10 Most Beautiful Beach Towns in Italy

Italy is a beautiful country filled with amazing food and remarkable culture. For many, Italy is a dream vacation destination for foodies, culture enthusiasts and wine snobs alike. However, the beautiful beaches of Italy are not often the first reason for someone’s vacation to the country, as many cite the food, the wine, or the historic cities as to why they are visiting. The beach towns of Italy are not to be overlooked. Towns and small cities along the coast provide scenic views, crystal blue oceans, as well as the amazing food and wine. If you are looking to visit some lesser known, yet just as beautiful beach towns in Italy, here are the top 10 you should visit!

10. Portofino

An ancient Roman colony turned star-studded fishing village of only about 400, Portofino unique crescent moon shape and multicolored houses create amazing panoramic pictures. Located in the Genoa province and characterized by large super yachts, many famous stars such as Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow have been seen vacationing there, although it has been a popular destination for stars since the early 20th century. Another place of interest in Portofino is the Christ of the Abyss statue that was placed underwater to protect fishermen and scuba divers. Although it may be popular with the stars, Portofino can be an amazing beach vacation spot with a chance to spot someone famous while you walk along the shore.

9. Cagliari

If you want to see colorful traditional Italian architecture, stunning beaches, have access to great shopping and restaurants, and plenty of wildlife, Cagliari has it all. Wild flamingos roam in marshes while you can roam the plentiful green spaces and kilometers of beaches on the island of Sardinia’s capital. This city holds youthful beaches and many Roman ruins sprinkled throughout. Poetto, the main beach, features clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches for 8 kilometers. For those who love older architecture, Cagliari boasts many original buildings, including churches that date back to the 14th century.

8. Sperlonga

Located on the western side of Italy, in the province of Latina, Sperlonga is a small seaside town that holds roots in medieval times. Once a vacation spot for Roman Emperor Tiberius, the sandy white beaches and quaint town provide a quiet vacation for those wanting to enjoy local shopping and cuisine. Sperlonga is a lesser known town, with most traveling in the area going to Capri instead. The quiet nature of the sleepy town means a more authentic travel experience, like you are one of the locals! The beautiful beaches and white buildings create a scenic view that is one not to be missed.

7. Scilla

Terracotta buildings line the quaint coast of the fishing village of Scilla, in the province of Calabria, on the toe of Italy. Not as popular with tourists, who often pass the town on the way to Sicily, Scilla hosts many Italian travelers, a castle, and crystal blue waters. The area is also known as the Violet Coast, for the beautiful purple flowers that grace the hills. Climbing the castle, visitors can look out to Sicily or enjoy a gorgeous night view of the small town of about 6,000. For unique shopping and a relaxing vacation, Scilla cannot be missed.

6. Vernazza

With the only natural port in Cinque Terre, Vernazza hosts colorful houses rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, and a bell tower. A 15th century castle, Doria Castle, sits above, protecting the bay from the pirates that used to populate the sea. The turquoise water sparkle, inviting tourists down to the wonderful beaches. The are also provides beautiful hiking trails, which connect the five villages in the Cinque Terre National Park. In the port, you can take boat rides to nearby other port cities including Portofino and Manarola.

5. Manarola

A small village of only about 400 in the province of La Spezia, Liguria, Manarola is best known for being one of the oldest coastal towns in Liguria. Here, a local wine called Sciacchetrà is a must try. The bright buildings on top of high black rocks create a picturesque small village on the seaside. Part of five other villages in Cinque Terre National Park, many tourists hike through the National Park to visit all five. The Church of San Lorenzo is a beautiful must see that was originally built as a bell tower to warn of pirates in the 14th century. For a coastal city with lots of hiking, Manarola provides the best of mountains and ocean.

4. Polignano a Mare

From white houses perched on limestone cliffs to the turquoise Adriatic Sea washing up to white pebble beaches, Polignano a Mare in the Puglia province is a little-known beach town in the boot of Italy. Although it hosts a population of under 20,000, most tourists rarely travel down far enough to see its beautiful seaside. A town of rich history, the area has been settled before the Romans even arrived. For thrill seekers, cliff diving is a popular sport, but those wanting a relaxing vacation can find many areas to peacefully relax on the beach.

3. Riccione

In the province of Rimini, Riccione is a popular tourist destination of young adults and families alike. Riccione hosts many summer festivals and is very popular with cyclists. Additionally, the small city boasts one of the largest water parks in Italy, giving plenty of activities for families. Because of the number of families visiting, many of the hotels and beaches offer kid’s clubs that offer babysitting so parents can explore the magnificent town on their own. The nightlife in Riccione is also spectacular nightlife with dozens of night clubs for the young adults who frequent the city.

2. Forio

On the island of Ischia, Forio is very popular with other Italians on vacation but is often not visited by other tourists. With mineral-rich thermal waters, Italians swear by its healing powers at the popular thermal park located in the town. Or take a day trip to the natural hot springs not far from Forio. With charming shops and amazing gelato, Forio is a hidden gem. Another popular destination is the watch tower, Torrione. Built to protect the shores of the island in the 15th century, the tower still stands, looming over the bay.

1. Positano

From turquoise blue ocean, to the colorful pastel buildings line the coastal mountains, Positano, Italy is the perfect cliffside beach town. Located on the Amalfi Coast, in the province of Salerno, Positano once served as a trade route and fishing village and now hosts tourists from all over the world. In addition, this city has long been a yearly vacation, even for the famous. This unique town hosts a population of around 4,000 and offers a quiet seaside vacation with quaint shops, gorgeous beaches, and wonderful green cliffs with citrus trees galore supporting the local made Limoncello. For a peaceful and beautiful seaside and cliffside vacation, Positano is a wonderful vacation spot.

Although known for ancient Roman architecture, food, and wine, Italy offers numerous beach towns to delight any tourist. Whether you want a bustling small city of Riccione or the more peaceful Manarola, there are many beautiful beaches to visit on all sides of Italy. Colorful houses, crystal turquoise waters, white sand beaches, old castles and watch towers, and even wild animals can be found at the towns on this list. If you want a more unique getaway, all ten of these beach towns in Italy offer a wonderful and beautiful vacation.

So have you been to Italy? What’s your favorite Italian beach destination? Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas.