Updated May, 16, 2021: With the EU preparing to let qualified visitors from outside the bloc visit for leisure travel, as reported in The New York Times, and Italy announcing a “green pass” to roll out starting in mid-May (travelers from the U.S. should get the go-ahead in June, according to The Local, although American holiday visitors may enter Italy starting on May 16 if they arrive on a Delta Covid-tested flight), a seaside vacation in the country will soon be possible for many for the first time since 2019.

While a number of resort destinations are already seeing robust bookings, consider that with a long and varied coastline, Italy can offer, in addition to its famed beach havens, many beautiful and affordable spots that are lesser known among international travelers.