to the coast to soak up the sun on Italy’s most prized beaches.  Italy’s coastline boasts several attractive beachfront properties and miles of sandy beaches and several locations have become a popular destination for European and American travelers looking for a break from the norm.  From the thermal spas along the Amalfi Coast to the Cinque Terre villages along the Italian Riviera, here’s where you’ll find some of the best beaches in Italy:

Puglia
Head to the Greek-inspired village and towns along the coast of Puglia, a quaint but beautiful region that is home to several attractive beaches. The islands of Isole Tremiti and the Grotta delle Violet are a few popular destinations to explore and take in the breathtaking ocean views.  Pack up a picnic and head here for a relaxing and peaceful day on the waterfront.
Liguria http://wikitravel.org/en/Liguria
The Italian Riviera is another popular place for picnics and long hours of relaxation under the sun.  The resort towns along the Riviera di Ponente offer plenty of shopping and touring opportunities, while the area around Genoa and Riviera di Levante give you a chance to put on some hiking boots and explore the cliffs.  If you’re interested in taking a boat out onto the ocean, make your way to Portofino, the area’s popular yachting harbor, and explore the coves and lagoons scattered near the cliffs for an exhilarating experience. The Cinque Terre area is also home to a number or authentic restaurants, boutique shops and historic art galleries.
Lake Garda in Lombardia http://www.italianvisits.com/lombardia/gargnano/index.htm
Lombardy is home to several lake districts that have their own set of sandy beaches, so if you’re not interested in getting to the ocean during your trip, a lakefront beach is an alternative option.  Lake Garda is located near Verona and home to several attractive resort properties, picnic areas and trekking trails.  Head to this lake for some beautiful views at sunrise, or settle in for a day of exploring the resort town until sundown.
Amalfi Coast http://www.amalficoast.com/
Perhaps the most popular and most-visited area during the summer time, the Amalfi Coast is home to several attractive beaches in addition to a set of thermal spas on the island of Ischia.  If you’re looking for an affordable place to stay in this region, head to Sorrento for budget-friendly accommodations in a comfortable setting.  Positano is another beach in the Campania region, and this area caters to the luxury traveler with its upscale resorts and lavish boutiques.