The beautiful coastal towns in Italy make the most beautiful spots in the country because they are a combination of sea, sand, and sun. Otranto has an ancient backdrop. Ischia offers a relaxed vibe. Portofino shines with urban glamour. Capri, with its sun-kissed charm, is a lovely resort community.
The miles you travel will reveal many beach options all over Italy. These towns have some of Italy’s best hotels. They also enjoy them for good food, culture, and harbor sailing.
Even a winter sports lover does not have to go to the Italian coast in the off-season. Your decision is still a matter of taste, where to go and fall in love with a coastal town. Scroll down to see 20 of Italy’s quality beach villages.
There are popular places to visit, such as Positano and up-and-coming Porto Ercole. Many of these villages sit on Italy’s best beaches. Condé Nast Traveler promotes accommodation options there.
Ravello, Campania
Ravello sits high on a mountain, three miles above Amalfi. It’s more than just a pretty view. There are a plethora of restaurants, cafes, museums, and rustic villas here.
Villa Rufolo, built in the 13th century, offers stunning views and lovely gardens. It is also famous for its numerous musical values.
German composer Richard Wagner lived here in the 1800s. Each summer, there’s an outdoor concert series celebrating his works. It should not be surprising that Ravello has become one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Italy.
Best Time to Visit Ravello
The same goes for Italy. Like the relaxation of the U.S., the first-class time to go to Ravello is in early spring. In March and April, the city and gardens shine.
The terraced gardens are full of green leaves, crimson flora, and fresh growth everywhere. The busiest month on the Amalfi Coast is usually August.
That’s when many Italians take their summer vacation. A great option is mid-September to mid-October. The weather is perfect, plus you might see the olive harvest. Winter is off-season. Crowds are small, and the weather can be tough.
Many tourist businesses shut down by mid-October. High above the Amalfi Coast, Ravello is among the most beautiful coastal towns in Italy; hence, it is one of the destinations that tourists can visit all year round.
Villa Cimbrone is a top hotel in Ravello, Italy.
It presents an attitude of sophistication and a historical atmosphere. It is an excellent hotel with the best facilities.
These amenities give guests modern comforts. They can enjoy the charm of the old-time town.
Relax on the terrace in comfy deck chairs. Take in the breathtaking views of the Amalfi Coast. Then head back to your luxurious room, which has excellent amenities.
The motel has a connoisseur’s eating place serving Mediterranean delicacies. This upscale place is famous for its great service and an amazing dining experience.
Hotel Villa Cimbrone in Ravello offers these room prices on Booking.com. Prices include taxes, fees, and breakfast:
US$2,117 per night in a Deluxe Double Room with Balcony and Sea View (total ~US$7,021 for three nights).
A sea view junior suite will cost approximately US$2,340 per night or approximately US$7,758 for a three-night stay.
These prices include breakfast, city tax, and VAT.
Momondo, Kayak (room-only mainly):
Standard rooms start at US$464 per night. Classic rooms are about US$494. Double rooms can cost US$739.
Euro-based, Momondo: Superior ~428, Queen ~560, Classic ~286/night
Additional Sources:
On its principal website, rooms are recommended to be booked at a price of “starting at 482 Euros/night”.
The best rate available on Booked.net is 759 USD per night.
The highlights of Ravello and its vicinity.
In Ravello :
Villa Rufolo, built in the 13th century, features beautiful gardens and amazing sea views. It also has a rich musical history. The bottom garden hosts concerts.
Villa Cimbrone is famous for the Terrace of Infinity. It offers one of the best views of the sea in Italy. Its gardens are open to general perusal.
Duomo di Ravello: In the cathedral, there is the Gospel Pulpit from 1272 and early mosaics.
Other locations would be the Sanctuary of Sts. Cosmas and Damian, Santa Maria a Grasparossa, San Giovanni del Toro, and La Rondinaia, the cliff house once owned by Gore Vidal.
The territory is full of gems, such as Minori, a quiet seaside resort town 20 minutes away. It’s miles known for its Roman ruins, lemon sweets, and beautiful waterfront views.
In about 25 minutes, you can reach Amalfi on a steep downhill path. From there, you will be able to appreciate the beautiful Duomo and taste a spritz.
Tramonti: Tasting wines and undiscovered wineries.
Wonderful Walks: Via Santa Chiara Enjoy real relaxation after visiting Villa Cimbrone. Take an amble down a quiet seaside walk past quaint village cottages.
Hiking trails: It features the famous Path of the Gods nearby. Hikers can also take routes to Ravello and Amalfi, which have thousands of steps. The only alternative is the trail to Maiori, passing through lemon groves.
Cefalù, Sicily
The beautiful town of Cefalù is an hour’s power ride away, east of Palermo. It sits between mountains and the sea in Sicily. It is not very big, though it is favored especially by sun worshippers who are located elsewhere in Italy. The location isn’t well known for filming.
