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The 10 most beautiful Italy cities on the coast not to miss

Italy cities on the coast are without any doubt among the most beautiful and picturesque places that exist on Earth.

Golden sandy beaches, picturesque ports, and colorful houses climbed on top of cliffs overlooking the sea, are just some of the things that make these coast cities in Italy a must-see when visiting Italy.

Italian cities are colourful and vibrant, a real magnet for tourists!

No matter if you are looking for secluded villages located on the Italian coast or for places full of tourists or for beach cities in Italy like Portofino or Sorrento, this guide has them all.

These Italian coastal towns are located all over the country and on the Italian islands so no matter which part of Italy you plan to visit you will find a coastal town within a short distance from your place.

The Italian coast has many different kinds of beach towns, from the largest resorts to the small and colorful Cinque Terre villages.

You definitely have to visit the iconic Positano, one of the most beautiful places in Italy coast packed with many authentically Italian elements.

There is also Amalfi coastal Italian city with its 9th century Duomo and the nearby Atrami a smaller but equally beautiful town with citrus terraces and old buildings climbed on top of the cliffs offering spectacular views of the area.

Then we have the beautiful islands of Sardinia, Sicily, Elba, and Levanzo which are home to one of the most incredible coastal Italian cities.

Manarola Italy italy cities on the coast
Manarola Italy city on the coast

For example, Cagliari has a lot of Roman ruins and golden sandy beaches. Cefalu in Sicily is famous for ancient megalithic structures.

What is interesting about Italian coastal towns is that they are not like other cities or towns.

First of all, these are more villages packed with narrow lanes, magnificent coastal panoramas, and really of buildings.

Now that you know about some of the most beautiful Italian cities on the coast, it’s time to make a list of them.

Write down what activities you can do in each city.

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Italy cities on the coast

1. Positano

One of the most beautiful scenic Italian cities on the coast is Positano considered by many tourists and locals as the prettiest town in Italy.

Most important, it is located right in the heart of the Amalfi Coast, on the Italian Riviera.

If you want to explore the Amalfi Coast, the islands of Ischia and Capri, and also southern Italy, Positano is a great place to stay.

Positano Italy Most Baautiful cities on the coast
Positano Italy Most Beautiful cities on the coast

You can visit Capri and Ischia by boat. You can also see the Grotta Dello Smeraldo, which is a very beautiful place.

It is one of the most spectacular Italy city on the coast with pristine beaches and limestone cliffs.

I love the views and the scenery in Positano. As I have noted, it is one of the best cities on the coast of Italy!

The way the houses are built on top of the steep cliffs and the panorama is just amazing!

Sleeping in Positano

Located right in the beautiful town of Positano about 3 minutes walk from the beach, the 4-stars Hotel Punta Regina Amalfi is the place where you spend your night in the area.

Hotel Punta Regina Amalfi pool area
Hotel Punta Regina Amalfi pool area

This hotel is wonderful! It has an amazing rooftop pool, a cozy restaurant, and great views of the sea and Positano.

Hotel Punta Regina Amalfi breakfast area
Hotel Punta Regina Amalfi breakfast area

The buffet breakfast contains freshly baked bread, cold cuts, and cheese but also some delicious Italian cakes.

Hotel Punta Regina Amalfi room
Hotel Punta Regina Amalfi room

You can get drinks and snacks from the bar during the day. If you want to go on excursions or tours, ask the reception for help in planning your activities.

2. Manarola

Manarola is one of the most beautiful places in Cinque Terre National Park.

It is also one of the most interesting cities on the coast of Italy.

The city has very interesting and unique geography with colorful and vibrant houses and wonderful views!

Manarola Italy
Manarola Italy

Most visitors say that Manarola is the most colorful town in the world. When you see it, you will fall in love with it.

Manarola cities on the coast of Italy
Manarola cities on the coast of Italy

The area has a lot of vineyards and the houses are built on the cliffs. This creates a great view from the sea and from the air.

Wine tasting is an extremely popular activity in the area and the wine found here have really high quality.

One of the best experiences I have ever had was visiting San Lorenzo church and staying in the city until sunset.

I got to see the sunset from Manarola, which was just incredible.

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Where to sleep

Olimpo Affittacamere Manarola is our choice for Manarola, a wonderful guesthouse located about 1.3 km from Riomaggiore Beach and 2.5 km from Corniglia Beach.

Olimpo Affittacamere Manarola overview
Olimpo Affittacamere Manarola overview

This guesthouse is close to the center of the city and has clean rooms. There is also a patio that people can use to see the town.

