A Mediterranean breeze, days filled with sun, and relaxing activities by the sea are part of the charm that Italy’s seaside towns have to offer to their summer visitors. If you’re going to visit Italy in the summer then the beach is the best place to be.
Let’s discover together the best beach towns in Italy for your next escape in Europe. You can add them to your Italy bucket list.
This post may contain affiliate links and Solo Trips and Tips may receive a commission for purchases made through links. See our disclosure about affiliate links
In no particular order here are fifteen of the best Italian beach towns to visit.
1. Tropea
Located on the eastern coast of the Calabria region, this magnetic coastal town is one of Italy’s top seaside settlements, home to a breathtaking turquoise sea.
The amazing collection of beaches facing the Adriatic perfectly combines with the charming historic center located on top of a hill with unique views of Italy’s southern coast.
Where to stay in Tropea
Villa Vittoria Tropea B&B is a charming guesthouse and bed and breakfast set in a Liberty-style building in the center of Tropea.
Tropea is a pretty beach town in the south of Italy
Book a room at Villa Vittoria Tropea B&B
2. Villasimius
One of the top places for an unforgettable seaside vacation in Italy, Villasimius is located on the southeastern coast of Sardinia.
This gorgeous seaside resort features some of the most beautiful shores in the country, featuring clear blue waters, granite cliffs, enchanting coves, peaceful lagoons, long stretches of wild white sand beaches, and a sea made of endless shades of blue.
Where to stay in Villasimius
Boutique Hotel Su Sergenti is an enchanting property just a 5-minute walk from the center of town with a beautiful sun terrace and only 2 kilometers from the beach. Check rates and availability Boutique Hotel Su Sergenti
3. Sorrento
Located in the Campania region and part of the province of Naples, Sorrento is one of Italy’s most important coastal towns.
It’s surrounded by amazing, lush citrus groves and provides imposing views over the world-famous Sorrento Bay.
This popular seaside resort, just minutes from the romantic Amalfi Coast, is a must-visit town in Italy.
Sorrento is not far from some unique landmarks in the country, including Naples historic old town and the massive ruins of Pompeii.
There are a few gorgeous beaches in the area, but nothing beats a boat trip to the nearby island of Capri while spending a few days in town.
Where to stay in Sorrento
Grand Hotel Riviera is a four-star venue in the heart of Sorrento set on a cliff top looking out over the Gulf of Naples and featuring a fantastic outdoor pool. Book a room at Grand Hotel Riviera
On the Amalfi Coast of Italy Sorrento is an ideal town for exploring the region
4. Polignano a Mare
Situated on Italy’s southern Adriatic coast the small Polignano al Mare is a seaside town in the Apulia region featuring white pebble and white sand beaches.
Laid-back and relaxing, shores such as Cala Porto, bordered by an ancient Roman bridge, is one of the most scenic places to discover in the area.
In town and overlooking the sea, it is worth visiting the Romanesque Abbey of Saint Vito, close to a sixteenth-century tower that faces the sea.
Where to stay in Polignano
Borgobianco Resort & Spa – MGallery Hotel Collection is a pet-friendly five-star resort that offers incredibly comfortable facilities on the dreamy hills that overlook overlooking Polignano and the Adriatic sea. Find rates and reviews Borgobianco Resort & Spa
5. Positano
One of the most enchanting seaside towns in the southern region of Campania, Positano is one of the thirteen towns that shape the landscape of the Amalfi Coast.
This cliffside village is one of Italy’s most famous summer destinations, featuring a picturesque historic center made of narrow alleys and authentic cafés.
The city has a beautiful dark pebble beach and a pretty waterfront promenade populated by typical restaurants and trattorias.
In town, the famous Santa Maria Assunta church has an impressive majolica-tiled dome that attracts visitors all year round.
Where to stay in Positano
La Caravella di Positano – Relais & Beach is a fantastic place to stay in the area. Set inside a charming building from the 1920s, the place offers comfortable holiday apartments and rooms, and a free-furnished private beach area. Check availability at La Caravella di Positano
For a coastal vacation in Italy you can’t go wrong with the seaside town of Positano – Amalfi Coast
6. Atrani
Tucked between cliffs facing the Mediterranean, Atrani is known as Italy’s smallest settlement.
Also part of the Amalfi Coast, this incredibly tiny but picturesque village belonging to the province of Salerno was traditionally known as the home to the wealthiest residences of the most powerful families in Amalfi.
This coastal town is quite easy to reach from Amalfi (a pleasant 30-minute walk by the sea) and features some unique seaside restaurants serving some of the most delicious seafood you’ll be able to find in Italy.
Where to stay in Atrani
Palazzo Ferraioli – Hotel & Wellness is a gorgeous property from the early twentieth century in the heart of this pretty fisherman’s village offering themed rooms named and styled after famous movie actresses. See rates and reviews for Palazzo Ferraioli Hotel
7. Portoferraio
Portoferraio is a small town on the western coast of Italy on the island of Elba, in Tuscany.
The harbor town is surrounded by beaches with crystal-clear waters and impressive green hills.
Translating as Iron Port, Portoferraio is known for its important past during the Napoleonic era when the iron industry made the small town a flourishing economic center.
Today, it is possible to discover the past of the town by visiting Portoferraio’s Archaeologic Museum.
Where to stay in Portoferraio
Hotel Fabricia is a convenient beachfront hotel with a stunning large garden, a semi-Olympic pool, and two tennis courts. The hotel sits directly on the sea, just a 10-minute drive from Portoferraio. Book a room at Hotel Fabricia now
Relax in Tuscany with a getaway to Elba Island and beautiful Portoferraio on the coast
8. Manarola
A Liguria’s gem and one of the five lands of the Cinque Terre, Manarola stands as one of the prettiest coastal towns facing the Ligurian Sea.
On the seafront, a collection of dreamy pastel-colored houses and a quaint small harbor are perfect for a refreshing summer swim.
Hiking the Cinque Terre is one of the favorite activities that solo travelers enjoy in Liguria, and Manarola is certainly one of the best places to stay in the area while discovering the stunning landscapes along the Blue Path of Cinque Terre.
Where to stay in Manarola
Olimpo Affittacamere is an affordable solution for couples and solo travelers offering well-equipped rooms, some of them with a terrace and others with relaxing views of the sea. Find rooms and rates at Olimpo Affittacamere
Manarola is a beautiful seaside town, one of the Cinque Terre
9. Camogli
Also on the Ligurian coast, this tiny fishing port and coastal settlement is a unique retreat for a seaside vacation in Italy.
The peaceful small town is a perfect destination if you’re trying to avoid crowds and would like to spend some peaceful days near Genoa.
Smaller settlements along the coast can be reached by hiking or with small boats that leave from the port of Camogli.
Where to stay in Camogli
I Tre Merli Locanda is a picturesque guesthouse overlooking the fishing harbor. On-site, there are only five guest rooms, which guarantees an attentive and personalized service to all the guests. Get the latest rates for I Tre Merli Locanda
Close to Genoa the quiet and picturesque coastal town of Comagli is a relaxing retreat
10. Portofino
You will discover a completely different atmosphere in Portofino.
Located in the province of Genoa, in Liguria, this panoramic coastal town features a one-of-a-kind semi-circular port with a shallow, safe beach.
The city is one of Italy’s most exclusive and fashionable resorts on the Ligurian Riviera, featuring a myriad of exclusive boutiques, high-end restaurants, and stylish meeting points.
Where to stay in Portofino
Hotel Piccolo Portofino offers accommodation in perfect harmony with the refined atmosphere of Portofino. Set inside a historic villa, it features a private rocky beach with a bar and furnished terraces with panoramic sea views. Check rates and reviews Hotel Piccolo Portofino
11. Cefalù
Sicily’s most impressive seaside city, Cefalù is situated on the northern coast of the island.
Over here, beaches such as Mazzaforno and Settefrati spread below the old town.
In Cefalù, you will also find some incredible sights to explore, including its famous fortified Norman Cathedral that dates back to the twelfth century.