Yet it also has beautiful beaches, wonderful eating places, and vibrant nightlife. This is especially true in summer, when the population increases threefold
It is now best recognized as one of the shooting locations of the second season of The White Lotus. It is not puzzling why this is regularly classified as one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Italy.
Best Time to Visit Cefalù, Sicily
It has great weather, with temperatures around 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F). Plus, there are fewer visitors. The beach and sightseeing shine in the shoulder seasons.
This includes late spring, like May and June, and early fall, like September and October. The weather in spring is such that it is easy to explore it. The colder, calmer days invite you to get outside and enjoy.
Summer is the busiest and priciest season. November through February offers a less hectic experience known as winter. It’s not so hot, and some tourist places there may close early. The shoulder seasons are great times to enjoy the beauty of Italy’s coastal towns.
Best things to see and do in Cefalù.
Duomo di Cefalù (cattedrale)
comprises a gorgeous twelfth-century cathedral interspersed with Norman, Arab, and Byzantine designs. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its famous Christ Pantokrator mosaics.
Scale La Rocca
Adventurous visitors can hike the rocky peninsula. They will absorb panoramic views of the town and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Visiting old ruins, such as the Temple of Diana, is a plus.
The Shores
Staying at Porto Vecchio beach and Spiaggia di Cefalù, you feel your best when sunbathing and swimming. You are allowed to relax further along the banks or hire sunbeds (around 35 to 65 euros in peak season).
The spot where one jumps off the pier and swims and explores colder seas is Porto Pescara.
Visit the Old Town.
Take a break in the course of your visit in the small medieval alleys in order to locate the Lavatoio Medievale (medieval washhouse). Enjoy sweet cafés and shops, and be sure to try some local food such as cannoli and arancini! This is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Italy that one has to visit due to its charm.
Mandralisca Museum
You can discover archaeology, art, and the famous portrait of Antonello da Messina here. It’s a hidden cultural gem.
Natural Park Madonie
A lush mountain area with treks, ancient communities, and natural shelters is nearby. It’s a great escape to fresh air, different from the coast.
Bastione di Capo Marchiafava’s sunset view
The calm cliffside site with a panoramic view is perfectly suited for the golden hour.
Adventures & Boat Tours
You can enjoy boat tours, paddleboarding, and snorkeling in the bay around Cefal. Don’t forget to admire the beautiful buoys! It is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Italy and an interesting place for a holiday.
Top 5 Hotels in Cefalù — Details and Booking Insights
- Baie du Calette, le Calette N. cinq Nf5, la Calette Bay.
Overview: A posh shop hotel has a tranquil-feeling beach called Le Calette Bay, which is privately owned. It also includes Le Calette N.5, a luxurious five-star resort. This is an exquisite park that offers beautiful views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.
The center has a spa and wellness area. There are several restaurants, a gym, and a playground. You can also enjoy a shuttle service and pools.
Price: approx. 259 euros per night in the high season months.
Stay in a beautiful park by the coast. The resort-like facilities create a lovely, relaxing blend.
2. Victoria Palace Hotel Cefal L U
Last visited: 2012. This is a modern 4-star hotel. It features glass-fronted rooms, some with balconies. The style is minimalist. This seaside area is located ten minutes away from the cathedral.
It features a rooftop lawn, an outdoor pool, and loose parking. You can enjoy an exclusive beach, a local beach, and free breakfast, too.
Stay reasons: tremendous facilities, both family-friendly and couple-friendly, beachside location, and sleek design.
- Hotel Kalura:
A beautiful rocky cove lies east of town. A 20-minute walk from there, you reach a family-friendly, 4-star hotel with ocean views to die for.
The facilities include:
- A private beach
- A seasonal outdoor swimming pool
- A children’s pool
- A restaurant
- A tennis court
- A playground
- Fitness centers
- Wellness programs
Price: approx. 242 Euros/night (the equivalent of 242 Euros/night from the source has been converted).
Why stay: It’s good for families and travelers who like the action. You can enjoy both relaxation and fun activities.
- Artemis Hotel Overview:
This stylish small hotel is near the central train station and Cefalù’s cathedral. Located in an old convent (“monastery”), it’s a great spot.
Amenities include a fitness center, free breakfast, and parking. It has an outdoor roof deck, Wi-Fi, and a variety of activities that are family friendly.
Price: Prices begin at approximately $116 (about 105) per night.
Why stay? It’s a sweet, useful, and historic base in a very good location at a pretty, not too bad price.
5. Cefalù? Sea Palace.
Description: a five-star luxurious resort waterside and on the periphery of the city. It has breathtaking sights of the sea and the city.
