Coastal Towns of Southern Italy
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Latest page update: 5 February 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The coastal towns of southern Italy come from nine different regions, including the two island regions of Sicily and Sardinia.
Southern Italy is characterised by its seaside resorts of historic towns overlooking the turquoise shades of the sea. From the Lazio coast to the west of Rome, it faces out on to the Tyrrhenian Sea and stretches down through Campania, Calabria and Sicily. On the other side of the country, a long flat section of coastline starts with Abruzzo and down into Molise before the scenery changes at the Gargano Peninsula and Salento coasts of Puglia which are more rocky and marked out by pretty bays. |
Pizzo, Calabria
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From the Adriatic Coast of Puglia facing east, the coastline proceeds south west across the Ionian Sea where each of Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily share sections. Sardinia lies to the west of the mainland and isn't always considered southern Italy as it's geographically at least, something of a different entity. Sardinia is famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy and some dazzling seaside resorts.
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Otranto
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Down in Puglia's Salento region, on the opposite coast to Gallipoli is the town of Otranto. The walled town with a castle is bursting with history and edged by a marina which shows off its water and a selection of beaches.
Known for its whitewashed buildings and historic harbour, Otranto boasts a rich history shaped by Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Norman influences. The town’s highlight is the 11th-century Otranto Cathedral, famous for its mosaic floor depicting the Tree of Life and the relics of the 800 Martyrs of Otranto. Other landmarks include the imposing Aragonese Castle and the turquoise waters of Baia dei Turchi beach nearby. |
Otranto, Puglia
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Santa Flavia
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Somehow eluding many a guide book, the tiny Santa Flavia is the second entry from Sicily on this list.
A small, unassuming place, it's nevertheless home to one of the most characteristic inlets in the country, along with a fishing boat-strewn beach; an unforgettable location. The area boasts beautiful beaches like Porticello, known for its lively fish market, and archaeological treasures such as the ancient ruins of Solunto, a Phoenician and Greek settlement offering panoramic views. Santa Flavia’s history reflects Sicily’s rich cultural tapestry, shaped by Phoenician, Greek, and Roman influences. |
Santa Flavia, Sicily
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Gaeta
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Somewhat larger than Santa Flavia is the town of Gaeta, the first entry from the Lazio region on this page.
Gaeta's colourful historic centre is a great place for fish restaurants while just away from the centre are a number of large beaches. Gaeta offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural treasures. Key attractions include the medieval Aragonese-Angevine Castle, the Sanctuary of Montagna Spaccata with its legendary split mountain, and the ancient Cathedral of St. Erasmus. Once an important Roman port, Gaeta flourished as a strategic naval base during the Middle Ages. |
Gaeta, Lazio
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Termoli
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Molise has just a tiny stretch of coast but it does have the beautiful town of Termoli. Sandwiched between the regions of Abruzzo to its north and Puglia to the south, it offers a familiar topographical feature: a charming hill town splitting two sandy beaches.
This is also one of the most convenient places from which you can take a ferry across to the Tremiti Islands. The town’s historic centre is dominated by the ancient Termoli Castle, built by the Normans in the 13th century, which overlooks the harbour and the sea. Narrow streets, colourful houses, and a lively fishing port add to its picturesque atmosphere. |
Termoli, Molise
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Pizzo
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The typically-southern Italian fishing town of Pizzo in Calabria is home to the delicious tartufo ice-cream. From its elevated historic centre you can visit Castello Murat or wander down to its beach for a dip in the shallow water.
The town is famous for its historical landmarks, including the 15th-century Aragonese Castle, which played a significant role in the defense of the region. Pizzo is also renowned as the birthplace of the delicious Tartufo di Pizzo, a famous Italian ice cream dessert. Pizzo is also known for being the place where King Joachim Murat, Napoleon's brother-in-law, was executed in 1815. |
Pizzo, Calabria
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Trani
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One of the most dazzling locations on the Adriatic Coast is the city of Trani, part of the Barletta Andria Trani Province. In an area of charming fishing towns, this one stands out for its size but also for its wonderful cathedral and historic castle.
Trani is dominated by the magnificent Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino, a prime example of Romanesque architecture, set dramatically by the sea. The town also boasts a picturesque harbour, lined with fishing boats and charming cafes. An important trade centre during the Roman and Byzantine periods, it later flourished under the Normans and Swabians. |
Trani, Puglia
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Agropoli
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The Cilento Coast in the region of Campania doesn't have quite the same cache as the Amalfi Coast just a little way to its north but it's that lack of publicity that marks it out as one of the nicest coastal areas in the country to visit.
Its signature town is Agropoli but a number of smaller beaches and hill towns close by make for a fascinating visit. Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, Agropoli is known for its medieval charm, highlighted by the impressive Agropoli Castle, which offers panoramic views of the coastline. Just a short distance from Agropoli is the Paestum archaeological site. |
Agropoli, Campania
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Santa Maria al Bagno
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Santa Maria al Bagno is a small seaside town located along the Ionian coast in the Puglia region of southern Italy, near the town of Nardò.
Known for its crystal-clear waters and sandy beaches, it is a popular destination for both relaxation and water sports. The town’s charming waterfront features restaurants, cafes, and traditional Mediterranean architecture. Nearby, visitors can explore the beautiful Porto Selvaggio Nature Reserve, renowned for its natural beauty and hiking trails. |
Santa Maria al Bagno, Puglia
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Fontane BIanche
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Fontane Bianche is a beautiful seaside destination located on the southeastern coast of Sicily, just south of Syracuse.
The area is named after its natural freshwater springs ("white fountains") that enrich the coastal charm. Visitors can enjoy local seafood at beachside restaurants or take a short trip to explore the historic city of Syracuse, with its ancient Greek ruins and baroque architecture. Nearby attractions include the Vendicari Nature Reserve and the picturesque town of Noto, renowned for its baroque buildings. |
Fontane Bianche, Sicily
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San Foca
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San Foca is a small coastal village located in the Puglia region of southern Italy, along the Adriatic Sea, near the town of Melendugno.
Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and clear waters, it is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water activities. Nearby, visitors can explore the WWF Oasi Naturale Le Cesine nature reserve, which is rich in birdlife and marshlands. Historically, San Foca was a small fishing village, and over time, it has become a quiet yet attractive destination for tourists. |
San Foca, Puglia
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