For the sun-kissed and sea-washed sweet life, nothing beats a trip to Italy’s towns on the coast. Most first-time visitors to Italy tend to concentrate on cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice, but if you ask us, off-the-beaten-path Italian coastal towns are some of the most beautiful places in the country. After all, Italy has nearly 5,000 miles of coastline, and some of the country’s coastal settlements predate the Roman Empire.
From Liguria all the way down to Calabria, not to mention the Adriatic Coast and the islands, there are charming seaside villages that offer a wide variety of experiences. You might want the glamour of world-famous resort towns like Portofino, Capri, and Taormina, where your dolce vita fantasies can come to life. Or perhaps you’d prefer more under-the-radar towns like Maratea and Carloforte, where you can get an authentic taste of local life.
In Italy, most coastal towns come alive in the summer, when visitors from around the world hit the beaches. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan to visit coastal towns in the off-season, but keep in mind that some of them all but shut down in the winter. Spring and fall are usually a good compromise. Read on to learn about 25 of the best Italian coastal towns, with Condé Nast Traveler-approved recommendations of where to stay.
Where to stay: There are no luxury resorts
Where to stay: There are no luxury resorts in Carloforte, but the Lu’ Hotel Riviera, a four-star stay, stands out with its cherry red facade and its convenient location overlooking the port where ferries arrive. Ravello, located high on a mountain three miles from the town of Amalfi, isn’t just a pretty face. Here you’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafés, shops, and charming villas galore.
Don’t forget to visit the 13th-century Villa Rufolo, which offers sublime views of the coast, a garden that is forever in bloom, and a musical legacy—German composer Richard Wagner spent some time here in the 1800s; an outdoor concert series inspired by him and his work takes place every summer. Another favorite is the Villa Cimbrone, known for its beautiful gardens and Terrace of Infinity lined with busts.
Where to stay: Almost all guest rooms at the Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, Amalfi Coast have private terraces or gardens, and the original frescoes and vaulted ceilings add to the feeling of absolute splendor. Palazzo Avino, known affectionately as “the Pink Palace” dates back to the 11th century and is now a member of the Leading Hotels of the World run by the fabulous Avino sisters, who imbue their impeccable style into every corner of the property, from the pool flanked by pink-and-white striped umbrellas to the Michelin-starred restaurant Rosselinis.
For a century, Forte dei Marmi has been
For a century, Forte dei Marmi has been the apex of quiet luxury for wealthy Florentine and Milanese families summering on Tuscany’s Versilia Coast. As soon as school lets out, mothers open their summer homes and decamp there with their kids while their husbands join them on the weekends. It’s the kind of place where families have a season pass to their preferred beach club (one they’ve likely been frequenting for decades), everyone gets around by bicycle, and the Wednesday morning market is an unmissable appointment.
Where to stay: For a taste of Forte dei Marmi-style villeggiatura, check into Pensione America, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World by the Maestrelli family, who have been summering in Forte for 60 years and also run a beach club called Bagno Assunta. A star turn on the second season of The White Lotus may have made Taormina a household name, but the cliff town in northeastern Sicily is no stranger to tourists looking to capture some of its magic.
It was a popular stop on the Grand Tour, when British aristocrats flocked there to gaze upon its magnificent Greco-Roman theater. Naturally, the theater is still the town’s main must-see attraction, with views stretching out along the coast. If you want to visit while avoiding the worst of the crowds, skip the peak summer months and come in the spring or fall instead. Where to stay: For White Lotus levels of luxury, book a room at the San Domenico Palace, a Four Seasons Hotel, where the show was filmed.
Or check into the Grand Hotel Timeo,
Or check into the Grand Hotel Timeo, a Belmond Hotel, which has been a fixture since the Grand Tour. Wedged between mountains and coastline, just an hour’s drive east of Palermo, the idyllic town of Cefalù in Sicily is tiny but popular—especially among sun-seekers from other parts of Italy. It’s now perhaps best known as one of the filming locations for the second season of The White Lotus, but beyond its set-jet appeal, the place has gorgeous beaches, great restaurants, and a hip nightlife scene, particularly in the summer months when its population triples.