Olimpo Affittacamere Room
Olimpo Affittacamere Room

Each room has air conditioning, satellite TV, a fridge, a hairdryer, and a kettle. The bathrooms also have free toiletries and a shower.

3. Sorrento

If you want to explore the islands of Capri and Ischia, Sorrento is the perfect place to set up camp. It’s one of the most fascinating Italian cities on the coast.

Sorrento is an Italian coastal city located where the Tyrrhenian sea meets the mountains.

It is surrounded by many lemon plantations and is famous for its landscape, ceramics, and lace.

Sorrento cathedral
Sorrento cathedral

We recommend that you try some Limoncello while you are in Sorrento. Limoncello is a traditional beverage made from local lemon juice, sugar and water.

Get lost in the narrow streets of the town. Sip a coffee or a glass of wine in Piazza Tasso. Enjoy the good vibe of the area and the sun.

Sorrento Italy city on the coast
Sorrento Italy city on the coast

Sorrento does not have its own beach, but you can visit the beaches in the towns of Amalfi coast and Capri. They make for perfect day trips.

Where to sleep

Located just 700 meters away from the center of the city, Cioffi Sorrento Rooms is a beautiful B&B, exactly what you need for your overnight stay in this magnificent place.

Cioffi Sorrento Rooms balcony view
Cioffi Sorrento Rooms balcony view

Peter’s Beach is a kilometer away from the hotel. You can walk to all the major attractions from there.

Cioffi Sorrento Rooms room
Cioffi Sorrento Rooms room

Each room has its own bathroom and bidet, a flat TV, a minibar, and air conditioning to stay cool during the summer.

4. Riomaggiore

Also part of the Cinque Terre National Park, Riomaggiore is one of the best cities on the coast in Italy and the south of the 5 villages from the park.

Riomaggiore is one of the five towns in the area. It is the biggest town and used to be a fishing village.

Now it is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Italy.

Riomaggiore Italy city on the coast
Riomaggiore Italy city on the coast

Like Manarola, the other beautiful Cinque Terre village, Riomaggiore’s houses are built up on the cliffs and is packed with colorful houses.

The village is home to a 14th-century church and a medieval castle which you definitely have to see.

Book a wine tour while in the area and taste their famous Sciacchetra, a sweet wine made from Bosco, Vermentino, and Albarola grapes.

Riomaggiore
Riomaggiore

Some of the most popular hiking routes from the area start in Riomaggiore:

  • the Lover’s Path or Via Dell’Amore which connects Riomaggiore with Manarola
  • Blue Path or Sentiero Azzuro

Where to sleep

Alla Marina Affittacamere Riomagiore is a beautiful hotel located in an old building dating from the mid-13th century completely refurbished in 2011.

The hotel is located right in the Riomaggiore harbor, 4 minutes walk from the train station and about 1 minute from the beach.

Alla Marina Affittacamere Riomagiore room
Alla Marina Affittacamere Riomagiore room

The rooms are modernly furnished and clean with parquet floors, LCD TV, and a minibar while the bathroom come with a hairdryer and good quality amenities.

5. Amalfi

On the foot of Monte Cerreto, in the province of Salerno lies the city of Amalfi, one of the most stunning Italy city on the coast!

Surrounded by amazing sceneries and dramatic cliffs, the town of Amalfi has some very beautiful beaches and cozy piazzas where to lay on a terrace, drink a coffee and enjoy the serenity of the place.

Amalfi Salerno Italy Coast Cities
Amalfi Salerno Italy Coast Cities

The town of Amalfi Italy coast is really small, located in a ravine and in about 20 minutes you can walk from one side to another.

While in the area, don’t hesitate and visit the Duomo di Sant’Andrea Apostolo a beautiful roman catholic church built in the XIX century, the perfect example of a Roman Catholic structure.

Amalfi town
Amalfi town

Amalfi is also a great place to try the Italian famous liquor made from local lemon juice, Limoncello, and enjoy the views of the nearby sea.

Where to sleep

Nh Collection Grand Hotel Convento Di Amalfi is a beautiful 5 stars hotel located on top of a cliff in a former monastery from the 13th century about 7 minutes from the beach.

Nh Collection Grand Hotel Convento Di Amalfi outdoor area
Nh Collection Grand Hotel Convento Di Amalfi outdoor area

The rooms have a view of the sea, marble bathrooms, and terracotta floors. Guests can relax at the infinity pool or at the wellness center.

Nh Collection Grand Hotel Convento Di Amalfi room
Nh Collection Grand Hotel Convento Di Amalfi room

Breakfast is extremely varied and tasty and the property boasts two amazing restaurants where you can dine each night choosing from Italian dishes and Mediterranean cuisine.

