The 10 Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Italy

At the tip of a deep ravine and a few meters below steep hills lies the beautiful coastal town of Amalfi. This town and 12 others combine to form the idyllic Amalfi Coast. The highlights of this town include its cloister, a cathedral, and sun-filled squares. The underwater crevice at Cape Conca refracts sunlight to produce an other-worldly emerald hue. 

The coastal town’s most fascinating natural wonder is the Emerald Grotto. It is a cave partly inundated by the sea that bears its name from the dense modulations of green filtering through an underground opening permeating the grotto.

This coastal town is the largest and most eastern of all the villages in Cinque Terre. Riomaggiore is characterized by colorful houses that appear to stack upon each other. Some notable attractions include the Castle of Riomaggiore and the beautiful rose-windowed Church of San Lorenzo. Riomaggiore is the start of Via dell’Amore, also called “Lover’s Lane,” a pedestrian path overlooking the sea that links the village to its Elysian neighbor Manarola.     

If you seek a paradisal coastal town unperturbed by tourism, Atrani is the perfect place for you. The town, situated a 5-minute drive east of Amalfi, is guarded by two cliffs and cleansed by the turquoise Tyrrhenian Sea. Atrani has somehow managed to stay true to its Italian roots, making it one of the best places to learn about Italian culture and people. Don’t expect anything fancy here. The beauty of this town is seen in its idyllic natural setting, unspoiled beaches, and crystal-clear waters.

Another stunning coastal paradise located along the Amalfi Coast is Ravello. This small village, dubbed “The City of Music,” sits on a mountain just three miles away from Amalfi. Ravello features exciting cafes, restaurants, museums, and charming villas that complement its beautiful scenery.  Highlights of this town include the Villa Cimbrone, Villa Rufolo, San Giovanni del Toro, and the Cathedral.

Halfway between Naples and Rome, in the province of Latina, we have Sperlonga. This coastal town boasts lush greenery, pristine beaches, and several notable attractions. It is said that Sperlonga was a getaway destination for ancient Roman emperors. For picturesque views of the town, visit the Torre Truglia, a rocky bastion located at the tip of the cliff on which the town was built. Don’t fail to make a stop at the town archaeological museum, the Museo Archeologico di Sperlonga.

Polignano a Mare is a picturesque town perched on a cliff face overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The city is peppered by attractive, white-washed streets, enchanting old churches, and a beach with warm turquoise seas backed on each side by cliffs. That does not include the breathtaking view of the Adriatic this cliff town provides. The town’s white-pebbled Cala Porto beach and the Pino Pascali contemporary art museum are the main attractions.

This fascinating coastal commune in Reggio Calabria is sometimes called “Little Venice” because its houses rest entirely on the water. Legend has it that the fishing town Scilla harbored a sea monster Scylla, a once beautiful nymph who transformed into a rock after being cursed by a jealous sorceress. Popular activities in Scilla include walking the Chianalea di Scilla, visiting the popular Castello Ruffo di Scilla, and spending time at the Lido Francesco beach.

The Italian Riveria boasts of many beautiful coastal towns, and Portofino stands out as the chicest spot of them all. Barely an hour away from Cinque Terra, this exclusive seaside village boasts colorful buildings, fancy restaurants, shopping outlets, and more.  Its half-moon-shaped harbor is usually lined with super-yachts, and the clear waters reflect the beauty of its idyllic scenery. .

Vietri Sul Mare shares many similarities with Atrani. Most notably is the pristine beauty the coastal town retains despite the vast number of annual visitors. Vietri Sul Mara is situated at the beginning of the Amalfi region, just 10 minutes away from Salerno. This coastal town features beautifully tiled streets, uncrowded beaches, and shops selling the town’s famous ceramics. A standout secret location for privacy lovers is the immeasurably stunning Spiaggia Della Crestarella, which is undoubtedly the secluded beach on the Amalfi coast.

On the coast of the Ionian Sea in Sicily is a unique village named Aci Trezza. This coastal town has features that are antonymic from other coastal villages. There are no dramatic cliffs dotted with pastel-colored houses stacked on each other. Visitors will also notice that the waterfront experience here is unique from others. Beaches in Aci Trezza are rocky thanks to the town’s location at the base of the volcano Etna.  

Diving spots in the Gulf of Catania give scuba divers a chance to explore the contrasting white sand and old lava flows, underwater canyons, and volcanic faults and passes. The abundant marine life here includes gorgonians, groupers, octopus, white breams, and colorful marine flora and fauna.  

The town comes to life at night when residents gather at local seafood restaurants at the shore. Aci Trezza has exciting nightlife, stunning beaches, and restaurants.

Italy is filled with contrasts, from avant-garde fashion tastes to conservative architecture preserved for centuries. Here is your chance to bask in the nation’s dense flora, marine ecosystem, deep-rooted customs, healthy traditional cuisine, and welcoming faces. 

At Boatsters, we can help you tour these beautiful Italian coastal towns experiencing the best of both worlds: the tranquil coastal communes and the densely populated seas. Let our professionals help you plan the vacation, from booking the perfect yacht to ensuring that all your needs are met.