Top 5 beach locations for an Italian course

1. Alghero

Located on Sardinia’s North East coast, Alghero has long been a favourite amongst holidaymakers, and it’s very easy to see why.  It’s astonishingly blue waters and white-sand beaches give it a tropical feel, and every summer there’s weather to match. Alghero itself is a compact, historic city with a real Catalan flavour that dates back to the fourteenth century. It has plenty of history and culture for those who want it, and some delicious local food to enjoy. Anyone who wants to combine a language course with more active seaside pursuits has the option of learning how to windsurf via the school in Alghero too.

The school in Alghero offers a range of courses at a variety of levels. Currently on offer are General Italian, Individual Italian, Combined Italian, Italian & Painting and Italian & Watersports. Accommodation is available with a host family or in a shared apartment.

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2. Viareggio

Viareggio is a traditional and lively seaside resort on the Versilian Riviera in Tuscany. Just down the coast from Pisa and not far from Florence and Lucca, its long, wide beaches, inviting climate and Mediterranean lifestyle have been attracting visitors for years. It is the ideal place to combine holiday and culture, as you can hit the beach one day, explore the town’s art and history the next, and round off the day with a night out dancing or a classical concert in traditional surroundings.

The school in Viareggio currently offers General, Individual, Combined and Academic Year Italian courses. Accommodation can be booked with a local host family, on a shared apartment, an apart-hotel or a student residence.

Find out more on Italian courses in Viareggio

3. Tropea

Although Tropea is popular holiday spot for Italians, it’s not that well-known amongst foreign tourists – something which in itself adds to its appeal as a place to learn Italian. Tropea is located in the region of Calabria, in the so called ‘foot’ of the boot. It’s a really attractive little town perched above the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea, which is bordered by long, sandy beaches that are just a short walk from the town. Tropea enjoys a lovely pace of life and a small town feel, and is perfect for anyone looking for Italian lessons in the morning and relaxing on the beach in the afternoon.

The school in Tropea offers General, Individual, Combined and Academic Year courses. Accommodation is available in private or shared apartments.

Find out more on Italian courses in Tropea

4. Island of Elba

Elba is located off the coast of Tuscany between the Tyrrhenian Sea and Ligurian Sea, and about 50 kilometres east of Corsica.  It is well connected to mainland Italy, with a regular ferry service going from Piombino (Tuscany) to Portoferraio, one of the main towns on the island. Elba is relatively undiscovered as a beach destination, in comparison to places like Viareggio and Alghero in any case, but it has beautiful, unspoilt beaches, clear waters, and some lovely scenery inland too. Elba enjoys a really laid-back atmosphere, and is great for anyone who would like to spend time both on the beach and enjoying watersports outside of lessons. 

Italian courses available on the Island of Elba include General Italian, Individual Italian, Combined Italian and Young at Heart Italian. Accommodation is offered in either a guest house or hotel.

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5. Taormina

Situated on a terrace of Mount Tauro, overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea and with spectacular views of Mount Etna to the west, Taromina enjoys a setting that is second to none.  It is arguably Sicily’s best known resort, and enjoys an up-market image that reflects its fascinating history and culture as well as its golden sands. Every summer Taormina hosts an internationally renowned arts festival that attracts thousands of visitors, highlights of which this year include performances by Placido Domingo and the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra.

Italian courses in Taormina include General, Individual, Combined, Intensive, Exam Preparation, Young at Heart, Italian & Cookery and Italian & Scuba Diving.

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Other coastal Italian course destinations to consider include Sorrento, Salerno, Cagliari and Genoa.