Top 5 Italian course destinations this summer
Monday, 11th April 2011
June, July and August are great months to visit Italy. The weather is beautiful and you’ll really see the country at its finest...
August is traditionally a month where city dwellers pack up and head to the beach to escape the heat. Whilst this means that the large cities are less crowded than other times of the year, and that accommodation is less expensive, it does also mean that some of the shops and restaurants will be closed.
Most of the seaside resorts in Italy are at their most crowded in July and August, but this gives the towns a really lively atmosphere, and if you do a language course, you won’t have the normal struggle to secure accommodation as this is arranged on your behalf. If you do opt for an Italian language course at one of the prime beach resorts in Italy though, it’s definitely wise to get booked up as soon as possible.
We offer a huge range of Italian course locations in Italy, but these are some of the five best if you’re planning to go during the summer.
1. Cagliari
Sardinia’s principal city, Cagliari (pictured above) is historic, attractive and large enough that there’s plenty to do but small enough that it’s easy to get around. During the summer, it’s often resorts in the north and west of the island, in the vicinity of Alghero and Olbia, which attract the most visitors, but Cagliari too is close to some world-class beaches. Students who take an Italian course in Cagliari will have the best of both worlds, with an interesting, affordable and relatively lively city to enjoy, but plenty of beautiful beaches close by too. A 15 minute bus ride will take you to several white-sand beaches with crystal clear waters for swimming and water sports.
More about Italian courses in Cagliari
2. Taormina 
Situated on a terrace of Mount Tauro, overlooking the sparkling Ionian Sea and with spectacular views of Mount Etna to the west, it’s easy to see why Taormina has been attracting visitors for so long. Its beautiful sandy beaches and balmy climate also go some way to explaining its popularity! Taormina has more to offer than the average beach resort though, and in fact every summer plays host to an internationally renowned arts festival, the ‘Taormina Arte’. During the festival there are some fantastic shows and events to enjoy, all of which will give you a great insight into Italian culture, and give you plenty of opportunity to immerse yourself in the language. Highlights this year will include performances by Placido Domingo and the St Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra.
More about Italian courses in Taormina
3. Island of Elba 
The island of Elba is less well-known than islands such as Sardinia and Sicily, but it’s equally as beautiful. A relatively small island, Elba is situated off the Tuscan coast and is home to some beautiful bays and stunning natural scenery. Outside of Italian lessons, students will be able to sit on the beach, have a go at a range of watersports, explore the island’s walking and cycling trails, or visit sites such as the Museo Archeologico and the Palazzina dei Mulini, the official residence of Napoleon and his sister Paolina. The island of Elba has got to be one of Italy’s best-kept secrets and you’ll certainly leave feeling priveliged to have experienced all that it has to offer.
More about Italian courses on the Island of Elba
4. Verona 
Undoubtedly one of Italy’s most beautiful cities, Verona is brimming with history. Unsurpringly, it’s a really popular tourist destination, which ensures a steady stream of visitors and lots to entertain them all year round. Amongst the most popular tourist attractions are the mythical balcony at Casa di Giulietta and the Roman amphitheatre in the city centre. It is in fact this particular attraction which forms the backdrop to the annual summer opera season, which draws thousands and thousands of visitors. Although opera is the highlight, there are also rock concerts and jazz performances throughout the summer to ensure that all tastes are catered for…there are few better ways to spend a warm summer’s afternoon or evening than in a pretty city, enjoying fine food and drink, surrounded by music.
5. Genoa 
Taking an Italian course in Genoa during the summer months will give you the best of both worlds – you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s usual cultural attractions, but without the oppressive heat of cities that are further inland. You’ll be able to spend your evenings sampling the best of Italian cuisine in the open air, whether in a bustling city square or down by the harbourside. Genoa’s location close to up-market and pretty resorts such as Portofino and the Cinque Terre towns also means that you can enjoy afternoon or day trips to beaches and smaller coastal resorts if you fancy a change of scenery. All are within two hours of the city by train and are well worth the trip.
More about Italian courses in Genoa
Cactus offers a huge range of Italian courses and destinations in Italy. For full listings, or to book, please visit the Cactus Language website.
Tags: elba, verona, genoa, taormina, cagliari, history, language course, course, language, location, cactus, italy, festival, italian, food, culture
Posted by Laura Harrison 2011-04 under Destinations for you,
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