ITALIAN COASTAL AREAS
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Latest page update: 25 February 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Perhaps the most famous of all the Italian coastal areas is the 40 kilometre long Amalfi Coast in the region of Campania which faces out on to the Tyrrhenian Sea.
However, serving to demonstrate the varying size of the numerous coastlines, we find the Tyrrhenian Coast itself stretches almost a thousand kilometres, from the Tuscan Archipelago, down through the hundreds of coastal towns in the southern Italian regions of Lazio, Campania, Basilicata, Calabria and Sicily. Every corner of mainland Italy's coastline is captured on this page as well as those of the two island regions of Sardinia and Sicily. |
Amalfi Coast, Campania
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The Salento is a sub region of Puglia which roughly covers the heel if you think of Italy as being the shape of a boot.
The rugged Salento coastline provides some of the most spectacular scenery and beaches in the country, facing out on to the Adriatic Sea on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other. Among its most popular locations are the towns of Gallipoli and Otranto.
Much smaller than the Salento is the Cinque Terre in the northern region of Liguria; it consists of five villages that make up part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the seaside town of Portovenere and the small group of islands including Palmaria. The Cinque Terre represents just a tiny part of the Riviera di Levante, the coastline that stretches east from the city of Genoa, while heading in the other direction towards the border of France is the Riviera di Ponente.
Aside from the Salento, the region of Puglia has a second coastal area which is just as charming; facing out on to the Adriatic Sea in the Province of Foggia, the Gargano Peninsula has a fascinating hinterland of forests and lakes with a coastline of jagged rocks, quiet coves of crystal clear water and attractive seaside resorts such as Vieste, Peschici and Rodi Garganico. It's also possible to take a ferry from the Gargano Peninsula out to the little archipelago known as the Tremiti Islands which are particularly popular during the summer.
The rugged Salento coastline provides some of the most spectacular scenery and beaches in the country, facing out on to the Adriatic Sea on one side and the Ionian Sea on the other. Among its most popular locations are the towns of Gallipoli and Otranto.
Much smaller than the Salento is the Cinque Terre in the northern region of Liguria; it consists of five villages that make up part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the seaside town of Portovenere and the small group of islands including Palmaria. The Cinque Terre represents just a tiny part of the Riviera di Levante, the coastline that stretches east from the city of Genoa, while heading in the other direction towards the border of France is the Riviera di Ponente.
Aside from the Salento, the region of Puglia has a second coastal area which is just as charming; facing out on to the Adriatic Sea in the Province of Foggia, the Gargano Peninsula has a fascinating hinterland of forests and lakes with a coastline of jagged rocks, quiet coves of crystal clear water and attractive seaside resorts such as Vieste, Peschici and Rodi Garganico. It's also possible to take a ferry from the Gargano Peninsula out to the little archipelago known as the Tremiti Islands which are particularly popular during the summer.
Amalfi Coast
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The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning stretch of coastline in southern Italy's Campania region, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Extending from Positano to Vietri sul Mare, it is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, terraced vineyards, and colorful villages perched above azure waters. Iconic towns include Amalfi, with its 9th-century cathedral; Positano, known for its chic atmosphere and pebble beaches; and Ravello, famed for its gardens and sweeping views. Historically, Amalfi was a powerful maritime republic during the Middle Ages. |
Positano, The Amalfi Coast
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Salento
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The Salento region, located in the southernmost part of Puglia, Italy, forms the "heel" of Italy's boot. Bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Salento is renowned for its stunning coastline, featuring crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and dramatic cliffs.