6. Cagliari

The capital of the province named Sardinia, Cagliari which means „castle” in the local language welcomes its tourists and visitors with its hilltop Castello, a medieval castle overlooking the entire city.

Cagliari Italy city on the coast, italian cities on the coast
best of the Italian cities on the coast Cagliari

Cagliari, one of the most beautiful Italy cities on the coast is a place with a very rich history and with many ancient ruins.

Cagliari is a coastal town in Italy that locals call Casteddu.

One of my favorite things about it is the Archeologico Nazionale di Cagliari museum.

This museum has a lot of interesting things to see, like bronze objects, artifacts from the Nuragic age to the Byzantine era, and Roman ceramics.

Cagliari Spiaggia di Monte Cogoni Cagliari Province of Italy
Cagliari Spiaggia di Monte Cogoni Cagliari Province of Italy

The Poetto beach is a beautiful place that you must see. Families with young children enjoy spending days there in the summer.

They eat outside and watch the flamingoes nearby.

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The Bastione San Remy is a famous building in this Italian city by the coast. It has an arch and pillars made from limestone.

You should also visit Pizza Indipendenza while you are in the area. The views from there are amazing!

Where to sleep

Neko Boutique Hotel Cagliari is an adults-only hotel very modern and chic located close to Cagliari Center.

Neko Boutique Hotel Cagliari room
Neko Boutique Hotel Cagliari room

The rooms, the breakfast, and the services are great and the location is perfect for exploring the town!

Neko Boutique Hotel Cagliari lobby
Neko Boutique Hotel Cagliari lobby

The closest airport to the hotel is Cagliari Elmas, which is only 10 kilometers away.

Additionally, the main attractions of the city including Torre dell’Elefante, Cagliari Courthouse, and Bastione di Saint Remy are all within walking distance from the hotel.

7. Atrani

Atrani was the place where wealthy people come to spend their holiday or to live their daily lives close to sandy beaches and breathtaking sceneries.

If you go to this Italian coastal town, you will quickly understand why it is the best Italy city on the coast.

Atrani Beach Italy coast cities
Atrani Beach Italy coast cities

The town is located on the southern part of the Italian coast and burst of traditional houses, medieval buildings, and beautiful gardens.

Firstly, Atrani is a wonderful fishermen’s village with many signs which indicate the glory period of the old times.

Atrani Italy
Atrani Italy

The colorful houses are displayed on the cliffs and down to the beach with many lemon gardens around.

Atrani is one of the smallest towns in the area but it is packed with many medieval ruins and wonderful views.

Where to sleep

Frennesia Luxury Rooms Atrani is the place where you have to stay when you visit this beautiful village, a hotel that is located close to Atrani Beach, Lido Delle Sirene Beach and Marina Grande Beach.

Frennesia Luxury Rooms Atrani room view
Frennesia Luxury Rooms Atrani room view

The rooms are clean and offer a great view of the blue waters surrounding the town. Each room comes equipped with air conditioning, a TV, and also a fridge.

Frennesia Luxury Rooms Atrani room
Frennesia Luxury Rooms Atrani room

Breakfast at the property is tasty and fresh and contains Italian products and gluten-free dishes so that everyone will find something tasty to eat before hitting the road.

8. Polignano a Mare

Located in the Italian province of Bari, on top of some cliffs, Polignano a Mare is without any doubt one of the most spectacular cities of Italy on the coast.

It offers stunning views from the terraces and the place is known among water lovers as the best diving spot in Italy.

Polignano a Mare Italy
Polignano a Mare Italy

In the past, many diving competitions were held here and tourists and sportives from all over the world rush each summer to this place.

This old town is packed with narrow streets and historic buildings with beautiful facades so book some time to walk along the streets of Polignano once you get here.

Finally, you can spend the day roaming around or perfecting your tan at the golden beach right in the city’s heart.

Polignano a Mare town Italian coast
Polignano a Mare town Italian coast

Get some ice cream and enjoy the sunset. The views are amazing and there’s no better way to end your day than a gelato and a great view.

Where to stay

Located about 2.8 km from the famous Lama Monachile Beach, San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel and Spa is the best place where to spend your night while in Polignano a Mare.

San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel and Spa pool
San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel and Spa pool

The hotel features a restaurant where you can serve breakfast and dinner, a free parking place, and a shared lounge.

San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel and Spa room
San Lorenzo Boutique Hotel and Spa room

Each room comes equipped with a TV with satellite channels, air conditioning, a hairdryer, a kettle, and a desk.