Where to stay: Book a room on the higher floors of Alberi Del Paradiso, set up the hill and away from the beach crowds, for sweeping views of the Tyrrhenian Sea. You may know Elba Island as the former home of exiled Napoleon Bonaparte—his summer house, Villa San Martino, is currently open to the public—but the site also happens to be one of the least-touristed islands in Italy, at least for now.
Though it’s the largest island in the Tuscan archipelago, Elba looks more like the lush island of Corsica in France than its rocky sister islands, thanks to underground springs, which keep the island green year-round. Its largest city, Portoferraio, welcomes ferries from Italy’s mainland with its dense vegetation, beautiful hidden beaches, and well-preserved Medici forts. Where to stay: Just a 15-minute drive away from the town’s port, the Hotel Villa Ottone has multiple dining options: a beachfront restaurant and another with tables on a verdant terrace; there’s also a piano bar in the summer.
The gym and tennis courts are perfect
The gym and tennis courts are perfect for staying active too. A haven for the aristocracy of Europe since the 19th century—and a perennial hot spot for today’s jetsetters—the coastal town of Portofino is one of the most beautiful European ports. In addition to its radiant coastline, it has plenty of great shopping, seafood restaurants, and glamorous places to rest your head at the end of the day.
(But it’s also easy to do a day trip; Genoa is a mere 50-minute drive away.)
Where to stay: It really doesn’t get more indulgent than the extravagant (and recently renovated) 53-room Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, Portofino, installed in a 16th-century monastery overlooking the town’s iconic turquoise waters. But if there’s no room up the hill, head to the harbor and see if any of the 16 rooms of the Splendido Mare, an extension of the property, are available.
Sperlonga was the former hideaway of many Roman emperors, and it’s no wonder: The tiny town’s pristine beaches, lush greenery, and proximity to Rome—just an hour by train—makes it the perfect weekend escape. The town also has an excellent museum, Museo Archeologico di Sperlonga, which is set amongst the ancient ruins of Emperor Tiberius’ old villa and displays sculptures found in the villa that depict characters from The Odyssey.
For the best views and plenty of restaurants,
For the best views and plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, climb up the steps to the whitewashed historic center. Where to stay: The digs at Hotel Marconi are simple and clean, though of course what you’re really here for is the easy access to the beachfront. The rooms are categorized by size and views—“city” or “sea.” It’s pretty obvious which one you should spring for.
It seems like everyone is trying to visit Positano these days, and if you’ve ever opened a social media app in the summertime, it’s easy to see why. This fishing village-turned-global destination is famous for its beautiful harbor and elegant Moorish-style architecture—all set gorgeously along the cliffs of the Italian coast. Bear in mind that crowds in the peak season can be suffocating, and that a visit in the off-season can help local businesses during periods of low foot traffic; not to mention, you’ll avoid the hordes.
Where to stay: The obvious answer here is the iconic Le Sirenuse, which recently unveiled brand-new beach club, Le Sirenuse Mare, in nearby Nerano. Perhaps less ubiquitous on Instagram but just as magnificent is Il San Pietro di Positano, serenely perched on a silver cliff outside of the main drag of the town. Found right on the heel of the Italian boot, the town of Otranto sits at Italy’s most eastern point and has plenty to offer.
The Otranto Cathedral and the Castello Aragonese date
The Otranto Cathedral and the Castello Aragonese date back to the 11th and 15th centuries, respectively—perfect cultural visits for the history buffs among us. Plus, the town’s vantage point along the Adriatic Sea gives beach bums plenty of spots for diving along the rocky shores. The seaside boulevards are dotted with restaurants and cafés as well, ideal for long languid afternoons of whiling the summer away.
Where to stay: The waterfront Hotel Palazzo Papaleo offers beautiful rooms, extensive spa amenities, and delicious seafood at its restaurant. Aci Trezza, a tiny fishing community on the Ionian coast of Sicily, is often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, Acireale and Catania. But its diminutive size offers a level of tranquility not found in more popular tourist spots. The town is best known for the isole dei ciclopi—three jagged rocks that jut out of the water, right off the coast—which, according to legend, are the rocks that the Cyclops hurled at Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey.
