(CNN) In a perfect world, we wouldn't need to explain why Italy's beaches and islands are worth visiting. <\/p>\n
We wouldn't need to describe the fluorescent waters and talcum-powder sand, or highlight the delicious seafood or lively nightlife. <\/p>\n
Fortunately, this isn't a perfect world, so we get to show off these beautiful spots and you get to read about them and start planning your next trip. <\/p>\n
Diving, seafood, dancing: perfect vacation trinity. Plus the sea of the Tremiti islands is gorgeous. <\/p>\n
People come here to cover their bodies with clay mixed with seawater, which makes skin smooth and serves as a soothing balm. <\/p>\n
The place is great for snorkeling and diving, too: the shallows are one of the best attractions. <\/p>\n
You get here from San Domino island, which has lively nightlife. <\/p>\n
Wine Bar Era Ora has great cocktails and A Furmicula is worth a visit if you're up for dancing. <\/p>\n
All the colors of a great island destination. <\/p>\n
At the foot of the elegant town of Taormina, Isola Bella Beach is one of Sicily's most beautiful and popular. <\/p>\n
Archeology, shopping and sunbathing combine here. <\/p>\n
The little isle in front and the protected bay with its emerald, still waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. <\/p>\n
Nearest airport: Catania. From mainland drive to Messina for the ferry. <\/p>\n
One prison you might not wish to escape. <\/p>\n
An uncontaminated isle just-off the northern coast of Sardinia, Asinara Island is quiet and surrounded by nature and shimmering sea. <\/p>\n
Once a penal colony, today it's a protected park where the only inhabitants are local albino wild donkeys, freely grazing the land, and more than 650 other animal species. <\/p>\n
No clubs, no hotels, no restaurants. You get here by motorboat from Stintino, a chic fishing village. <\/p>\n
Get to Stintino from Olbia port\/airport or Alghero airport. <\/p>\n
World's biggest wind protector? <\/p>\n
Many Romans' favorite holiday spot, the lunar atmosphere at Chiaia di Luna is striking. <\/p>\n
It's great for sea adventurers with precipices, inlets, the caves of Ponzio Pilato and the nearby isle of Zannone. <\/p>\n
At the harbor, visitors can rent a motorboat or go for a guided tour. <\/p>\n
The scenic town's crazy nightlife is something to behold. The best aperitifs can be had at the glamorous Bar Tripoli on the main square, where VIPs mingle with football players. <\/p>\n
Come here and you'll understand why it's considered by many to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world. <\/p>\n
The water color and almost prehistoric scenery of colorful pebble-stone beaches, granite cliffs, sea stacks and grottos will make you feel like Indiana Jones exploring a new world. <\/p>\n
The island is uninhabited. There's a small restaurant open only during the summer. <\/p>\n
If you feel like trekking, there are dozens of organized tours. <\/p>\n
Lampedusa Island -- blinding white cliffs, fluorescent blue waters, African-like temperatures and dry desert. <\/p>\n
The heart-shaped Rabbits' Islet beach, one of the world's best beaches, is what makes this island special. <\/p>\n
Lampedusa is Italy's southernmost island (it's near Tunisia), with blinding white cliffs, fluorescent blue waters, African-like temperatures and dry desert. <\/p>\n
Protected turtles lay eggs here; dolphin-watching is one of the main attractions. But in recent years the island has become better known as a major entry point for migrants attempting to get into Europe. <\/p>\n
At the harbor, visitors can rent a boat for a tour around the island and nearby volcanic isle of Linosa, featuring a spectacular black and red Mars-like beach. <\/p>\n
The local cream pastries and fish couscous at Trattoria del Porto are great. <\/p>\n
Get here by plane from Rome, Milan or Bologna. <\/p>\n
Windsurf by day, gorge on seafood by night. <\/p>\n
Loud and vibrant, \"noble and popular,\" as locals define it, it's a top windsurfing site and an elegant holiday location. <\/p>\n
The restaurants along the sea promenade lure tourists with their stands of fresh fish. <\/p>\n
Get here by car or bus from Palermo, just 11 kilometers away. <\/p>\n
Mountain trails make this one beach destination you won't want to laze about on. <\/p>\n
Inside the Mount Conero Park on the Adriatic coast, Numana Beach lies at the base of a high, rugged cliff. <\/p>\n
It's silent, peaceful and breezy and surrounded by lush vegetation: no wonder hermits used to come here in the Middle Ages to meditate. <\/p>\n
To get here, take highway A14, exit at Ancona -- the area is also connected by plane from Rome and Milan. <\/p>\n
Black and blue -- one of Italy's most beautiful \"bruises.\" <\/p>\n
The largest of Sicily's Aeolian Islands, the black volcanic rocks at Lipari contrast with the whitewashed roofs of the houses. <\/p>\n
Standing on the Belvedere Quattrocchi, a rocky platform suspended above the stacks, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the archipelago. <\/p>\n
Along the village's central street you'll find Da Bartolo, a restaurant serving delicious local fish specialties. <\/p>\n
Get here by ferryboat from Naples, Palermo or Messina. <\/p>\n
One of Sardinia's top spots, this is the biggest island in the Mediterranean's Maddalena archipelago. <\/p>\n
The coral beaches of Budelli and Spargi atolls can be reached by boat. <\/p>\n
The pinkish granite rock (some of which was used to build the Statue of Liberty) makes the picturesque fishermen's village -- dubbed \"Little Paris\" -- glitter at sunset. <\/p>\n
The panoramic road that circles the isle takes in several old military forts. <\/p>\n
The island is famous for its nightlife: Bar Milano offers food at all hours and DJ music. <\/p>\n
How to get here: fly into Olbia airport or port (from the mainland), then ferry from Palau. <\/p>\n
Where life imitates postcards. <\/p>\n
White sand, palms, shallow turquoise waters -- welcome to Italy's Maldives. <\/p>\n
Closest airport: Palermo, then a two-hour drive by car or bus. <\/p>\n
Editor's note: This article was previously published in 2013. It was reformatted and republished in 2017. <\/p>\n
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Italy's best beaches and islands - CNN<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" (CNN) In a perfect world, we wouldn't need to explain why Italy's beaches and islands are worth visiting. We wouldn't need to describe the fluorescent waters and talcum-powder sand, or highlight the delicious seafood or lively nightlife Continue reading