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Surely Italy as a narrow peninsula must have more resorts than any other country, at least in porortion to population. We know that there were seaside vacation resorts even in ancient Rome, such as Pompei and Capri. Although I am not sure just what such communities were. I think it was more the wealthy building villas there rather than the common people vacationing. I am also not sure to what extent swimming and beach activities were involved. We know the Romans loved bathing, but we do not know know to what extent swimming was involved.
We do not know when beach resorts began to appear in modern Italy. We do see some beach scenes in the early 20th century. There appear to have been quite a number of popular beach resorts. One such resort was Rimini, today one of the best-known seaside resort on the eastern cost of Italy. We have only limited information on beachwear, but we do not see nearly as many images of people wearing heavy suits to to beach. Of course the climate must have been a factor as Italy is much warmer than northern Europe.
We note Italians enjoying beaches and the sea in the late-19th century. This appears to be primarily two groups. The first were local people living in seaside communities. There were also beach resorts enjoyed by wealty Italians and foreigners. The fashion preference for light complexions discouraged sun tans, but the air and water was seen as healthy. Gradually in the 20th century, sun shine also began to be seen as healthy. The interest of Italians in beaches began to change somewhat during the Fascist era. A factor here may have been the summer camps set up by the Government and labor unions in seaside sites for children. After the War as economix conditions improved, an increasing number of Italiansd began to enjoy sea side outings. As no Italian city is very far from the sea, day trips could be done at very modest expense .People that lived near the coast could go in the morning to the seaside and go back home in the evening. It was a cheap holiday. The people needed only a swimming suit and the children could use short pants or even underwear.
Surely Italy as a narrow peninsula must have more resorts than any other country, at least in porortion to population. We know that there were seaside vacation resorts even in ancient Rome, such as Pompei and Capri. Although I am not sure just what such communities were. I think it was more the wealthy building villas there rather than the common people vacationing. I am also not sure to what extent swimming and beach activities were involved. We know the Romans loved bathing, but we do not know know to what extent swimming was involved.
We do not know when beach resorts began to appear in modern Italy. We do see some beach scenes in the early 20th century. There appear to have been quite a number of popular beach resorts. One such resort was Rimini, today one of the best-known seaside resort on the eastern cost of Italy.
We have only limited information on Italian beachwear. A in other countrues, people commonly dressed up even at beach resorts. We do not see, however, nearly as many images of people wearing heavy suits to to beach. Of course the climate must have been a factor as Italy is much warmer than northern Europe. White sailor suits were very popular for boys in the early 20th century. White summer dresses were commonly worn by girls. Over time beachwear became increasingly more casual.in the early 20th century. Bathing costumes were similar to those wirn elsewhere in Europe. They were often done in wool. Horizontal stripes were very popular for beachwear. I believe it was seen as nautical. Italy was a poor country and many children could not afford actual bathing suits.
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