The Most Beautiful Coastal Towns in Italy
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Some of the most beautiful places in Italy include the various towns of the Italian coast, where la dolce vita reigns supreme against the backdrop of sun, sand, and sea—a natural pairing, given Italy’s 4,900 miles of coastline. With all that mileage, the seaside experiences you’ll get all over the Italian peninsula will be widely varied: You get that enviable sun-kissed glamour in resort towns like Capri; historic settings of harbor towns like Otranto, the laid-back local vibes of Ischia, and the handsome elegance of verdant Portofino. You’ll find some of the best hotels in Italy in these towns, which put all sorts of sailing, culinary, and cultural experiences right at your fingertips.
In Italy, it’s always a good time to head to the ocean, even in the off-season. It’s just a matter of which coastal town to visit and fall in love with. Below, see 20 of the best Italian coastal towns, from classic Positano to rising Porto Ercole, many of them close to the best beaches in Italy—plus Condé Nast Traveler-approved recommendations of where to stay.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
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, cafes, museums, 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.
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.
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 Thyrrenian 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 poolside restaurant and another in a park; 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 a plenty, and many 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 70-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. The Torre Truglia, located at the tip of the promontory on which Sperlonga is built, has the best views in town.
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 its stunningly redesigned pool. 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
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; treat yourself to a tasting menu 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.
GettyPraiano, Campania
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 white-sand 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: Watch the Amalfi sunrise over the bountiful breakfast buffet at the Hotel Tramonto d’Oro, situated on the western end of town, along the Via Gennaro Capriglione.
- Gary Yeowell/Getty
Noto, Sicily
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.
- Massimo Borchi/Atlantide Phototravel/Getty
Porto Ercole, Tuscany
When you think of Tuscany, you’re more likely to imagine the rolling hills and sprawling vineyards of Chianti rather 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 singular road that divides two lagoons. Its Borgo Antico (old town) is lined with cafés and trattoria that offer a beachy dolce vita experience just a few hours away from 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 more known resort towns, but without the crowds.
GettyManarola, Liguria
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 called Via dell’Amore—literally translated: the road of love—that connects 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.
- Francesco Riccardo Iacomino/Getty
Sorrento, Campania
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 Michelen-starred restaurant Terraza Bosquet and La Serra spa, sits just a ten-minute walk away from the Porta di Sorrento, where boats and ferries can take you all over the Sorrentine Peninsula.
GettyCastelsardo, Sardinia
Sardinia is best known for its pristine beaches and mind-blowing culinary scene, both of which you can find easily in the vicinity of Castelsardo, on the island’s northern coast. 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 region’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 Porta di Castelsardo as well as Castello dei Doria, a fortified castle that offers magnificent views of the sea.
GettyCamogli, Liguria
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, a carousel near the water, and a large piazza that’s a perfect spot for sipping coffee and people-watching. Given its short distance from Genoa just thirty 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.
- Monica Forss/Getty
Capri, Campania
We legally can’t talk about Italian coastal living without mentioning Capri, the town 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, 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 daytrip from Naples via ferry, it’s worth spending a night there to experience the place 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). 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.
GettyPolignano a Mare, Apulia
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 Stelle Mama—in Italian, loosely, “six-star mother”—this small but polished bayside guest house promises warm hospitality and stellar service. For more urban digs, there are plenty of options in nearby Bari.
GettyAtrani, Campania
Tucked between two cliffs overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the village of Atrani is 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?
GettyLevanzo, Sicily
With a population of around 450 and a total area of 2.25 square miles, Levanzo is the smallest of the three 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 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 Porti di Favignana.
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