Highlights include the striking Grotta della Poesia near Roca and the idyllic beaches of Pescoluse. The region is rich in history, with baroque treasures in Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South," and charming historic towns like Otranto and Gallipoli. Salento also offers vibrant traditions, from Pizzica folk music to delicious cuisine. |
Torre Sant'Andrea, Salento, Puglia
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Cinque Terre
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The Cinque Terre is a stunning coastal region in Liguria, comprising five picturesque villages: Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. Perched on rugged cliffs overlooking the Ligurian Sea, the area is renowned for its colourful houses, terraced vineyards, and dramatic landscapes.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has a history rooted in fishing and agriculture, dating back to medieval times. Visitors can explore ancient footpaths connecting the villages, sample local specialties like pesto and seafood, or enjoy breathtaking views from scenic hiking trails. |
Vernazza, Cinque Terre, Liguria
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Gargano Peninsula
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The Gargano Peninsula, known as the "Spur of Italy," is an area in northern Puglia, jutting into the Adriatic Sea. This diverse region is renowned for its dramatic coastline, pristine beaches, and lush forests. It is home to charming towns like Vieste and Peschici, with their whitewashed houses, narrow streets, and historic centres.
The Foresta Umbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a haven of biodiversity with ancient trees and hiking trails. Historically, the peninsula has been a cultural crossroads, with traces of Greek, Roman, and medieval influences. The sacred Monte Sant'Angelo, with its ancient shrine, attracts pilgrims, blending natural beauty, history, and spirituality in one unforgettable destination. |
Vieste, Gargano Peninsula, Puglia
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Riviera di Levante
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The Riviera di Levante is a stretch of coastline located in the eastern part of Liguria, stretching from the city of Genoa to the regional border with Tuscany.
The region is dotted with picturesque towns such as Portofino, Camogli, and Cinque Terre, famous for their colourful houses and narrow streets. Those colourful houses can be found in almost every town along this stretch of coastline and nowhere to greater effect than in Sestri Levante with its turquoise seas in the Bay of Silence. Lerici, Portovenere and Rapallo all also share this amazing coastal area. |
Sestri Levante, Liguria
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Riviera di Ponente
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The Riviera di Ponente is a coastal region in the western part of Liguria, stretching from Genoa to the French border.
Known for its charming seaside towns, the Riviera di Ponente features a mix of rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush hillsides. As with all coastal towns in Liguria, the theme is of multi-coloured buildings tightly-packed close to the shoreline and among the most popular towns here we find the likes of Sanremo, Alassio and Finale Ligure. Savona is one of the larger cities in the area while sharing the same coastline we find the medieval town of Albenga with its monuments preserved within its defensive wall system. |
Laigueglia, Riviera di Ponente, Liguria
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Conero Peninsula
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The Conero Peninsula is a beautiful stretch of coastline located in the Marche region of central Italy, along the Adriatic Sea. The peninsula is known for its striking cliffs and pristine beaches, including the popular Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle. The area is also home to the Monte Conero, a peak that offers stunning panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding landscape.
The largest town in the area is Sirolo, home to the aforementioned Spiaggia delle Due Sorelle while nearby there are smaller towns such as Numana and Marcelli to explore or simply hang out in by the beach. The beaches at Portonovo and Mezzavalle also enjoy the same powdery sands and azure waters. |
Sirolo, Conero Peninsula, Marche
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Versilia
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The Versilia coastal region, located in the northern part of Tuscany, stretches along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The region includes the lively towns of Viareggio, known for its art deco architecture and carnival, Forte dei Marmi, a luxurious town with upscale shops and beaches, and Pietrasanta, famous for its marble sculpture and art galleries. Versilia has a rich history, once being a significant centre for marble production in Ancient Rome, using the nearby Carrara quarries which are still used to this day. Lido di Camaiore, Marina di Massa and Marina di Carrara are all also situated within Versilia. |
Viareggio, Versilia
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Adriatic Coast
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The Adriatic Coast of Italy stretches along the eastern side of the country, bordered by the Adriatic Sea. It spans from the northern region of Friuli Venezia Giulia to the southern tip of Puglia.
