Fishing Villages of Italy
|
Latest page update: 23 January 2025
|
By: Dion Protani
|
|
The beautiful fishing villages of Italy listed here represent just a tiny fraction of what the country's various coastlines have to offer.
In other pages on this website there are Seaside Towns and Beach Resorts; a category which some of the places below could easily fall in to, but the idea was just to separate and showcase those smaller coves from the larger resorts. You may not necessarily spend a whole holiday in these smaller villages or even use their beaches, but with their aquamarine seas and polychromatic clusters of houses they're some of the most attractive places in Italy for a day trip and for photographers. |
Giovinazzo, Puglia
|
Related links
Vernazza
|
Vernazza, one of the five picturesque villages of the Cinque Terre, is nestled along the rugged Ligurian coastline in northern Italy.
Known for its colorful buildings cascading down to a charming harbor, Vernazza offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea. The village features narrow cobblestone streets, a small sandy beach, and landmarks such as the Church of Santa Margherita di Antiochia, dating back to the 14th century. Historically, Vernazza was a fishing village and a maritime hub during the Middle Ages, with remnants of its defensive walls and the Doria Castle still visible. |
Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria
|
Marina Corricella
|
Marina Corricella, a picturesque fishing village on the island of Procida in the Bay of Naples, is a tranquil gem known for its colorful, pastel-hued houses cascading down to the harbour.
Accessible only by foot, this charming village offers a peaceful atmosphere with narrow alleys, archways, and vibrant terraces overlooking the sea. Historically a hub for fishermen, Marina Corricella retains its traditional character, with boats bobbing in the harbor and seafood restaurants serving fresh catches. Highlights include the Chiesa di Santa Maria delle Grazie, a baroque church overlooking the village. |
Marina Corricella, Procida
|
Bogliasco
|
Bogliasco is a charming seaside village located in Liguria, just south of Genoa along the Italian Riviera. Nestled between lush hills and the Mediterranean Sea, it is known for its colourful houses, narrow streets, and scenic waterfront.
With origins dating back to Roman times, Bogliasco retains its historical charm, evident in landmarks like the 12th-century Church of Natività di Maria. Nearby, visitors can explore other Riviera gems like Nervi and Camogli, both of which share the typical features of Ligurian coastal towns: multi-coloured houses and turquoise seas. |
Bogliasco, Liguria
|
Giovinazzo
|
Giovinazzo is a picturesque coastal town in the Puglia region of southern Italy, located just north of Bari along the Adriatic Sea.
The town’s highlight is the Romanesque Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, dating back to the 12th century, with its impressive façade and interior. Giovinazzo is just one of a series of pretty fishing towns that occupies the same stretch of coast. Its near-neighbours include the towns of Bisceglie, Molfetta and Monopoli while the largest of those towns is Trani, one of the co-capitals of the Barletta-Andria-Trani province. |
Giovinazzo, Puglia
|
Sant'Angelo d'Ischia
|
Sant'Angelo is a picturesque fishing village located on the southern coast of Ischia, one of the islands in the Bay of Naples.
Aside from being one of the prettiest fishing villages in Italy, it's a popular holiday destination, particularly among Italians who come to enjoy the four beaches in and around its main piazza. The central area of the village features pastel-coloured houses that are tightly-packed and rise up from the main port area where there are a good number of restaurants. It's also only a short walk from the centre of Sant'Angelo to the Fumarole Beach where hot jets of steam rise up from the geological activity beneath the island. |
Sant'Angelo d'Ischia, Campania
|
Riomaggiore
|
Riomaggiore is a picturesque village located in the Liguria region of northern Italy, along the famous Cinque Terre coastline a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Situated at the edge of steep cliffs, Riomaggiore is known for its colorful buildings, narrow winding streets, and stunning views of the Ligurian Sea. The village’s historic center features a medieval castle and the Church of San Giovanni Battista, which dates back to the 14th century. Riomaggiore has a rich history as a fishing and farming community, with origins going back to the early medieval period. |
Riomaggiore, Cinque Terre, Liguria
|
Nervi
|
Nervi is a charming district located in the eastern part of Genoa, Liguria, along the Ligurian Sea. Known for its stunning coastal scenery, Nervi is famous for its picturesque promenade, the Passeggiata Anita Garibaldi, which offers breathtaking views of the sea and the surrounding cliffs.
