L'Italo-Americano

www.italoamericano.org 8 THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019 L'Italo-Americano PAULA REYNOLDS T emperatures are on the rise…and so is the urge to grab the flip-flops and head for the nearest beach. Summer practically insists we enjoy at least one romp in the salty sea, no matter which part of the globe we find ourselves in. But if you're Italian, heading for a beach whenever possible dur- ing summer months is practically a sacrament. Likewise, if you're a straniero (foreigner) blessed with a visit to the Bel Paese, the opportunity to enjoy some Italian sand and surf should not be missed. Italy's best beaches Italy is recognized for her wide array of incredible beaches from north to south, east to west. After all, with over 5.000 miles of coastline, getting to a beach requires practically no more than a two-hour journey in any cardi- nal direction. From the cliff- hugged and wildly popular beaches of Liguria and the Ital- ian Riviera, to Puglia and Sici- ly's astonishing crystalline blue waters, to the unbroken sandy stretches along Le Marche, north into the Veneto and Friuli regions, a beach for almost every taste can be found. Not only is the offering of countless fabu- lous beaches abundant, Italy is also home to an impressive ten- percent of the world's best beaches. Isn't that rather subjective, you might ask? Certainly, but criteria do exist for achieving an acclaim such as this. Known as Blue Flag beaches, 369 beaches to date have earned this esteemed title. A subsidiary of the interna- tional Foundation for Environ- mental Education (FEE), the Blue Flag program appraises beaches and other bodies of water such as lakes and marinas based on 32 rigorous criteria. These include variables such as eco-friendly practices, water quality, safety and accessibility, and "livability" during peak usage season. There's more, though, than just a focus on clean and sustain- able beaches. The panel of judges comprised of marine sci- entists, tourism professionals, and safety entities such as the Coast Guard also look for beach communities that have a proac- tive strategy for protecting their natural assets, as well as other educational ways to promote knowledge and eco-friendly tourism. Like a DOC or DOCG desig- nation on an Italian wine, beach goers can be assured that a Blue Flag destination is also guaran- teed to offer a criteria-based quality product. Choosing from the hundreds, maybe thousands, of Italian beaches just got a bit less daunting! Italian beach classifications Whether you've chosen a spe- cific Blue Flag beach or are hop- ping the train to the nearest sandy spot in the sun, one thing applies to almost every Italian beach: the designation of stabili- menti (or bagni) or spiaggia lib- era. If you've ever been fortunate enough to set foot on an Italian beach, you've seen the delight- fully colorful array of umbrellas and beach chairs lined up with the precision of a Marine Corp roll call. You probably also learned that sauntering over to one and plopping your beach bag down is not how it's done! These beaches are the stabilimenti – the beach clubs that are open to all, but for a fee. Good enough, but just what do you get once your euro have crossed the palm of the bagnino (attendant)? Quite a few niceties, actually! Typical facili- ties include the aforementioned chairs and umbrella, a main- tained bathhouse for changing and restroom needs, a lifeguard, clean beaches, and an assortment of eating establishments from casual to quite elegant. Be pre- pared, however, to be denied when requesting that lovely spot within a step or two of the break- ing waves. Many Italian sun seekers return to the same beach year after year, including to the same coveted set of chairs. Sea- sonal entrance passes to a stabili- mento are generally available and usually purchased by those other than tourists or day-trippers. The spiaggia libera is just that – a free beach with no required fee to spend a day per- fecting that bronze glow. Ameni- ties vary wildly, however, and finding a place to change or a nearby restroom is not guaran- teed. Less perfectly-aligned rows of bright chairs and umbrellas than those of the stabilimenti are often available but only for daily or hourly rental. It's not unusual to find options for satisfying a swim-induced hunger or thirst at a spiaggia libera; small kiosks or bars are commonly found nearby. If any particular amenity is considered a necessity, it pays to do a little homework and know before you go. During the summer months in Italy, planning a beach trip on a whim might equate to a lot of frustration. Weekends, especially Sundays, are fiercely busy as what seem like entire towns pile onto the Autostrada and head toward a beach. An unknowing visitor might spend a day under the Tuscan sun, but it will be sit- ting in a hot, slow-moving car rather than frolicking in the surf. If planning a stay of more than a day, booking a hotel anywhere within beach proximity should be done well in advance. La bella figura at the beach Making that favorable impres- sion – presenting oneself in top form… la bella figura! But just how to accomplish this on an Italian beach? Truthfully, it's probably impossible unless you are born and raised Italian. However, it's never a bad idea to know the norms and expectations to avoid standing out like a snowman in the sand. The shortlist might include things such as being aware that on these beaches, showing tanned skin is expected no matter what your age. Women of all ages and shapes are most always in a two-piece costume da bagno (bathing suit). Men, get past your Speedo shyness – these are the expected attire for the male gender. Lunch is lunch… Italian style, of course. Two to three hours away from your reserved beach lounger is expect- ed with the addition of a few more hours after that last bite so as to avoid drowning by cramps. And accessorize. Designer shades, totes, wraps…even heels… will only bring admiring glances. The beach is calling…Andi- amo! Capotesta (Sardinia), Bandiera Blue 2019 Sanremo, Bandiera Blue 2019 ALL AROUND ITALY TRAVEL TIPS DESTINATIONS ACTIVITIES A Day at the beach – Italian style

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