Italy is truly a nation of beauty: the whopping architectural heritage mirrors the gorgeous landscapes all around it. With that in mind, I’ll show you the most fabulous beach towns in Italy so you’ll know exactly where to head on your next vacation.
The further south you go, you’ll find clearer water, whiter sand, and flawless weather for longer. That’s why most of the Italian coastal towns I’ll be listing are located in the south of the country. But I’ve added a few northern towns as well, such as Vernazza in the mesmerizing Cinque Terre.
Table of Contents
Beach towns in northern and central Italy
1. Sirmione
Ironically, the first town on our list isn’t bordered by the sea. Tiny Sirmione, within the province of Brescia in Lombardy, stands on a narrow peninsula that juts out into Lake Garda.
It is home to the age-old ruins of the Grottoes of Catullus and the 12th-century Scaligero Castle (one of the best-preserved in the country).
Sirmione boasts idyllic waterfront promenades and a couple of pebble beaches where you can dip in the lake’s waveless and see-through waters. Travelers also flock to the thermal baths that help turn the town into an ideal vacation spot year-round.
2. Chioggia
While the Tyrrhenian Sea is renowned for its jagged coastline, the Adriatic, where Chioggia is located, is distinguished for its long beaches and calm waters.
One of the most popular seaside resorts in Veneto and all of northern Italy, Chioggia has been dubbed “Little Venice”. The town is in fact laid out like a miniature Venice, where Late medieval and early modern palazzos face a set of canals built within the Venetian Lagoon.
The historic core is fantastic for strolling, shopping, and dining, whereas the waterfront district of Sottomarina is where all the fun happens. If you’re staying in Venice during the warmer months, you can easily go for a day trip in Chioggia by hopping on a water bus from San Marco.
3. Portofino
Less than 400 people live in Portofino, but the village is one of the most sought-after destinations on the Italian Riviera.
Though staying in town overnight is typically an expensive affair, chartering a boat or going on a tour of the surroundings are superb ways of wondering at the beauty of Portofino.
The village sits atop a promontory encircled by a sprawling natural reservation. Between one splash in the turquoise waters and the next, make sure you explore some of the park’s 37 miles of trails amid lush Mediterranean landscapes.
4. Vernazza
The picturesque Vernazza is the biggest settlement within Cinque Terre, a cluster of remote fishing villages on the Italian Riviera.
Traditionally, the whole area could only be accessed by boat — which is still the best way to hop from one village to the next.
From Vernazza, you can enter the blue trail to reach adjacent Corniglia and Monterosso if you’re into hiking. Otherwise, grab a gelato as you stroll through the old town and head off to bask in the sun.
5. Forte dei Marmi
Apart from the 18th-century fortress it is named after and a handful of hundred-year-old villas, Forte dei Marmi lacks a special architectural interest.
Yet its fine, golden sands and impeccable infrastructure have lured a glamorous crowd to its shores for over a century.
You’ll get to rub shoulders with Italy’s high society at this quintessential summer destination. Given it’s less than 80 miles away from Florence, Forte dei Marmi is a marvelous option for a weekend getaway.
6. Rimini
Rimini is one of the most legendary coastal towns in Italy. The country’s first-ever beach resort opened here in 1843, and for decades following WWII it was the no. 1 summer destination nationwide.
These days, Federico Fellini’s hometown isn’t as busy as it once was. That said, Rimini remains a dazzling town where inviting beaches are a stone’s throw from ancient ruins, medieval castles, and a vibrant arts and culture scene.
7. Sperlonga
If you’re searching for quiet beach towns to visit in Italy, Sperlonga is the right place for you. Midway between Rome and Naples, the town features one of the most extraordinary historic cores in the Lazio region, with its narrow and winding alleys and medieval churches.
Dotted with sheer bluffs, Sperlonga attracts tons of climbers every summer. A great deal of the hotels in the area are relatively simple, but you can rent a villa for cheap if you’re after a fancier experience.
Beach towns in southern Italy
8. Sorrento
One of the most scenic spots on the entire coast of Italy, clifftop Sorrento overlooks Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples.
Though the town’s beaches are narrow and normally crowded in the summer, the pleasant ambiance totally makes up for the limited room.
Plus, the charming old town is a delightful locale, where you can sip on some zesty limoncello and load up on ceramics.
Sorrento is also a popular departure point for travelers headed toward the Amalfi Coast.
9. Amalfi
Amalfi is quite possibly the best-known of the beach towns in Italy, and for good reason. The centerpiece of a dramatically jagged stretch of coastline to the south of Naples, the town has long been a prized destination for royals and jet-setters.
As a naval power in the Early Middle Ages, Amalfi built imposing landmarks for its modest size like its thousand-year-old cathedral.
A boat tour stopping in other villages along the Amalfi Coast like Positano and Ravello is a must-do while you’re visiting. You can easily depart from Naples if for some reason you can’t stay overnight.
