SEASIDE TOWNS OF ITALY
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Latest page update: 5 February 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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With around 7,600 kilometres of coastline, Italy has an enviable collection of seaside towns spread across its twenty regions.
In putting together the Italy Review website, along with the sites for each of the regions, I've visited every one of the hundreds of resorts that pepper those coastal areas and come up with a list of the 10 best seaside towns of Italy. Any list like this is simply a matter of opinion; there's no definitive way to quantify which place is better than another and I'm sure it would be impossible to find a single person that agrees with every one of my selections and the order in which I've placed them. |
Sestri Levante, Liguria
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There were many towns that I agonised over leaving out and it's possible that after subsequent visits, this list will evolve with the order changing and new towns making an appearance. The purpose of this article though is to show that beyond the most famous resorts, there are some beautiful alternatives that visitors to Italy might not have previously known about or considered.
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Positano
Campania's Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic landscapes in Italy and its signature town is Positano. Hundreds of pastel-coloured buildings cling for dear life on the cliffs that overlook the town's beaches, creating a mesmerising effect.
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Positano, a jewel of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, is a picturesque village perched on steep cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. Known for its pastel-colored houses cascading down to the shoreline, it offers breathtaking views and an idyllic Mediterranean charm.
The town’s main beach, Spiaggia Grande, is lined with vibrant cafes and boutique shops, while narrow, winding streets are dotted with artisan workshops and luxury fashion stores. Historically a fishing village, Positano gained fame in the mid-20th century as a glamorous retreat for artists and writers. Iconic landmarks include the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, with its stunning majolica-tiled dome. |
Positano, Amalfi Coast
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Sorrento
The town of Sorrento in Campania has a legion of devoted fans that once they've had the taste, keep coming back for more. This is a town that really knows how to look after tourists and they keep flocking back to enjoy the beach clubs and incredible views across the Bay of Naples or to be perfectly-positioned to visit Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast or the islands of Capri and Ischia.
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Sorrento is a stunning coastal town in southern Italy, perched on cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples.
Located on the Sorrentine Peninsula, it serves as a gateway to the Amalfi Coast and nearby attractions like Capri and Pompeii. Known for its breathtaking views of Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento features narrow streets, vibrant piazzas, and lush lemon groves, essential for producing its famous limoncello. Visitors can explore Marina Grande’s quaint harbour, the bustling Corso Italia, and serene gardens. |
Sorrento, Campania
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Amalfi
Amalfi is the second entrant from the Amalfi Coast which bears its name. A once might maritime republic, the town has dwindled in size over the years but what remains is a beautiful port area in front of a town centre boasting one of Italy's most beautiful cathedrals.
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Amalfi is a picturesque coastal town located in southern Italy, at the heart of the Amalfi Coast in the Campania region. Nestled between steep cliffs and the Tyrrhenian Sea, Amalfi is renowned for its stunning scenery, historic charm, and maritime heritage.
The town’s centerpiece is the 9th-century Amalfi Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Andrew, featuring striking Arab-Norman architecture. Once a powerful maritime republic during the Middle Ages, Amalfi was a key player in Mediterranean trade. Today, visitors are drawn to its charming streets, vibrant piazzas, and scenic beaches. |
Amalfi, Campania
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Polignano a Mare
Puglia's second entry on the list comes from Polignano a Mare; from the Ponte di Polignano bridge that crosses into the town you can gaze down on to its iconic bay with crystal clear water; edged by dramatic cliffs. Combined with the white-washed buildings of its centro storico it's an obligatory stop on any serious itinerary of Puglia.
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Polignano a Mare is a stunning coastal town located in the Puglia region of southeastern Italy, along the Adriatic Sea. Famous for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque old town, Polignano a Mare offers breathtaking views from its cliffs overlooking the sea.
The town is known for its whitewashed buildings, narrow winding streets, and historic landmarks such as the Church of Saint Veneranda. Polignano has a rich history, dating back to ancient Roman times, and was once an important trading port. Today, it attracts visitors for its beautiful beaches, cliffside restaurants, and its annual celebration of local culture and art. |
Polignano a Mare, Puglia
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Alghero
The island of Sardinia is the second biggest in Italy, behind only Sicily. It's renowned for its stunning beaches and its first entry on this list comes from the north-western city of Alghero. Heavily-influenced by Catalan culture, Alghero offers a fascinating old town along with a marina and great beaches.
