La Bella Vita is our regular look at the real culture of Italy – from language to cuisine, manners to art. This newsletter is published weekly and you can receive it directly to your inbox, by going to newsletter preferences in ‘My Account’ or following the instructions in the newsletter box below.

Pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters are one of the main draws for the millions of people spending their summer holidays in Italy every year. 

But with more and more of the country’s 8,000-kilometre shoreline being eaten away by private lidos and daily beach club rates soaring to three-digit figures, it can cost a pretty penny to spend a day at your favourite spiaggia this summer.

Luckily though, some of the country’s most idyllic beaches remain free to access and, while they may only offer basic amenities such as bathroom facilities and snack bars, they’re by far the best option if you’re looking to sunbathe on a budget (or are simply eager for a more authentic seaside experience).

Eight of Italy’s most beautiful free public beaches

If you’re spending your vacanze in Italy but are not a fan of the beach (or just can’t endure sizzling-hot conditions), don’t worry.

The diversity of the country’s landscape means that those preferring temperatures in the low 20s over the mid-to-high 30s (and lately, 40s) of the summer heat have no shortage of cool-weather havens to choose from.

Whether you’re looking to cool off under a canopy of leaves and branches at hundreds, or thousands, of metres of altitude, or are considering exploring the history, culture and gastronomy of a picturesque hilltop village, there are some stunning destinations you should keep in mind when planning your escape from the heat.

Six of the coolest places to go in Italy to avoid a heatwave

Much of Italy has been in the grip of a scorching heatwave for more than a week now, with temperatures pushing 40°C in many parts of the country and multiple major cities remaining under the highest-level heat warning.

But if you’re running out of ways to grumble about the overwhelming caldo in English, we’ve got you covered. 

From fried eggs to sweaty underpants, Italians are undisputed masters when it comes to describing extreme heat – and incorporating these phrases into your daily conversations is likely to earn you some valuable brownie points with locals.

Fried eggs and sweaty underpants: 10 phrases to complain about the heat like an Italian

Remember if you’d like to have this weekly newsletter sent straight to your inbox you can sign up for it via Newsletter preferences in “My Account”.

Is there an aspect of the Italian way of life you’d like to see us write more about on The Local? Please email us at [email protected].