My wife has decided on a summer holiday to Italy. We have never been so looking at Naples – Rome area, 2 weeks, possibly moving once. She wants easy access to a sandy beach etc.

What is the riding lime in the area? I would guess the roads are really busy, but any worthwhile road riding or XC MTB?

Does it have to be a beach at a sea? Lake Garda is a truly stunning area with beaches and all the usual Italian touristy stuff and some of the best biking you’ll get in Europe (XC, road, AM etc). You could even hire an E bike for the missus if she wanted to join you (assuming she’s not a rider already of course).

Do Rome for a week then drive across country to Vasto, the coast line is stunning. Long sandy beaches, prosecco country and direct flights back to Luton from Pescara.

You’ve basically described Liguria! It goes mountain, picturesque Italian seaside town, beach in about a kilometre! And the riding is unbelievable- see Finale Ligure EWS!