Today I am longing for the beach, the hot sun of Italy, for lazy afternoons with dear friends, so we’re heading down memory lane to Santa Maria Castellabate for a late afternoon picnic.

Of all the places I’ve been in Italy, this is one of my very favorites.

Santa Maria CastellabateMy girlfriends and I arrived in early Spring, long before hordes of Summer tourists cover every square inch of sand with towels, baskets, and book bags.

It was just us and a few locals, catching the first golden rays of Italian Spring sunshine that warms you to your very bones.

old boat at Santa Maria CastellabateLate afternoon is my favorite time to visit for everyone is relaxing after a long day of work. No one’s in a hurry, and the luscious gold of the setting sun is pure balm to the soul.

Bare-bottomed toddlers squeal as they dip their toes in the water, leather-skinned old ladies soak up even more sunshine, and old men fold their arms over their bellies and sit back to watch the world go by.

It’s wonderful.

Santa Maria Castellabate beachI like laying back on a lounger and looking up at the gorgeous old buildings surrounding the beach. They’re pitted and weathered, yet somehow, all the more beautiful for it.

Santa Maria Castellabate buildingBarefoot and deliciously toasted after snoozing in the sun, we decide it’s high time for something to eat and find a little shop nearby that happily sells us crusty rolls, peppery salami, and wedges of creamy cheese.

Italian salami sandwichWe sit back in our chairs, basking in the life and light around us as we munch our way through sandwiches that taste even more delicious after a day spent in sea breezes, hot sand, and cold ocean water.

It all feels so perfect that I secretly wish I could stop time and stay right there in that moment for just a few more hours.

beach at Santa Maria CastellabateBut soon the sun lowers and the wind off the ocean has a nip in it, so we pack our books and towels and trudge up the sand to our waiting car.

It’s time to go home.