The building has two impressively tall twin towers and some of the most elaborate and detailed Byzantine mosaics you can find on the island.
LEARN MORE: Mini Guide to Sicily (Best Things to Do – Where to Stay)
Where to stay in Cefalù
Hotel Kalura is in a paradisiac setting boasting incredible views of Cefalù’s Caldura Bay. The hotel also offers access to a private beach, a pool, a tennis court, and a scuba diving school. Check availability Hotel Kalura Cefalù
While visiting Sicily you won’t want to miss Cefalu on the north coast
12. San Vito Lo Capo
Also on the coast of Sicily, this small seaside town is home to a unique beach located on a quiet and sheltered bay overlooked by Mount Monaco, one of the island’s most important hiking and climbing spots.
In the center of San Vito, there is a fortress-like sanctuary dedicated to the patron saint of the area, Saint Vito, featuring unique Arab-Norman architecture.
Where to stay in San Vito Lo Capo
Villaggio Cala Mancina features convenient and modern self-catering accommodation in a picturesque location with a private beach area. Check the latest rates Villaggio Cala Mancina
13. Capri
The quintessential Italian coastal dream, the small island of Capri is one of the most beautiful seaside settlements in the country.
Glamorous and yet traditional, the island is the perfect destination for a vacation that balances the right dose of style and local customs.
Famous for its magnificent Blue Grotto, or Grotta Azzurra, this incredible island features luxurious hotels, amazing villas, some of the most exclusive shops in Italy, and many delicious restaurants and trattorias serving the best dishes of the Campania tradition.
Where to stay in Capri
Hotel Weber Ambassador is ideally located overlooking the Marina Piccola Bay and the impressive Faraglioni Rocks, only minutes from the spectacular Blue Grotto. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to the center of the island. Book a room at Hotel Weber Ambassador – Capri Island
Book a vacation to the dreamy Capri Island for an exquisite seaside getaway in Italy
14. Vieste
Facing the Gargano National Park and the Adriatic Sea, the small seaside town of Vieste in the Apulia region has become famous for its gorgeous, laid-back beaches.
One of its most famous shores is known as Scialara, which hosts an impressive limestone monolith known as Pizzomunno.
In town, travelers love to visit the unique Museum of Malacology, where there is an odd collection of marine fossils and rare shells worth at least a short visit.
The medieval fortress of Castello Svevo and the local Cathedral of Vieste are, without any doubt, the most amazing architectural buildings you can explore in the area.
Where to stay in Vieste
B&B Il Giardino Stellato is a fantastic venue in Vieste just a 3-minute drive from the city’s stunning sandy beaches. The bed and breakfast features a terrace and bikes for rent on-site. Read reviews and rates for B&B Il Giardino Stellato
15. Porto Ercole
Not far from the rolling hills and tall cypresses of Tuscany, this small coastal town is situated in the Province of Grosseto.
Situated along the so-called Silver Coast of the Maremma area, Porto Ercole is a small fishing port that features a tiny town beach protected by three imposing hilltop fortresses of Spanish origin.
The small yet vibrant holiday town features dozens of bars, restaurants, and shops that allow for entertaining nights when spending a vacation in the area.
Where to stay in Porto Ercole
A Point Porto Ercole Resort & Spa is a stunning resort only a few minutes from Porto Ercole’s famous Feniglia Beach, that features modern and minimalist rooms, some of them with garden views and others facing the Mediterranean. Check availability A Point Porto Ercole
In the Tuscany region pay a visit to the small coastal town of Porto Ercole
Final Thoughts
As you can see there are many beautiful coastal towns in Italy for you to choose from. With this handy list you can choose your favorite location and book a magnificent vacation on the coast of Italy. It’s hard to choose… so why not plan on visiting more than just one!
Save this to Pinterest for later!
About the Author
Gabi Ancarola is a translator and travel journalist living in Crete. She regularly writes about Europe for several magazines about travel, gastronomy, and hospitality. She has published several travel guides about Greece and plans customized trips to the Greek islands. She loves cooking local dishes, taking photos, and driving on the mountain roads of Crete.