In case you are searching for inspiration to discover undiscovered Italian coastal cities, you’ve come to the appropriate place.
I’ve spent so a lot of my summers looking for picturesque seashore cities in Italy, which is my residence nation.
Generally little is required to make a keep unforgettable: a backpack, a showering swimsuit, a pair of comfy sneakers, and a terrific want to find.
A hidden hamlet removed from the each day routine may give you feelings you’ve got by no means skilled. The small cities that characterize the Italian peninsula usually converse to us of historical past, myths, and tradition.
If we may add to this additionally a calmness and a way of discovery, the place would you go?
I’m pondering of seaside villages akin to Tellaro in Liguria, a nice various to the coastal villages of the Cinque Terre, cities in wild Sardinia, an island bathed by pristine waters, and even quiet seashore cities close to Rome.
Under are among the finest coastal cities in Italy scenting of sea breeze. Attending to know them will assist you determine the place it’s best to go in Italy this summer season.
Desk of Contents
14 Most Lovely Undiscovered Italian Coastal Cities
1. Fregene, Lazio
You may uncover enchanting coastal cities in Italy even whereas basing your self in a significant metropolis like Rome.
The Everlasting Metropolis may be scorching in summer season, and locals seize each out there alternative to flee to the Tyrrhenian coast.
One of many favourite summer season locations for Romans, situated simply 40 km from the middle of Rome, is the city of Fregene.
Till the mid-Twentieth century, Fregene was nothing greater than a fishing village, located within the northern a part of the municipality, now generally known as the “Villaggio dei Pescatori.”
Nonetheless, because the Sixties, due to some movies by director Federico Fellini set in Fregene, this city has change into well-known all through Italy. From then on, Romans began frequenting its massive, delicate, and darkish sandy seashores, and seashore resorts, trip properties, and eating places emerged.
Many sea-loving locals have determined to settle in Fregene on a long-term foundation. I’ve a number of pals who reside there and who’ve shared with me that Fregene is among the finest coastal locations to reside in Italy.
Immediately, you possibly can go to Fregene to spend enjoyable days on the seaside. When you’re searching for a free seashore, probably the most stunning one is within the northern a part of Fregene’s coast, the place you’ll discover the café “Kiosko.”
As for seashore golf equipment, there’s really an abundance of decisions. A favourite amongst younger adults is Singita, with an off-the-cuff look, full of life throughout aperitivo hours, accompanied by ambient music. For a extra family-friendly and detail-oriented setting,
Albos Membership is a superb choice, full with swimming pools for adults and kids.
For water sports activities fans, the right place is Level Break, situated within the southern a part of the seashore, the place crusing, browsing, and skateboarding are practiced, and there are additionally paddle tennis courts. Many seashore golf equipment supply lunch buffet-style fish and vegetable dishes, whereas dinner is served with a menu.
In Fregene, there’s additionally a massive pine forest devoted to Federico Fellini. It’s a nice place to go biking, identical to the village’s streets, the place you possibly can seek for scrumptious gelato (Madagascar’s is great) or attempt sweets (Dolce di Asia has top-notch desserts).
A biking path additionally runs alongside the whole shoreline of Fregene, so be certain to deliver your bike or hire one on the town.
2. Tellaro, Liguria
This small city close to Lerici overlooks the “Gulf of Poets.” Legends have it that round 1800, even Mrs. and Mr. Mary and Percey Shelley have been impressed by the breathtaking sunsets seen from the “Grò” rock on the seashore of Piazza della Marina.
Strolling eastward by way of the carruggi – typical alleys of the Ligurian Riviera di Levante – one arrives on the Punta di Treggiano.
Earlier than setting to discover that cliff, get a chunk of freshly baked focaccia, which you’ll find in one of many typical bakeries already open on the morning time. Focaccia is among the most typical Italian breads. It consists of a flatbread constituted of flour, yeast, oil or lard, and is excessive in power.
Higher to put on comfortable sneakers for transferring additional west the place, having arrived on the Trigliano cliffs, you possibly can lastly take them off to dive into the deep blue of the Mediterranean Sea.
There, an iron ladder will provide help to within the ascent, and away from the hustle and bustle of on a regular basis life, you’ll admire the sound of the waves crashing on this nice reef.
When you journey right here by automotive, depart it on the cemetery highway. In Tellaro, in addition to in many of the finest seashore cities in Italy, the historic middle is a restricted site visitors zone.
