The Most Beautiful Italian Coastal Towns
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.
GettyTropea, Calabria
Located on the Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods), Tropea is perched high on a cliff overlooking the glittering Tyrrhenian Sea below. It has less than 6,000 year-round residents, but the population swells in the summer, when the town comes to life. During the day, the town empties out as everyone heads to the beach; it becomes animated in the evening, as people go for an evening stroll, browse the shops that stay open late, and gather around the piazzas for aperitivo and dinner, which often feature the prized local onions and ‘nduja (spicy salami).
Where to stay: A 15-minute walk from the center of town, Villa Paola occupies a former monastery with an infinity pool overlooking the sea and gardens that bloom with bougainvillea.
GettyMaratea, Basilicata
The only town in Basilicata that lies directly on the Tyrrhenian Sea, Maratea has a rocky coastline full of little coves and a charming historic center. In fact, it’s been designated one of the Borghi Più Belli d’Italia (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy), and it’s not hard to see why. Stroll through the center of town in the summer, and you’ll spot people enjoying an aperitivo at the outdoor cafes, little shops, and old men gathered on benches or chairs to pass the time. Fun fact: Maratea is also home to a massive statue of Christ the Redeemer inspired by the one in Rio de Janeiro.
Where to stay: Santavenere, the only member of the Leading Hotels of the World in Basilicata, was recently revamped by Aldo Melpignano, the hotelier behind Borgo Egnazia in Puglia. Originally built by a count in the 1950s, it still brims with retro Italian seaside nostalgia.
UnsplashCarloforte, Sardinia
The main town on the Isola di San Pietro, a small island off of Sardinia’s southwestern coast, Carloforte is full of pretty pastel buildings in shades of pink, blue, and yellow. That’s because it was settled by Ligurian sailors in the 1700s, who brought their colorful traditions with them. (You’ll also find lots of pesto here.) In addition to fantastic little beaches, the town is known as a hub for tuna fishing and all the restaurants serve tuna in more ways than you can imagine.
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.
GettyRavello, Campania
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.
GettyForte dei Marmi, Tuscany
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.
Taormina, Sicily
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, a Belmond Hotel, which has been a fixture since the Grand Tour.
GettyCefalù, Sicily
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.
GettyPortoferraio, Elba Island, Tuscany
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 for staying active too.
GettyPortofino, Liguria
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.
GettySperlonga, Lazio
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, 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.
GettyPositano, Campania
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.
- Kyle Pozan/Getty
Otranto, Puglia
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 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.
GettyAci Trezza, Sicily
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.
- Sean Pavone/Getty
Forio, Ischia, Campania
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 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.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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