10. Tropea
Tropea is the crown jewel of the Calabrian coast, which still flies under the radar of most foreign travelers. Italians, in turn, have been coming here for decades and in the summertime take over the historic core overhanging the southern Tyrrhenian and the awe-inspiring beaches of Tropea.
Speaking of which, there’s no shortage of beaches in town. Rotonda, with its first-rate infrastructure and suggestive ambiance, is a favorite with families, whereas ‘A Linguata is the go-to hangout spot for a younger crowd. Then, wherever you drive, you’ll reach ever wilder beaches.
11. Polignano a Mare
Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is one of Italy’s most fascinating and underrated regions. Polignano is the ultimate symbol of that.
With its ancient houses built atop the rocky shore and tiny beaches with pristine waters, Polignano offers a unique cityscape.
Here, you’ll be treated to delectable food that includes specialties like orecchiette, panzerotti, and some of the finest wines in southern Italy.
And if you want to marvel at the cone-shaped trulli of Alberobello and the rock-cut houses of Matera, this is a wonderful departure point.
12. Gallipoli
Gallipoli’s name derives from a Greek term meaning “beautiful city”, which is indeed accurate.
Settled at least 9,000 years ago, it faces the Gulf of Taranto in southern Puglia and is famous nationwide for its medieval old town, which includes the Angevine-Aragonese Castle.
Its nicest beaches are located to the south of the city center, where Gallipoli fades into the countryside. While you’re at it, check out neighboring Lecce and its astonishing Baroque architecture.
Beach towns in Italy: the islands
13. Portoferraio
Portoferraio is the main settlement on the iconic island of Elba off the Tuscan coast. Napoleon was exiled here for less than a year, and you can visit the two houses where he lived. Other landmarks in the historic center include villas and fortresses.
Although a couple of beaches border the port, you should rent a car or charter a boat to reach the more secluded beaches on the island and make the most of your stay.
14. Castelsardo
Famed for its basket weaving tradition and for the hilltop castle it was built around, Castelsardo is a piece of paradise on Earth.
The town itself has a predominantly rocky shoreline, but as you leave the central districts you’ll come upon long stretches of golden sand.
Stop by the age-old stone churches, then sit outside at the cafes lining Castelsardo’s narrow streets for a taste of the local cuisine and the stellar Sardinian wine.
15. Bosa
Let’s now set out for the western coast of Sardinia. Bosa’s calling card is the mouthwatering seafood you’ll sink your teeth into — this is a fairytale-like fishing village, after all.
The multicolored historic core actually stands a couple of miles upstream on the Temo. Around the river mouth, however, you’ll find both spacious beaches like Bosa Marina and oddly shaped promontories from which you can jump into the teal waters.
16. Cagliari
Cagliari is the capital of Sardinia, Italy’s second-largest island, behind Sicily. While it’s more of a city than a town, it has a lovely small-town feel that I’m positive you’ll love.
Downtown Cagliari, though adorable, is bordered by a huge port. To reach beaches like Poetto, where white sand and crystal clear water will be waiting for you, you’ll need to ride public transportation or drive.
The capital often gets overshadowed by Sardinia’s ritzy northern coast, yet it is the perfect launchpad for the rest of the island.
17. Cefalù
Less than 45 miles from Palermo, Cefalù can make an amazing day trip from the Sicilian capital in case you can’t afford to stay longer.
You should try, however, to spend at least a weekend in town. There’s a lot to enjoy and see around here, from tiny beaches facing the historic core to its 12th-century cathedral.
Don’t forget to climb to the top of the rock that rises above Cefalù to soak up the commanding views of the surroundings and visit the ancient ruins of the castle and the temple of Diana.
18. Taormina
The setting of The White Lotus’ season two is home to several exclusive resorts, yet luckily, in real life, murder-plotting gays are nowhere to be found here.
Nestled between the deep-blue waters of Sicily’s eastern coast and the majestic Mount Etna, Taormina has one of the most intense nightlife scenes in southern Italy as well.
Besides lounging by Isola Bella and other scenic beaches in town, you should wander through Taormina’s maze-like historic core and maybe take the notorious Godfather and mafia tour.
19. Syracuse
Syracuse is a secret Italians hardly let foreigners in on. Ortigia, its Baroque center, and the prehistoric necropolis in the city’s countryside have been declared UNESCO World Heritage sites in 2005.
In addition to its impressive architecture and history, the town features a stunning shoreline, complete with azure waters, one-of-a-kind rock formations, and a four-mile seaside bike path.
It’s also an excellent place to try the best concoctions of Sicilian cuisine, from top-notch fish to finger-licking arancini.
Wrap-up
Visiting the most divine beach towns in Italy isn’t just a great occasion to bask in the sun. You’ll stroll through evocative plazas and quaint streets, eat stellar food, and enjoy breathtaking views.
Italy is dotted with world-famous cities like Rome and Venice. Yet if you want to discover a less obvious side of the country, you should swing by one or a few of the towns above on your next trip.
