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A former island off the coast of Tuscany, now connected to the mainland via three narrow sandbars, Monte Argentario is quite a special rugged spot for those looking to mingle sea and mountain fun, all in one place.

The Riviera Romagnola stretches for 90 kilometers on the Adriatic coast of Emilia-Romagna, popular for the the number of seaside resorts offering facilities and relaxation for everybody and every taste.

Portofino, Forte dei Marmi, Porto Cervo: head to these seaside resorts for some serious glamour - and lovely beaches.

A picturesque village of white houses and a spectacular beach with crystal clear waters framed by mountains.

South of Rome and northwest of Naples in the Gulf of Gaeta lie six islands known as Isole Ponziane, or Pontine Islands. This archipelago in the Tyrrhenian Sea is named collectively after the largest island, Ponza, a haven for water sports enthusiasts.

Off the northwest coast of Sicily lie the Aegadian Islands (Isole Egadi), a small mountainous group of islands measuring a mere 37 square kilometres (14 sq miles); what they lack in size, they more than make up for in individuality.

An hour’s ferry ride from the port of Termoli, in the province of Foggia, just above the heel of Italy is a divers’ paradise known as Isole Tremiti. The archipelago is made up of five islands that are often referred to as the ‘Pearls of the Adriatic’.

Taking their name from the Greek for ‘high sea’, the Pelagian Islands, (Isole Pelagie) are closer to Africa than their political and administrative home of southern Italy. Being so remote they have avoided large-scale tourism and serve as a haven for scuba divers and people looking to enjoy a little solitude.