The best sunset aperitivo spots in Italy this summer

Aperitivo is a sacred ritual for Italians in any season, an essential pause for unwinding that usually marks the end of the working day and the start of the evening, but in summer it becomes even more special. It turns into an enduring, evocative snapshot of holiday life, made even more magical by the colours of sundown: the warm light of the setting sun, sky tones mirrored in glassware and the cool evening breeze create a relaxed, striking mood to share with friends and loved ones. Summer aperitivo engages sight, taste and scent, and can never do without the life of the party: Aperol Spritz, Italy’s most iconic and beloved cocktail. With that in mind, we have rounded up a selection of the most iconic spots across Italy, so wherever your holiday takes you, you can enjoy a spectacular seaside sunset with the unmistakable sparkle of an Aperol Spritz.

At Monu Cafè in Quarto, Genoa, toasting sundown with an Aperol Spritz is far more than a simple aperitivo: it is a moment of joy, relaxation and celebration of life and nature, set right by the sea. Moving down towards fashionable Versilia, Santeria Belmare, a beach club and cocktail bar in Lido di Camaiore with a terrace looking directly over the waves, is ideal for a sunset aperitivo alongside a lively cultural, artistic and music line-up. How about catching a ferry across to Elba? At Convio, a historic venue set on the stunning beach of Cavoli, crystal-clear water accompanies daytime lounging, but once the sun goes down the party begins: Aperol Spritz, tunes, the sea, friends… Cheers!

If your summer plans take you to the bustling Riviera Romagnola, do not miss Samsara Beach in Riccione: beyond its state-of-the-art beach club setup, at happy hour it transforms into one of Romagna’s most vibrant spots, where you can sip an Aperol Spritz on the panoramic terrace surrounded by a stylish crowd and sundown colours. Then there is Papeete Beach, the iconic Milano Marittima beach spot famed for its energetic parties and seaside lounging. Here sunset drinks are an institution known as the ‘Sunset Ritual’: every evening from Monday to Friday, from 5.30pm, guests can see out the day with well-crafted cocktails, sets from resident DJs and a sophisticated lounge atmosphere.

Whether you are with friends, as a couple or on your own, the aperitivo ritual is all about relishing the small details that make life special. At Amare Holi Beach, a colourful beach bar in Pescoscuro along the Roman coast, pausing to watch the sunset with a drink in hand is a must between a day on the sand and the evening ahead. On the lungomare di Ponente in Fregene, Blu Fregene is another essential stop: an all-white setting with wooden furnishings that feels both chic and laid-back, ideal for pre-dinner drinks with friends. Down in Campania, at Lido California, on the Tyrrhenian coast of Castel Volturno near Caserta, the beach is paired with a lovely sea terrace made for unwinding as the sky turns pink, Aperol Spritz in hand. Nearby, the versatile Ammot Cafè, set right on the water in Castel Volturno, offers sweeping sea views, great music and well-made drinks in good company as the sun dips below the horizon. Further south in Calabria, head to Praia a Mare in the province of Cosenza, and specifically to Buddha Beach, an elegant beach club with an exotic flair and striking views over neighbouring Isola Dino, where music, themed aperitivi, seafood dishes and a stylish crowd ensure there is never a dull moment.

Heading to Puglia? Macramé, a cocktail bar and restaurant in Monopoli, will win you over with its relaxed, boho-chic charm. Having a drink here after a day in the sun quickly becomes a delightful habit that lets you savour every moment of summer. Also in Monopoli, Cala Diavolo, despite its name, opens the doors to an idyllic seaside escape: its blue doorway looking onto crystal-clear water is one of the most photographed along the coast. Whether for poolside drinks (yes, there is a pool too) or an after-dinner cocktail to the sound of lapping waves, it is the perfect spot to soak up the sunny spirit of a Pugliese summer.

Planning a trip to Sicily? Good news: sunset spots abound here. Start with Panarea, the Aeolian island famed for its crystalline waters, white beaches and breathtaking landscapes. Head to Raya for the island’s finest sunset aperitivo: picture yourself sipping a crisp Aperol Spritz on the famous rooftop terrace—the archipelago’s premier gathering place—as the sun dips below the horizon, bathing the Aeolian Islands in shades of red and amber… Need we say more? If you are travelling around Noto, stop by Agua Beach, conveniently located just a few kilometres from the Riserva di Vendicari, the Baroque town of Noto, the beaches of San Lorenzo and the picturesque fishing village of Marzamemi. Settle under a palm tree by the water or pull up a seat at the cocktail bar, order your Aperol Spritz, graze on snacks and watch the magic of sundown unfold.

Taormina, the jewel of Sicily and a timeless glamorous destination, is another essential stop. The cocktail bars at Lido Caparena, a hotel surrounded by lush nature, are tailor-made for taking in the sunset in total relaxation, drink in hand with eyes on the horizon. Finally, close to the Torre Salsa nature reserve, between the village of Siculiana Marina and Eraclea Minoa, sits Cala Manbrù. The setting is impressive, with hundreds of beach seats serviced by 3 bars, a restaurant and plenty of amenities, plus a packed schedule of DJ sets and live music to elevate the aperitivo hour.

cover: Cala Manbrù