The oceanfront is also home to some of the coast’s best seafood restaurants, like Il Covo Marino, where the menu changes daily, depending on the morning’s catch. Where to stay: There are a number of small hotels in town, but Airbnb has some worthy options for spending the night, including this terraced penthouse less than a block away from the water. One of the best beaches in Italy is the Spiaggia di Citara, which you’ll find near the colorful harbor town of Forio, the largest of the six main settlements on the island of Ischia.
With direct ferry connections from Naples, the laid-back
With direct ferry connections from Naples, the laid-back sibling of Capri is a worthy visit from the mainland, especially for the relaxing spa hotels that are its calling card (there are about 100 natural thermal springs on Ischia). Don’t miss the many restaurants that serve exquisite seafood; and don’t be afraid to try coniglio all’ischitana—one of the island’s native specialties made of stewed rabbit.
Where to stay: Sexy, stylish, languidly glamorous, Mezzatorre Hotel & Thermal Spa is everything an Italian seaside retreat should be from the team behind the beloved Il Pellicano in Porto Ercole. Also along the Amalfi Coast lies the town of Praiano, conveniently sandwiched between Positano and Amalfi, making it a perfect base from which to visit both. The comune is packed with beaches like Marina di Praia and Gavitella—and lots of culture to boot.
For all the history nerds, come here for stunning ancient churches like the 12th-century Church of San Luca Evangelista, which has Renaissance paintings attributed to Giovanni Bernardo Lama. Where to stay: Check into the adults-only retreat Casa Angelina, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World with a sleek white-on-white design, for a cosseting stay and exquisite cuisine at the Michelin-starred restaurant.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Sicilian
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this Sicilian city of about 25,000 people is an architecture lover’s dream: Because Noto was decimated in an earthquake in 1693, the medieval town was reconstructed entirely in the Sicilian baroque style, much of it well-preserved up to now, giving tourists the feeling that they’re traveling through time when they visit. Though not technically on the coast, it’s the best place in which to base yourself when you want to visit some of the most gorgeous beaches of Sicily, like Calamosche Beach.
Where to stay: Right in the middle of the historic quarter of town, Q92 Noto Hotel is perhaps the most charismatic stay in the area, with sumptuously Italian decor in its suites and common areas, giving you full immersion into your environment. When you think of Tuscany, you’re more likely to imagine the rolling hills and sprawling vineyards of Chianti than the gleaming Mediterranean.
But that will change when you spend some time in Porto Ercole, a seaside town on a rocky landmass that is connected to the Tuscan mainland by a single road that divides two lagoons. Its Borgo Antico (old town) is lined with cafés and trattorias that offer a beachy dolce vita experience just a couple of hours away from some of the best wine regions of the Italian peninsula. Where to stay: La Roqqa—named after La Rocca, the Spanish-era fortress that keeps watch over Porto Ercole—turns this lesser-known stretch of Tuscany’s coast into a chic seaside destination to rival the country’s better-known resort towns, but without the crowds.
Manarola is one of the oldest towns
Manarola is one of the oldest towns in the Cinque Terre, and arguably one of the most beautiful. It’s known primarily for its fishing, wine-making, and excellent hiking in the hills and vineyards above the town. Don’t miss the famous walking trail calledcts the town to nearby Riomaggiore. Where to stay: Well-equipped hotels in the towns of Cinque Terre are pretty slim
There are guesthouses and Airbnbs to be found, but it’s recommended to base yourself in La Spezia, where you can book The Poet Hotel, and visit the small towns along the coast via rail and ferry. Despite the lack of a beach, tourists love Sorrento, which straddles the cliffs overlooking the Bay of Naples. The old town—with Piazza Tasso, a square bustling with cafes, and the 14th-century the Chiesa di San Francesco—makes a great base for exploring surrounding areas: the Amalfi Coast to the east, Pompeii to the north, and the island of Capri offshore.
Get here by driving or by ferry from Naples. Where to stay: Check into the Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria for Italian opulence as well as convenience. This five-star property, with its Michelin-starred restaurant Terraza Bosquet and La Serra spa, sits right above the Porta di Sorrento, where boats and ferries can take you all over the Sorrentine Peninsula. Sardinia is best known for its pristine beaches and culinary scene, both of which you can find easily in the vicinity of Castelsardo, on the island’s northern coast.