9. Levanzo

Levanzo is a small island in Sicily. It is located on the western coast of Sicily and is one of the three Egadi Islands.

This beach town in Italy is one of the most authentic towns in the area with stone buildings that stands out from the blue waters of the sea.

Levanzo Italy
Levanzo Italy

It is a fairytale place with stone walls, simple dwellings, and dusty tracks so you definitely have to explore it.

The main attractions in the town are the Grotta del Genovese, one of the best-preserved examples of prehistoric art.

Levanzo Sicily
Levanzo Sicily

Spend some time in the warm waters of the sea. Let yourself relax in the peaceful landscapes of the area.

Where to stay

Located 3 minutes from the beach and offering amazing views of the sea and the island of Levanzo, I Pretti Resort is the best choice to spend your night when exploring this part of Italy.

I Pretti Resort aerial view
I Pretti Resort aerial view

The hotel has luxury suites and is surrounded by gardens. It is also conveniently located near the town center and the Art Nouveau Palazzo Florio.

I Pretti Resort room
I Pretti Resort room

Breakfast is included in the room rate and consists mostly of sweet pastries, coffee, and tea as well as croissants.

10. Ravello

Located on top of the Bay of Salerno, Ravello is the town from the sky as many like to name it as it is closer to the sky than to the sea.

Ravello Italy
Ravello Italy

The views are exciting and very beautiful. Many artists from different parts of the world like to come here.

The villas in this town are very old. Most of them date back to the 13th century, like Villa Rufolo.

This is a great example of Moorish style architecture.

villa rufolo ravello italy
villa rufolo ravello italy

Ravello is a popular place for indoor and outdoor events, among which the most important is Ravello Festival which takes place each summer.

Where to stay

Located just 100 meters from downtown, Hotel Graal offers spectacular views over the Salerno Gulf.

The closest beach is about 20 minute walk from the hotel, so you can go on foot and enjoy the warm waters of the sea.

Hotel Graal balcony view
Hotel Graal balcony view

Each room from the hotel comes with satellite TV, hydromassage baths, and furnished balconies offering amazing views of the area.

Hotel Graal room
Hotel Graal room

On-site there are two restaurants, open during the summer and Christmas holidays offering unique and tasty dishes from the Italian cuisine.

Conclusion:

These are the best Italian cities on the coast!

The western part of this peninsula is more spectacular than the east coast but on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, you might find some interesting towns like Ancone, Pescara, or Bari.

But in my opinion, these are not as beautiful as the ones mentioned in the list above!

These are the ideal places to set your camp and explore the surroundings!

Book enough time for each of them and for the nearby region because there are many stunning sceneries and interesting places to visit!

FAQ

Which 3 Italian cities are located on the coast?

All the Italian cities are amazing but the cities located on the coast come with something extra: houses perched on top of cliffs, stunning views over the sea, and medieval buildings.

It is quite hard to pick just 3 Italian cities on the coast as all are extremely beautiful, but my favorite ones are Positano, Manarola, and Sorrento.

What is the most beautiful coastal town in Italy?

Positano is by far the most popular and famous Italian city on the coast mostly because of its stunning views, interesting landscape, and wonderful beaches.

Many tourists name it the prettiest town in the world, and you will understand easily why from the moment you get close to it.

Which Italian city is located on the coast?

Polignano a Mare, Manarola, Positano, and Sorento are just some of the cities located on the coast. If you are looking for something indeed spectacular located on the Adriatic Coast then head to Polignano a Mare.

Which coast of Italy is best?

All the cities on the Italy coast are beautiful and have something unique that attracts tourists from all over the world.

Naming just one is not fair so that is why I would name Positano as the prettiest one and Manarola and Riomaggiore as the most colorful ones.

What cities are on the Amalfi coast in Italy?

The following 13 cities, towns and villages are part of the Amalfi coast: Amalfi, Cetara, Atrani, Furore, Conca de’Marini, Maiori, Positano, Minori, Ravello, Praiano, Tramonti, Scala,and the last but not least Vietri sul Mare.

Which is the biggest city on Italy’s eastern coast?

The biggest city on the east Italian coast is Venice, one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in the world.

This unique city accessible only on foot and by boat attracts thousands of tourists every year and is the perfect place to go if you are looking for something different and unique.

Logistical tips and tricks for your trip

Book your accommodation

We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.

You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.

Don't forget travel insurance

We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money, plus COVID coverage.

When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.

Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected events and cost like illness, COVID, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.

We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.

Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.

We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.

Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.

We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.

Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.

Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.