Key towns along the northern Adriatic coast include Venice, with its canals and rich history, Trieste, a former Austro-Hungarian port, and the popular resorts of Rimini and Pescara. Heading south there are coastal resorts in the central regions of Abruzzo, March and Molise but it's down in Puglia where the Adriatic really makes its mark with some of Italy's outstanding seaside towns such as Polignano a Mare and Otranto. |
Francavilla al Mare in Abruzzo on the Adriatic Coast
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Sorrento Peninsula
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The Sorrento Peninsula is a scenic coastal area located in southern Italy, extending into the Tyrrhenian Sea in the Campania region.
Without question, the main town on the Peninsula is Sorrento itself which is one of Italy's favourite holiday destinations, drawing visitors from across the world. There are though some really interesting smaller towns and marinas either side of Sorrento that merit their own exploration. Meta, Vico Equense and Piano di Sorrento are just a handful of smaller towns on the Peninsula with their own charms. |
Marina della Lobra, Sorrento Peninsula
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Cilento Coast
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The Cilento Coast is located in the Campania region of southern Italy, stretching along the Tyrrhenian Sea from the Gulf of Salerno to the Gulf of Policastro.
The area is part of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its biodiversity and ancient villages. Historically, the coast was home to the ancient Greek colonies of Paestum and Elea, with well-preserved ruins still visible today. The most popular resort town in the Cilento is Agropoli but there are dozens of others to explore in the area. |
Agropoli, Cilento Coast
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Gulf of Naples
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The Gulf of Naples is located in southern Italy, along the Tyrrhenian Sea, bordered by the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Vesuvius Volcano.
The bay is known for its crystal-clear waters and beautiful coastline, dotted with the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Major towns along the gulf include Naples, a historic port city rich in culture, Pompeii, famous for its ancient Roman ruins, and Sorrento. The region has a deep history, with Greek and Roman influences, and the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD that buried Pompeii and Herculaneum, shaping the area's legacy. |
Gulf of Naples, Campania
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Tyrrhenian Coast
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The Tyrrhenian Coast is a stretch of coastline along western Italy, facing the Tyrrhenian Sea. It spans several regions, including Lazio, Campania, Tuscany, and Calabria, offering diverse landscapes and rich cultural history.
Notable towns along the coast include Rome, with its ancient landmarks, the Amalfi Coast with its dramatic cliffs, and the charming towns of Positano and Sorrento. The region is famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rugged cliffs, as well as its historical significance, having been a hub for the ancient Etruscans, Romans, and Greeks. |
Sperlonga, Tyrrhenian Coast
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Orosei Gulf
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The Orosei Gulf is located on the eastern coast of Sardinia, along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The gulf stretches from the town of Orosei to the tip of the Siniscola promontory, offering dramatic landscapes of cliffs, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The gulf is renowned for its beautiful beaches, such as Cala Liberotto and Marina di Orosei, as well as the nearby Bue Marino caves, which are famous for their prehistoric significance. The area has a rich history, with ancient Nuragic settlements and Roman influences. |
Orosei Gulf, Sardinia
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Ionian Coast
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The Ionian Coast of Italy stretches along the southeastern edge of the country, facing the Ionian Sea. It spans several regions, including Calabria, Puglia, and parts of Sicily. Notable towns along the coast include Taranto, Crotone, and Reggio Calabria, each with its unique historical and cultural significance.
The coast is known for its beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters, and scenic landscapes, from rugged cliffs to fertile plains. Historically, the area was home to ancient Greek colonies, such as Sybaris and Locri, influencing its rich cultural heritage. Over time, it has been an important crossroads for trade. |
Crotone in Calabria on the Ionian Coast
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Sinis Peninsula
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The Sinis Peninsula is located on the western coast of Sardinia, extending into the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its dramatic landscapes, the peninsula features beautiful beaches, such as Is Arutas, famous for its unique quartz sand, and the rocky promontories of Capo San Marco.
The area is also home to the ancient ruins of Tharros, a Phoenician and Roman settlement, showcasing a rich history that spans over two millennia. The peninsula is part of the Sinis-Montiferru Protected Area, rich in biodiversity and home to wetlands, lagoons, and salt pans. |
Sinis Peninsula, Sardinia
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