Why choose a seaside weekend in September

Italy is full of wonderful places to spend your summer holidays: during the hottest months, however, you can also find hordes of tourists and, very often, the destinations you would like to visit are overrun, making the experience less relaxing than you would have preferred. The solution? Treat yourself to one last weekend by the sea in September, perfect for enjoying the most beautiful Italian beaches in a little more tranquillity.

If you are looking for a weekend by the sea to round off your summer, we recommend three destinations that are guaranteed to delight you, even if you only have a few days to spare: Versilia, in particular Lido di Camaiore and Forte dei Marmi, Salento with its breathtaking beaches, and lastly Taormina with the nearby Giardini Naxos, nestled between nature and Hellenic heritage.

A weekend in Versilia between Lido di Camaiore and Forte dei Marmi

Versilia is an ideal destination for enjoying the final weekends of the summer: this famous area in north-western Tuscany is much loved for its beaches and the beautiful towns and villages it is home to, offering holidays that combine the seaside, nature, sightseeing and entertainment. 

The beaches of Versilia stretch for more than 20 km, winding their way between Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, Lido di Camaiore and Marina di Pietrasanta. One of the most famous is Lecciona Beach, in the Viareggio area, which extends between crystal-clear waters and the vast Mediterranean pine forest of the Migliarino Regional Park, San Rossore, Massaciuccoli. If you have time, we recommend visiting this extensive park to admire the local flora, amidst sand dunes, lush woodlands and Mediterranean scrub.

The beach at Lido di Camaiore is characterised by extremely fine, golden sand. Well worth a visit, particularly if you want to enjoy an unforgettable sunset, is the charming pier that stretches for almost 300 metres out into the sea.

Let us now head to Forte dei Marmi, a famous destination for luxury shopping and a classic favourite holiday destination for Italians: here you will find modern, functional beach clubs, a wide, sandy beach and shallow waters. Furthermore, the town of Vittoria Apuana is home to a public beach with dunes protected by the WWF, as well as some wonderful villas to admire while out for a walk.

Where to stay in Forte dei Marmi: hotels with a swimming pool

We remain in Forte dei Marmi to recommend a hotel for your September weekend in Versilia. Nestled amidst the lush local greenery, UNA Hotels Forte dei Marmi is spacious, with over 70 modernly designed rooms, a strategic location and a range of dedicated facilities, such as the two clay tennis courts at your complete disposal.

There is a refurbished  outdoor swimming pool waiting to welcome you for a refreshing swim or to enjoy moments of complete relaxation; just a few steps from the border of this oasis is a cosy bar and restaurant where you can enjoy a drink or a light lunch, as well as an outdoor relaxation area featuring white cabanas and sofas.

Staying in Lido di Camaiore: the elegance of Versilia Lido | UNA Esperienze

Lido di Camaiore, right opposite the coast, is home to Versilia Lido | UNA Esperienze: a 4-star hotel with 69 rooms and 30 apartments, combining elegance and comfort. The hotel, perfect for couples and families looking to enjoy one last dip in the sea this summer, offers a range of facilities to make your stay unforgettable.

Among these, one that is well worth a mention is the 25-metre semi-Olympic outdoor swimming pool, nestled amongst the lush lawns and gardens of the hotel; on the hotel grounds, you will also find a tennis court and a new padel court where you can have fun and keep fit.

The highlight of the hotel is the SPA and wellness centre with a heated indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath and plenty of other areas designed to ensure you enjoy a thoroughly rejuvenating experience before returning to work.

One final summer weekend by the sea in Salento: beaches, nature and relaxation

One of the destinations for a final summer dip that you simply cannot miss is Salento, with its beaches, natural scenery and quaint little villages. There is no shortage of places to visit in this vast and stunning part of Puglia, but if you want to focus on the most beautiful sandy beaches to round off the summer, here are a few must-see spots:

• Torre dell’Orso. One of the most famous beaches on the Adriatic coast, it is home to the famous “Due Sorelle” sea stacks, a spectacular rock formation and one of the symbols of the Salento coastline.

• Baia dei Turchi. Located about 5 km from Otranto and the famous bauxite quarries, this beach offers visitors unspoilt nature and crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling.

• Grotta della Poesia. A spectacular natural swimming pool and an absolute must-see in Salento, where the rocky cliffs give way to crystal-clear waters against a stunning backdrop.

• The San Foca seafront. A beach that boasts the prestigious Blue Flag award and that offers, among its many attractions, the enchanting Grotta degli Amanti. 
  

One of the things to see in Salento that you simply cannot miss is the Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea, the imposing rock formations shaped by the wind and the sea: one of the most famous views in the whole region.

