Top 10 Italian summer destinations according to Airbnb

Nine seaside resorts and only one city in the mountains. Those are the 10 most popular Italian summer destinations this year. At least according to Airbnb. The platform that connects landlords and tourists worldwide has compiled a list of the locations that are most in demand. The result is of course not representative of all tourist traffic, because it concerns a specific type of tourism.

Cultural cities, where visitors often only stay for a short time and take a hotel, are not on the list. Being in the Italian interior and in the mountains farmhouse restaurants popular and the same goes for the campsites around the northern Italian lakes. But that doesn't make Airbnb's list any less interesting. It remains a useful suggestion for destinations to try, or not.

Where the Italians go

The survey concerns both foreign and Italian tourists, with the latter probably making up the majority. (You can also see where Italians prefer to spend their holidays.) Finally, more than 4 in 5 Italians spend their holidays in their own country, especially this year now that the corona crisis has been followed by the uncertainties of war, inflation and expensive petrol. 

Some places on the list will therefore mean little to most foreigners, while they are well known to Italians. In addition, the Airbnb formula is very popular in Italy. Most Italian holidaymakers would rather have a roof over their heads than a tarpaulin, under which it can get quite hot, especially in the south.

Sardinia wins here too

As with the overview of the most beautiful beaches in Italy, Sardinia also wins with flying colors among Airbnb customers. No fewer than 3 of the 10 top destinations are located on the island, and all three by the sea.

Indeed, in August half of Rome is located on a Sardinian beach, which in itself is a good reason to stay far away from it. But the early and late season in Sardinia is wonderful, and much cheaper.

The other places on the list are also on or close to the sea and the company can therefore report with satisfaction that three quarters of the offer less than 5 kilometers from the sea had already been discussed at the beginning of June. Then here are the 'top 10':

1. Villasimius

A succession of bright white, Caribbean-like beaches and a protected maritime nature reserve in the southeast of Sardinia. In the world ranking of Airbnb in third place after Bodrum and Ibiza.

2. Known

Known among culture lovers as the pearl of the Sicilian Baroque, but also a pleasant town with spacious beaches in the vicinity.

3. Orosei

Also on the Sardinian east coast but further north. With the beautiful beach Cala Gonone and inland the rugged hills of the Gennargentu and the Orosei National Park.

4. Porto Santo Stefano

Coastal town in the Maremma, southwestern Tuscany. Popular for the many free beaches along the Orbetello Lagoon. The most famous: La Feniglia and La Giannella.

5. Santa Teresa Gallura

Back in Sardinia, this time on the extreme northern tip, with a view of Corsica. Beautiful beaches and sparkling nightlife. Close to the fashionable Costa Smeralda.

6. Ravenna Marina

Classic seaside resort on the Adriatic Coast. The Riviera Romagnola continues to attract visitors from home and abroad with its renowned beach entertainment.

7. Procida

The smallest of the three islands in the Bay of Naples, after Ischia and Capri. Was mainly a local destination, but is this year Italian Capital of Culture and therefore extra popular.

8. Paestum

Culture and beach in the south of Campania. World famous for his ancient Greek temples, but also a seaside resort with many second homes that are rented out in the summer.

9. Aosta

An ancient town in the extreme northwest of Italy, ideal for a mountain holiday. At the end of the beautiful Val d'Aosta, with skiing and hiking areas such as Pila and Courmayeur at the foot of Mont Blanc.

10. San Vito Lo Capo

Popular seaside resort on the northeast tip with beautiful beaches, as that of the Lo Zingaro Nature Reserve. Attracts a large international audience during the Couscous Festival in the second half of September.

Source: Airbnb