How to feel on a beach in Italy – without leaving Australia

Every winter it seems like half the country heads off for a long Euro-summer vacation, complete with endless, envy-inducing Instagram photo dumps of people sunbathing by the Mediterranean.

But if you’re one of the few who missed out on an idyllic Italian getaway this year, fear not. The warm weather is just around the corner and with the cute, Mediterranean-inspired designs having a moment, it’s easy to add a little dolce vita to your summer.

There are a few ways to live like the Italians: embrace a colorful life, enjoy good food and embody an effortlessly chic sense of style. This pursuit of fun is the ethos behind Italian manufacturer Fiat’s timeless icon, the Fiat 500 – now fully electric and perfect for zipping to the beach in style.

Ready for an Italian summer here at home? We’ve put together a shopping list with everything you need before you plug in, charge and drive to the beach in your electric Fiat 500e.

Chic summer style

Euro summer is not a time and place, it’s a lifestyle. Make sure you are dressed appropriately, in relaxed resort attire of course. Starting with swimwear, we recommend a fun, colorful printed bikini this monogram set from Venroyor an elegant bodysuit like the one from Lucy Folk and Lido’s Due Rib collaboration. These Australian brands also offer a wide range of lightweight dresses, linen trousers and sundresses that combine comfort and elegance, as well as beach bags and towels. Raffia visa bag is handmade in Florence for an extra Italian touch.

Don’t forget SPF and a hat for sun protection – Fenton & Fenton’s Il Mediterraneo cap is available in three fun colors, inspired by the colors of the west coast of Europe.

Eat like the Italians do

Load up a picnic basket with provisions before driving your Fiat 500e to the beach. Grab a panino at one of the many new sandwich shops in your city (they’re definitely having a moment), or make a batch of panini at home—classic fillings include prosciutto, chicken cotoletta, mortadella, verandatta, and provolone. Satisfy your sweet tooth with Pistachio Papia Melbourne-made pistachio spread, on leftover bread and grab a bag Bonilla a la Vista patatas fritas (They’re just chips, but they’re damn tasty). For a refreshing drink, visit Sapori D’Amalfi’s limoncello spritzmade with hand-picked lemons according to a family recipe, or Sopra’s Italian-inspired seltzers – go for the Sicilian blood orange for the ultimate summer atmosphere.

Medicine-inspired tableware

Paper plates and disposable cups? Not very chic. Luckily, Fenton & Fenton’s new Il Mediterraneo seriesin collaboration with Fiat, presents some summer must-haves in funny prints. Go for the Cin Cin Rainbow Cups to add a pop of color to your picnic spread, or the Palma plate set And Snake dish for a stylish picnic on the coast.

If you want to settle into your sandy spot and stay a while, Sunday Supply Co’s Byron Bay label has you covered Vista beach chair embodies a luxury resort feel, while Bondi brand Unawatuna’s beach umbrellas with tassels offer both sun protection and style. Need more shade? Business and pleasure companies premium cabana comes in fun patterns inspired by the ’70s.

Riviera reads

A day at the beach is not complete without a good book to while away the hours. If you’re looking for a zeitgeist hot off the presses, we recommend Sally Rooney’s latest book: Intermezzoor Things will calm down soon by Zoe Foster Blake. To keep the Italian theme going, pick up André Aciman’s bestselling novel Call me by your name (or sequel from 2019 Find me if you have already read that). Have you seen the new Netflix miniseries? Maybe it’s time to read Patricia Highsmith’s The talented Mr. Ripley – it’s a classic for a reason.

Once you’re done for the day, it’s time to pack everything back up and load it into the car. But don’t worry: with your Fiat 500e you can easily do it all again – all summer long.

This article was produced by Broadsheet in collaboration with Fiat. The all-electric Fiat 500e is now available for your Italian summer – currently €49,990. Visit fiat.com.au for more information.

Produced by Broadsheet in collaboration with Fiat
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