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Alghero is a coastal town located in the northwest of Sardinia, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its rich Catalan heritage, the town features cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a stunning old town surrounded by medieval walls.
Alghero’s architecture reflects its history as a Catalan settlement, with many signs and street names in Catalan. The town is famous for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and nearby protected marine areas. Notable landmarks include the Cathedral of Santa Maria and the fortified walls with panoramic views of the sea. |
Alghero, Sardinia
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Portofino
No Italian region accounts for more entries on this list than Liguria and the second entry will be familiar to many. Portofino has been welcoming VIPs and literary icons for a long time, all attracted to this tiny fishing village with its dramatic scenery and glamorous accommodation options.
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Portofino is a small, picturesque fishing village located along the Ligurian coast of Italy, near the city of Genoa. Nestled in a sheltered bay, the town is renowned for its colorful houses, charming harbour, and crystal-clear waters.
Historically, Portofino has been a fishing port since Roman times, later becoming a favored retreat for wealthy aristocrats and travelers in the 19th century. Today, it remains a prestigious and idyllic spot, known for its luxury boutiques, exquisite restaurants, and stunning views, making it one of Italy’s most famous coastal towns. |
Portofino, Liguria
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Portovenere
The next entrant from Liguria on this list is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed town of Portovenere. It sits in a corner of the aptly-named Golfo dei Poeti (Gulf of Poets) and was once a favourite haunt of Lord Byron.
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Portovenere is a captivating town located on the Ligurian coast of northern Italy, near the Gulf of Poets, not far from the famous Cinque Terre. Known for its stunning seaside views, colourful houses, and winding narrow streets, it offers a picturesque atmosphere that has inspired poets and artists for centuries.
The town’s main features include the 12th-century Church of St. Peter, perched on a rocky promontory, and the medieval Castello Doria, which offers sweeping views of the surrounding coastline. Historically, Portovenere was an important naval base for the Romans and later the Genoese. |
Portovenere, Liguria
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Scilla
The southern region of Calabria is separated from Sicily by the Strait of Messina, the narrow body of water that can be seen from the seaside town of Scilla. A long stretch of beach ends in a cluster of brightly-painted houses while across the other side of the bay lies the charming fishing borgo of Chianalea.
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Scilla is a picturesque coastal town located in the Calabria region of southern Italy, along the Tyrrhenian Sea.
It sits at the foot of the rugged Aspromonte Mountains, offering stunning views of the sea and the nearby Strait of Messina. The town is famous for its association with Greek mythology, particularly the legend of the sea monster Scylla, who terrorized sailors, including Odysseus. Scilla’s main features include its medieval castle, the charming old town with narrow streets, and beautiful beaches. |
Scilla, Calabria
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Sanremo
Another Ligurian town comes next, a city in fact. Sanremo is the quintessential Italian Riviera seaside resort made famous by its casino but also an important centre for the flower industry and home of the annual Sanremo Festival, a hugely-popular nationwide TV spectacle.
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Sanremo is a coastal city located in the Liguria region of northwestern Italy, along the Mediterranean Sea.
Known as the "City of Flowers," it boasts a mild climate, lush gardens, and beautiful beaches. The town is famous for its annual Sanremo Music Festival, a major event in Italian pop culture. Sanremo features an array of elegant Belle Époque architecture, particularly along its waterfront, and is home to the historic Casino di Sanremo. |
Sanremo, Liguria
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Rimini
Rimini would probably win the award for largest seaside resort in Italy and there are many aspects to this provincial capital in Emilia Romagna. Its historic centre is replete with Roman monuments but its best-known for its beaches and raucous nightlife.
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Rimini is a vibrant coastal city located in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy, along the Adriatic Sea. Known for its long, sandy beaches and lively resort atmosphere, Rimini attracts tourists seeking both relaxation and entertainment.
The city’s historic centre is rich with Roman and medieval landmarks, including the iconic Arch of Augustus, the Tiberius Bridge, and the Malatesta Temple. Rimini’s history dates back to Roman times, and it flourished under the rule of the Malatesta family in the 14th century. Today, Rimini is a popular destination for cultural tourism and beach vacations. |
Rimini, Emilia Romagna
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