The area is also renowned for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the historic Villa Groppallo and the Villa Duchessa di Galliera. Historically, Nervi was a small fishing village before being absorbed into Genoa in the 19th century. |
Nervi, Liguria
|
Chianalea
|
Chianalea is a picturesque fishing village located on the Ionian coast of Calabria, in southern Italy, near the town of Scilla.
Known for its stunning setting, Chianalea features traditional stone houses perched directly on the water’s edge. The village is steeped in local history, with roots in ancient Greek and Roman times, and it is famously linked to the legend of the Odyssey, as it is believed to be the home of the mythological sirens. Nearby places of interest include the neighbouring town of Scilla, which is one of Italy's prettiest seaside resorts. |
Chianalea, Calabria
|
Bisceglie
|
Bisceglie is a charming coastal town located in the Puglia region of southern Italy, along the Adriatic Sea, north of Bari, the region's capital.
Key features include the Romanesque-style Cathedral of San Pietro, the medieval Norman-Swabian Castle, and the picturesque old town with narrow streets and traditional stone houses. Bisceglie has a rich history, with origins dating back to ancient times, including Greek and Roman influences. During the Middle Ages, it became an important trading port. Today, it is a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and beachgoers. |
Bisceglie, Puglia
|
Boccadasse
|
Boccadasse is a picturesque fishing village located in the city of Genoa, in the Liguria region of northern Italy.
Situated along the coastline, it is known for its colorful, pastel-colored houses lining the narrow streets and its small, pebbled beach. The village offers stunning views of the Ligurian Sea and has a relaxed, old-world atmosphere. Nearby, the Promenade of Corso Italia offers a scenic walk along the waterfront. |
Boccadasse, Liguria
|
Cetara
|
Cetara is a picturesque fishing village located on the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy, nestled between the cliffs and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
It's renowned for its traditional anchovy fishing, and its anchovies, preserved in salt, are a local delicacy. The town features a beautiful 10th-century church, the Church of San Pietro, and several quaint restaurants offering fresh seafood. Part of Cetara's charm lies in the fact that it's situated along the quieter half of the ever-popular Amalfi Coast. Being away from the bustling Positano and Amalfi lends it a great sense of authenticity and southern Italian charm. |
Cetara, Amalfi Coast, Campania
|
Manarola
|
Manarola is a charming village in the Liguria region of northwest Italy, part of the Cinque Terre National Park.
Situated along the rugged Ligurian coast, Manarola is famous for its colorful buildings perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The village’s narrow streets, quaint harbour, and terraced vineyards add to its picturesque appeal. Manarola has a long history, with origins dating back to Roman times, when it was a fishing settlement. Over the centuries, the village’s strategic position along the coast helped it thrive as a maritime hub. |
Manarola, Cinque Terre, Liguria
|
Marina della Lobra
|
Marina della Lobra is a charming fishing village located in Sorrento, Italy, along the beautiful Sorrentine Peninsula. Situated just a short distance from the town centre, it offers a peaceful retreat with a picturesque harbour, traditional fishing boats, and crystal-clear waters.
The marina is framed by colorful buildings and surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for leisurely walks, swimming, and boat trips. Nearby, the historic town of Sorrento boasts stunning views of the Bay of Naples and Mount Vesuvius. The area has a rich history, with ancient Greek and Roman influences, and has long been a hub for maritime activity and trade. |
Marina della Lobra, Campania
|
Tellaro
|
Tellaro is a charming village located in the Liguria region of northern Italy, on the southeastern coast near the Gulf of La Spezia. Part of the comune of Lerici, Tellaro is known for its picturesque setting, with colorful houses stacked along steep cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea.
The village features narrow, winding streets, a small harbor, and a historic church, the Church of San Giorgio, perched above the sea. Tellaro’s history dates back to Roman times, and it was once a fishing and maritime community. Today, the village retains its authentic charm and is a popular destination for visitors seeking tranquility, stunning views, and cultural heritage. |
Tellaro, Liguria
|
