I had the pleasure of going to the island of Sardegna (aka Sardinia) in September. Sardegna is a large island off the coast of Italy, next to Corsica. It has the most incredible beaches and turquoise water.

Italy is magic. The beauty everywhere you look, the language, the food, the long, luxurious meals, il dolce far niente. Here are my favorite spots to swim and sun in Positano and Capri.

How do you decide what to do and where to visit if you’re traveling to Italy? Here are five tips on how to plan your trip.