Castelsardo is also a remarkably well-maintained piece
But Castelsardo is also a remarkably well-maintained piece of a history that dates back to the Nuragic civilization that made Sardinia its home during the Bronze Age, almost 4,000 years ago. Remnants of that ancient legacy can be found in the area, in the island’s signature nuraghe ruins, but you can also fast-forward a few millennia and take in sweeping views of the ocean from the town’s cathedral, built in the 16th century.
Where to stay: The Riviera Castelsardo Hotel and Spa has everything you need for a stay on the island, including proximity to Porto di Castelsardo as well as Castello dei Doria, a fortified castle that offers magnificent views of the sea. This small Italian fishing village nestled on the Italian Riviera isn’t just pretty—it’s surprisingly happening, too. In addition to rows of candy-colored homes, there’s a small harbor with shops and restaurants and a large piazza that’s a perfect spot for sipping coffee and people-watching.
Given its short distance from Genoa, just forty minutes away by car, it’s a lovely alternative (or addition) to a trip to Portofino. Where to stay: Make a beeline for the pool area at Hotel Cenobio dei Dogi; its deck area directly faces the ravishing Ligurian Sea, with only a balustrade, a small strip of verdant land, and a two-story drop to separate the two. We legally can’t talk about Italian coastal living without mentioning Capri, one of two towns on the famous eponymous island frequented by aristocrats and the jet-set since time immemorial.
It’s well-known for its social and luxury scene,
It’s well-known for its social and luxury scene, but the natural beauty of the isle—breathtaking views of the staggering cliffs and vivaciously blue sea—is unbeatable. Though you can visit the glitzy shops and winding roads of Capri town on a day trip from Napleslace without the massive crowds just in for the day
Where to stay: Capri has plenty of fantastic hotels you can check into that put you in the thick of the action. The glamorous Hotel La Palma, featured on our Hot List, is a favorite, as is Triple Crown winner Capri Tiberio Palace. But for a stay that truly immerses you in the strikingly beautiful environment of Capri, check into Punta Tragara, a cliff-top hideaway with stellar service and astonishing views of the Med.
Thirty minutes away by car from the city of Bari, the picture-perfect town of Polignano a Mare rises out of a cliff face on the Adriatic Sea. In addition to breathtaking views over the Adriatic, the town is also filled with charming, white-washed streets, enchanting old churches, and beaches with warm turquoise waters, like the white-pebble strip called Cala Porto, fenced by an ancient Roman bridge.
Where to stay: With a name like Sei
Where to stay: With a name like Sei Stelle Mama—in Italian, loosely, “six-star mother”—this small but polished bayside guest house promises warm hospitality and stellar service. For a full-service luxury resort, check into Triple Crown winner Borgo Egnazia in nearby Savelletri di Fasano. Tucked between two cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the village of Atrani might be the Amalfi Coast’s best-kept secret.
It’s often bypassed en route to the larger and more famous towns of Amalfi, Positano, and Sorrento, and this is a good thing—you’ll almost always have its beautiful churches, piazzas and charming trattorias (the fresh seafood and smoked mozzarella at A’Paranza is to-die-for) all to yourself. Added bonus: It’s an easy 30-minute stroll from Amalfi. Where to stay: Hotel Luna Convento is housed in, you guessed it, a former monastery.
(The Italians sure do love their convents-turned-hotels.) It’s situated on a parcel of land that juts out into the sea, on a spot equidistant from both Amalfi and Atrani. Because why not do both? With a population of 200 and a total area of 2.25 square miles, Levanzo is the smallest of the three main Aegadian Islands, off Sicily’s western coast—and it’s worth a visit for anyone trying to get away from all the noise of modern life.
The island’s town of the same name
The island’s town of the same name is the launching point to explore the whole island, best experienced by following the extensive hiking trails as they pass through fertile agricultural plains, and gently climb towards peaks that offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Once you’ve worked up a sweat, stop for a dip on one of the island’s many beaches, like Cala Tramontana, an isolated bay walled in by limestone cliffs.
Where to stay: There aren’t many spots where you can overnight on the island of Levanzo itself, so you’re better off booking a room on nearby Isola di Favignana, which has a handful of options. Stay at Il Baglio sull’Acqua, a resort just a five-minute draft from the Porto di Favignana.
Source: www.cntraveler.com
