The 13 Most Beautiful Italian Coastal Towns and Cities

Part of the Cinque Terre National Park (comprised of five villages) in Liguria, Manarola has been called the most colourful city in the world. The vibrant buildings are jostling for space, making the town resemble an artist’s palette. Every year, visitors flock here to hike between seaside villages, with numbers soaring in peak season. Don’t miss the Church of San Lorenzo, beautiful both inside and out thanks to some sweeping views of Manarola and neighbouring towns.

Thanks to some rustic charm and wisteria-draped hotels, Positano is widely regarded as the most photogenic town in Italy. As the most sophisticated resort on the central Amalfi Coast, it’s also the most expensive. The enviable location allows visitors to travel by boat to nearby Capri, Ischia and the Grotta dello Smeraldo. You can also choose to spend a day on Fornillo beach, a smaller alternative to the popular Spiaggia Grande.

Located where the mountain meets the sea and where citrus plantations alternate with deep valleys, Sorrento is set in an extraordinary landscape. Set within the province of Naples, the old town is known for producing lace and ceramics. Sip a glass of Falanghina, and soak up the atmosphere of Piazza Tasso – a people-watcher’s paradise. Beach options are limited: Amalfi Coast to the north, rolling countryside to the east and stunning Capri just offshore. But, luckily, the prime location of the town easily makes up for that.

Portofino and the distinctive half-moon harbour are located on the coast of Liguria, in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. Having become increasingly upmarket in recent years, it’s popular with the rich and famous – you’ll notice plenty of luxurious superyachts adorning the horizon here. Hike up to Castello Brown, the 15th-century castle, for some spectacular views.

In the province of Bari, Polignano a Mare is perched upon limestone cliffs overlooking the azure sea. The historic old town features a maze of houses and narrow alleyways, as well as panoramic terraces offering views of the Adriatic Sea. Along with the rich history, Polignano is known for world-class cliff-diving opportunities, having previously hosted the Red Bull diving competition.

Part of the Cinque Terre, Riomaggiore is the largest and most easterly of the five villages. Sitting upon the unspoilt blue waters of the Gulf of Genoa, the spot is famed for the sweet wine Sciacchetrà, made from Bosco, Vermentino and Albarola grapes. The multi-coloured ravine of pastel buildings here is where the Sentiero Azzurro (Blue Path) begins. You can embark on the first section between Riomaggiore and Manarola, which is also known as Via Dell’Amore (Lovers’ Path). It’s one of the most beautiful places in Northern Italy.

Amalfi lies at the mouth of a deep ravine at the foot of Monte Cerreto. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and coastal scenery, it’s modestly sized: visitors can walk from one edge of town to the other in 20 minutes. Amalfi boasts sun-filled piazzas and small beaches; its many squares are connected by pedestrian streets flanked with souvenir shops, perfect for stocking up on cameo brooches and limoncello. Also, don’t miss a visit to the Duomo di Amalfi, a 9th-century Roman Catholic structure. Ascend the steps, then admire the beautiful mosaics and magnificent ceiling detail. Check into one of the best hotels in town.

Just two minutes away from the town, Atrani is the wealthy residence for the most powerful Amalfi families. Traditional houses climb up the valley from the beach, broken up by lemon terraces and colourful gardens. As the smallest town in Southern Italy, the ancient medieval structure remains incredibly intact.

Santa Cesarea Terme sits atop a rugged plateau overlooking the sea in Puglia, on the ‘heel’ of Southern Italy. The town is characterised by architecture typical of the early 20th century, while the coast is punctuated with thermal springs, situated within four natural caves. A pathway through the woods leads to the higher part of the town, which boasts beautiful views of the Salento coast, all the way up to the headland of Santa Maria di Leuca. Santa Cesarea Terme isn’t as popular with international tourists as it is with with Italians themselves, making it all the more authentic.

To get the best view of its golden-hued palazzi and domes dominating the horizon, make sure you arrive in Cagliari by sea. This location boasts the best of both worlds: a rich history (the town is peppered with Roman ruins) and a youthful atmosphere, as found on the stylish Poetto beach.There’s also a fantastic range of places to stay.

This town sits high above the sea along the Lattari mountain range, 365m (1,200ft) to be exact. The views from Ravello are extraordinary. Start at the Villa Rufolo and take the quintessential picture over the Norman and Moorish-style tower and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Wind through the town’s pedestrian-only lanes to the Villa Cimbrone to visit the well-tended gardens and walk the precipitous and sculpture-lined Terrace of Infinity. The two-hour walk between the town’s main square Piazza Duomo and Piazza Fontana Moresca is filled with 11th- and 12th-century churches, romantic crumbling villas and gleaming restored hotels where celebrities and royalty once stayed on their visits to this exclusive destination. There is probably no music venue quite as scenic as the stage at the Oscar Niemeyer Auditorium – suspended over the sea, international and Italian artists perform here on evenings in the summer months. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.

Blink and you will miss it while driving along the 50km (30mi) of the SS 163, the twisty Amalfi Coast road – Conca dei Marini is tiny. You will find this fishing village in between Amalfi and Furore. The most striking attraction here is the Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto). Luigi Buonocore, a local sailor, made this a popular tourist stop in the 1930s. Take the quick boat trip to this grotto inside a cave where the sunlight hits the walls to create a viridescent effect on the water. This is also the destination for the traveller with a sweet tooth. The sfogliatella Santa Rosa is a flaky, orange-scented, ricotta stuffed pastry, and was created in the 17th century by nuns from the Convent of Santa Rosa. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.

Cetara is a sweet sleepy fishing village at the Vietri sul Mare end of the Amalfi Coast. Anchovy and tuna fishermen repair their nets every day on the pier next to their painted fishing boats. There is a small beach across from the pier facing the beautiful Collata Bay. The Aragonese tower at the eastern edge of the beach once stood watch over the town from sea invasions of Saracen pirates – today, there are occasionally art shows inside. Ask for directions to Lannio Beach – after a long flight of stairs down to the water you will find a small stretch of sand instead of pebbles. Cetara is famous for its salted anchovy sauce called colatura, which dates back to the Roman era. Recommended by Gillian McGuire.