Amenities:
- Rooftop restaurant
- Wellness/spa services
- Private beach area
- Pools with whirlpools
Price: around €180 per night.
Reasons to stay: Experience pure luxury with all the comforts. It is ideal when one loves pampering and stunning views.
Portoferraio, Elba Island, Tuscany.
It now opens to the public. Napoleon Bonaparte used this place as his summer house. It’s also called Villa San Martino. It is among the least accessible islands of Italy to date. In fact, it was the largest island of the Tuscan archipelago, Elba.
It can be seen to be bigger than its rocky sister islands, just like Corsica, the green island. This is thanks to underground springs that keep the island lush year-round.
The capital city, Portoferraio, is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Italy since it receives ferries from the Italian mainland; it is filled with vegetation, attractive secret beaches, and ancient Medici fort remains.
When to Visit the Tuscan Island of Portoferraio. There are quite a few opportunities to spend time in the Seychelles.
High season is from mid-May to September.
Summer is the worst season. There are beaches where you can relax and enjoy snorkeling and swimming, as well as the lively nightlife. The climate is agreeable and is between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.
Mid to late April through early June, and September through October are temperate (spring and fall) months with less tourist traffic. They make for the best hiking, fine wine tasting, and cultural adventure trips.
The low season is winter; it is calm and quiet, but many hotels and attractions may be closed.
Reddit Insider Tip: Visit in mid-May or September. This way, you’ll avoid early spring closures. You’ll enjoy nice weather and fewer crowds.
Best Destinations in Portoferraio and Elba Island
Highlights Portoferraio
Explore the archaeological museum. Visit Palazzina dei Mulini and Villa San Martino, which were two houses of Napoleon. Palazzina dei Mulini and Villa San Martino are the residences of Napoleon and have to be visited. Check out the Medici fortresses, Forte Stella and Forte Falcone.
Beaches & Nature:
Beaches like Cavoli, Fetovaia, La Biodola, and Spiaggia di Bagnaia are among 150 hidden spots. They offer great places to relax and swim in clear water.
Cursos de Natureza e Atividades ao Ar Livre.
To see sweeping vistas, take the Mount Capanne cable car or take a bike ride.
Spectacular neighborhoods and culture:
Dine locally, go on a wine-tasting tour, and even relax in a mud bath.
Luxury Hotels (5-Star) Best Hotels:
Hotel Hermitage: high-level room with a view of the ocean at approximately $277 a night.
Villa Ottone: excellent; rates begin at $381/night ($390).
4-Star Choices:
About 96 lira a night at the Park Hotel Napoleone.
Others, like Hotel Crystal, Fabricia, and Biodola, are in a range of $126 to $149 per night.
3-Star & Cost-Effective:
At Villa Ombrosa: about 142 euros per night.
Prices range from 70 to 150 dollars a night.
The most expensive month is May, with the lowest being December (approximately $82 to €67 per night).
Thursdays are usually cheaper, and Saturdays have high-cost rates.
FAQ
Q1. Why are Italy’s amazing coastal towns so special?
The coastal communities of Italy are interwoven with sea, sun, sand, tradition, and history. Each town has an entirely different combination of nature, charm, and modern-day style. There’s the glamorous Portofino, the romantic Capri, and the ancient Amalfi.
Q2. When do you think it is a good time to visit the beautiful coastal towns in Italy?
The best seasons are early fall (September to October) and spring (April to June). Shoulder seasons feature great weather, less tourist traffic, and hotel prices that are easy on the wallet. July and August are the busiest months; winter is quiet, and most businesses are on vacation.
Q3. Which coastal towns can be considered the must-see places?
Some of the beautiful coastal towns in Italy are made up of:
- Ravello on the Amalfi Coast
- Cefalù, in Sicily.
- Portoferraio, on Elba Island.
- Positano
- Otranto
- Ischia
- Portofino
- Capri
Be it beaches, culture, history, or opulent resorts, they all have something in common.
Q4. So what can a tourist do in this type of town?
Visitors can relax on the beach or sail. They can trek, go on a wine tour, and snore. There’s much more to explore! These include sunset strolls, community dinners, and tune galas.
Q5. What will a trip to the beautiful coastal towns in Italy be like?
It’s the time of year, and the town decides it. Cefalù and Portoferraio are more affordable towns.
Conclusion
One of the most beautiful coastal towns in Italy is its breathtaking seaside towns that feature beautiful landscapes, small villages, an abundance of history, and luxurious stays at the seaside.
Tourists can explore these sites at their leisure. They could bathe in the history of Ravello, feel the Sicilian sense of Cefalù, or travel the green hills and peaceful inlets of Portoferraio in Elba.
Italy’s coastline has something for everyone. For relaxation, there are luxurious resorts.
Plus, enjoy great food and entertainment!