Where to stay in Salento

Along the coast of San Foca lies the ideal place to stay for your getaway in Salento: Posia Retreat & SPA UNA Esperienze, situated right by the sea. A 5-star oasis, where unblemished elegance and spacious, light-filled rooms welcome guests seeking an authentic and comfortable stay.

From the 23 rooms and suites to the various indoor areas, every space within the property has been created to blend design and modernity with the natural surroundings. The wellness centre & SPA and the infinity pool overlooking the turquoise sea are just some of the facilities to discover, as well as Mora Mora Beach.

This private beach can only be accessed via the hotel: you will step out onto 150 metres of pristine white sand, framed by Mediterranean vegetation and rocky outcrops. What is more, you will also find a bistro where you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail while admiring the natural scenery.

Taormina and Giardini Naxos: wrapping up the summer on Sicily’s east coast

Taormina and Giardini Naxos are among the most popular summer destinations and, even as the warm season draws to a close, the charm of their townscapes and beaches remains undiminished, perfect for a September weekend by the sea. 

• The Ancient Theatre of Taormina. A symbol of the city and one of Sicily’s most spectacular archaeological sites: of Greek origin and subsequently expanded by the Romans, it overlooks the Ionian Sea and offers a unique view of Mount Etna and the coastline.
• Corso Umberto and Piazza IX Aprile. Corso Umberto runs through the heart of Taormina’s historic centre, linking Porta Messina and Porta Catania: along the way, you can find historic buildings, boutiques, churches, restaurants and cafés, as well as some of the town’s most characteristic sights. One of the most picturesque stops is Piazza IX Aprile, with its panoramic terrace.
• Isola Bella. At the foot of Taormina lies Isola Bella, the small, famous island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand that emerges and disappears with the tides. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation, it is one of the most distinctive natural landscapes along the entire east coast of Sicily.

• The beaches of Giardini Naxos. Giardini Naxos is much loved for its long coastline, which offers a series of sandy beaches and picturesque coves. Among the best-known areas are Schisò and Recanati, which are ideal for spending a day at the beach while enjoying views of the mountains and the coast. If, on the other hand, you are looking for opportunities to take part in water sports, the shape of the coastline also makes the area ideal for surfing and windsurfing.
• The Naxos Archaeological Park. Giardini Naxos is home to a historical heritage of great importance: it was here that the first Greek colony in Sicily was established in 734 BC. A visit to the Archaeological Park is therefore an opportunity to explore a key part of Sicilian history just a stone’s throw from the sea.
• Castelmola and the views of Mount Etna. A short distance from Taormina lies Castelmola, a small village perched on the mountainside and listed amongst the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy. We recommend visiting it not least because the main square and the village’s vantage points offer spectacular views of Taormina, the Gulf of Giardini Naxos and Mount Etna.

Where to stay in Taormina and the surrounding area for a final weekend by the sea

To explore Taormina, Giardini Naxos and this stunning part of eastern Sicily, we have two recommendations: UNA Hotels Capotaormina and UNA Hotels Naxos Beach Sicilia.

UNA Hotels Capotaormina is situated on the town’s headland, an unforgettable location from which you can admire unrivalled views of Mount Etna, Isola Bella and the Gulf of Naxos. The hotel offers direct access to a private beach, which can only be reached via a picturesque tunnel carved into the rock, while the Spiritual Sun Wellness Centre – a national centre of excellence – is situated within the hotel grounds.

And that is not all, because this resort also offers you a spectacular saltwater swimming pool, a harmonious blend of nature and architecture; overlooking the bay, spending a few hours here is the best way to round off your summer.

What is more, lovers of traditional food can savour a special lunch or dinner at this hotel overlooking the sea in Taormina at Le Grand Bleu, the hotel’s renowned restaurant, immortalised in Luc Besson’s film The Big Blue. 

Located just 15 minutes away, UNA Hotels Naxos Beach Sicilia makes an immediate impression for the striking and generous green spaces in which it is set, featuring a splendid citrus grove that contributes to creating a unique atmosphere during the summer. The hotel is perfect both for those looking for a relaxing break and for those who want to stay active, as well as for families with children and young travellers keen to explore this part of Sicily.

 

The extensive facilities include tennis courts, padel courts and football pitches, a beauty centre and no fewer than four swimming pools, one of which is Olympic-sized and two of which are for children. What is more, a stunning private beach awaits you, with direct access from the resort.

Where to go for one last weekend by the sea

Spending one last weekend at the seaside in September is the ideal choice for anyone who wants to round off their summer by relaxing and enjoying Italy’s most beautiful beaches, mild temperatures and a more peaceful atmosphere. Whether you choose Versilia, Salento or the area between Taormina and Giardini Naxos, these three destinations offer you beautiful stretches of sandy beach, tourist attractions and prestigious hotels, all just waiting to ensure you enjoy a unique holiday.