Hey lovely ladies!
If you’re already dreaming of cocktails, golden hour sunsets, and sun-drenched days, you’re not alone. A European summer is a mood and the perfect excuse to update your swimwear drawer. Whether you’ve already booked the flights to your dreamy destination(s) or are in full vision-board mode, this quick guide is your go-to for packing smart and stylish.
In this quick guide travel blog series, we’ll explore four of the most iconic European summer destinations: Italy, Spain, Greece, and France, and break down what to expect culturally, what to see, where to eat, and of course, what to wear seamlessly from an iconic beach to a trendy bar.
Each destination deserves its own style moment, and I’ll show you styles to match your swimsuit to the spirit of the place.
Photo by Carolina Gomes
Italy
Romantic coastlines, timeless fashion, and la dolce vita 🇮🇹
There’s nowhere quite like Italy in the summer. Everytime you wander the cobblestone streets, ride a Vespa along the cliffs, or dip into the warm Mediterranean, there's this feeling of ease and romance woven into everything. Italians move with intention, meaning slow mornings, long lunches, evening passeggiatas and it all seeps into the coastal experience.
Food is sacred here and so is fashion. And while you’re sunbathing on the Amalfi Coast or sipping a spritz in Monterosso, you’ll notice a certain quiet elegance. Italian beach culture is all about beauty in the details everything defined yet relaxed, expressive without effort.
The Italian summer brings high temps, usually between 28–32°C, and the coast tends to feel humid and vibrant. High season runs from mid-June through August.
Where to Go, Local Culture and Atmosphere
There are endless idyllic places to visit in Italy, and each one of them are unique and with must-see attractions, however, this time I picked a couple of my favourite places.
Amalfi Coast (Positano, Ravello, Capri)
The Amalfi Coast is the definition of romance. Its pastel villages climb steep cliffs, lemon trees scent the air, and handcrafted goods line the winding alleyways. There’s a certain indulgence here that doesn’t feel excessive, just intentional, beautiful, and very Italian.
Sardinia
In Sardinia, life is quieter, more rustic, and a little wild. You’ll find ancient traditions, strong local pride, and some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean. It’s the place to disconnect and breathe deeply.
Cinque Terre (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Monterosso, Vernazza and Corniglia)
Cinque Terre offers postcard-perfect villages, colourful homes stacked on cliffs, and old-world charm. Each of the five towns has its own rhythm, and together they form a slow-travel dream, where hiking, swimming, and sipping wine go hand in hand.
This is where I truly fell in love with red wine 🍷
Top 3 Must-See Sights
With plenty of delightful and eye-watering sights, it makes it hard to just pick a few places. But if you are on a tight schedule and can only visit a couple of them, I have these stunning places below which are a must-see while in the area!
Amalfi Coast
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Sardinia
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Cinque Terre
Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Trail)
Photo by Carolina Gomes
Photo by Carolina Gomes
Photo by Carolina Gomes
Where to Eat
Amalfi Coast
La Sponda (Positano) – Michelin-starred, candlelit, unforgettable.
Trattoria da Lorenzo (Ravello) – Casual, family-style local fare.
Da Gelsomina (Anacapri) – Rustic, family-run spot with panoramic views and traditional Caprese cuisine in a vineyard setting.
Sardinia
Luigi Pomata (Cagliari) – Inventive Sardinian seafood with a modern twist, led by one of the island’s top chefs.
La Gritta (Palau) – Views for days and fresh seafood
Agriturismo La Colti (Cannigione) – A traditional Sardinian farm restaurant offering homemade local dishes in a charming countryside setting.
Cinque Terre
Ristorante Miky (Monterosso) – Elegant seafood
Trattoria Dal Billy (Manarola) – Cliffside views and home cooking
Osteria a Cantina de Mananan (Corniglia) – Tiny and traditional
What to Pack
For Amalfi, lean into retro-inspired underwire tops and high-waisted bottoms in floral or striped prints.
In Sardinia, go for minimal, seamless bikinis in earthy tones.
For Cinque Terre, bright wrap tops or ruched styles feel right at home against the colourful villages. A linen cover-up and leather sandals? Always.
Stay tuned for the next destination quick travel guide...
In the meantime, go check out the stunning bikinis so you feel more inspired.
