Residence Lido Dei Pini

The food is good, though really pricey.

The sea is lovely, and being so close to it is the one real advantage. But you have to give up too much elsewhere, and better options are out there if you look. The bungalow has no bidet, and the shower has a smell like Renato Pozzetto in Milan. Everything beyond the beach feels uncomfortable.

The owners were so kind, and it’s rare to get such thoughtful service for a price that’s more than reasonable. The apartment is small but has everything you need, with a well-equipped kitchen, comfy bedding, and fluffy towels in the bathroom. Just by the beach, too. We loved the shaded terrace under the olive trees, with a rack for drying swimsuits. The beach is superb, and the beach bar is top-notch. Highly recommended, and we wish them all the best.

This is a large, well-organized beach that works well for families and older visitors. The rocky shore means kids can’t really play with buckets and spades, and closed shoes are a good idea for walking over the pebbles and in the water. In August, two loungers and an umbrella were €20, parking included, though prices change with the season. The bar serves croissants, focaccia, and sandwiches at lunch. The downsides were the paid showers, €0.50 for cold water and €1 for hot, and bathrooms that weren’t clean.