The cities are beautiful, the food is great and the art is second-to-none. But don't forget that Italy also has 7,600 kilometres (that's 4,750 miles) of coastline - so there's a lot of beach to enjoy. And on top of that, there are the gorgeous northern lakeside resorts of Como, Maggiore and Garda. Here's where you can soak up the rays in the bel paese.
An Italian treasure
The Neapolitan Riviera is one of Italy's (and the world's) real gems. More famously known as the Amalfi Coast, this stretch of coastline just south of Naples, is a sunseeker's paradise - and the backdrop of spectacular cliffs rising high over the sparking Mediterranean Sea give it a very unique character. The most popular resort is the now-commercial but still charming Sorrento. A bustling hub of restaurants, bars and shops, it remains a great base from which to explore the beaches nearby and the picture-perfect Amalfi Coast towns of Positano and Amalfi. With your own transport, you can also discover stunning beaches along this dramatic coast.The Lake District
The great northern lakes are another Italian treasure. Situated in long, deep valleys running down from the Alps, Lakes Como, Maggiore and Garda offer everything you need for a summer break. Como is the prettiest lake, and the resorts of Como, Lenno, Menaggio, Bellagio and Varenna are holiday favourites - particularly with Hollywood actor George Clooney who owns a luxury villa there. Lake Maggiore is an elegant lake, and its most popular resort is the lovely town of Stresa, with its beautiful villas and gardens. By contrast, Lake Garda's wilder shores are spectacular and resorts like Desenzano del Garda, Riva del Garda and Malcesine are fantastic spots but the most popular is Sirmione. And don't think the lakes are inaccessible from the UK - budget airlines mean that Milan Bergamo, Brescia and Verona are all ideal jumping-off points.The Italian Riviera
The neighbouring French Riviera may be more famous but Italy's version is just as gorgeous, running from Ventimiglia in the west to La Spezia in the east. The wide sandy beaches of San Remo and Bordighera are popular summer stops while the smaller bays and exclusive resorts of Portofino and Cinque Terre attract the wealthier holidaymaker. Portofino is worth visiting for its scenic harbour packed with yachts, stunning villas and upmarket shopping. The nearby beach of Santa Margherita Ligure is fantastic for swimming and boasts beautiful views.Tuscan sun
The Versilia in northern Tuscany is renowned for its lovely sandy beaches and the resorts of Viareggio, Torre del Lago Puccini, Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Pietrasanta and Forte dei Marmi attracts hordes of holidaymakers. Viareggio itself is an elegant and charming town that's worth a visit and you can even sneak in day trips to Pisa, Florence or Siena.