In case you are up for an journey, discover all of the small bays simply north and simply south of Tellaro city.
A few of them, akin to Groppolo Seashore and Zezziggiola Seashore, are among the many finest seashores in northern Italy.
3. Mazzorbo, Veneto
Shifting eastward in northern Italy, the colours of Mazzorbo can’t assist however seize your consideration.
Its 239 inhabitants are related to the island of Burano solely by a picket footbridge referred to as Ponte Longo.
The recommendation is to get there simply by way of that bridge to start out the expertise in probably the most genuine manner.
Another is the steamboat, which can transport you from the chaotic and touristy Venice to a actuality the place the relaxed tempo of the fishermen who reside there’s the primary factor.
Mazzorbo is among the finest locations to remain outdoors of Venice to keep away from crowds.
The island’s historical past goes way back to the eighth century, from which we will nonetheless admire the Church of Santa Caterina. The Center Ages additionally performed an vital function, a lot in order that it’s exactly the partitions from that historic interval that also defend Mazzorbo’s star aspect: wine.
The Venissa property boasts one of many only a few cultivations of the native Dorona grape, which virtually disappeared after the tragic excessive water of 1966. The island’s peace mixed with a superb glass of wine will definitely not make us remorse the chaos of the mainland.
4. Sirolo, Marche
Descending on the Adriatic facet of the Marche area, on the Loreto exit of the A14, the medieval city of Sirolo opens the doorways to the Conero Riviera for you. The inexperienced backdrop of the mountain of the identical identify creates a pure however, on the similar time, surprising distinction with the blue of the ocean.
Among the finest locations to admire this variety is certainly Due Sorelle Seashore (Two Sisters Seashore), one of the stunning seashores in Italy.
The whiteness of the wonderful sand kinds the right interval between inexperienced and blue. It might solely be reached by sea, with ferries leaving from Sirolo or different close by cities. The 2 white stacks are the hosts and welcome anybody arriving on the seashore in all their majesty.
With a stroll of not even fifteen minutes from the middle of Sirolo, one arrives on the “Lion’s Dive“: since time immemorial the hidden white cliff has been the stage for the dives of probably the most daring.
Typical taverns and handicraft outlets entertain anybody passing by way of the village’s slim streets.
In your itinerary alongside the East Coast of Italy, you’ll come throughout a few of Italy’s most attribute eating places. Constructed on the water, the traboccos are true stilts from which fishermen each day harvest the specialties the ocean has to supply.
Consuming on a trabocco is an unrepeatable expertise, the rhythm of seafaring life offers a priceless quietness. In Sirolo nobody is in a rush, there’s all the time time to understand the tranquility conveyed within the background by the sound of the waves.
Sirolo is undoubtedly one of the charming and undiscovered Italian coastal cities.
5. Sperlonga, Lazio
Crossing the peninsula, you arrive in Lazio. Within the southern a part of the area, a number of kilometers away from the border with Campania, the white that distinguishes Sperlonga’s homes shimmers in our eyes.
To drive right here, take the A1 freeway. The exit coming from Rome is Frosinone, and the one coming from Naples is Formia.
It can be simply reached by public transportation: all regional trains on the route cease on the Fondi-Sperlonga station.
As quickly as you get there, the ocean air transports you thru its slim alleys, characterised by locations providing the freshest fish and hearty aperitifs.
Apparently, Sperlonga’s historical past dates again to the time of the Spartans, however it’s the Roman individuals who left tangible recollections that may nonetheless be visited as we speak. One amongst many is the Villa of Tiberius, which, with its pure grotto homes swimming pools and statues that although hundreds of years have handed retain all their magnificence.
In case you are fascinated by caves, to not be missed is the one overlooking the Spiaggia delle Bambole Seashore.
On the highway from Sperlonga to Itri (one other medieval city perched on the hinterland with spectacular views), you possibly can park your automotive on the facet of the highway and take a small path that descends to the ocean.
After a couple of minutes of strolling, the paradisiacal little seashore emerges from the foliage of the character that borders it.
Undiscovered and wild, removed from mild air pollution, Spiaggia delle Bambole Seashore with its namesake cave is the right place to spend a romantic night below the celebrities.
Make certain so as to add this picturesque city south of Rome to your itinerary by way of Italy off the crushed path. Sperlonga and its environment maintain among the most stunning seashores close to Rome.
This village of white homes perched above the ocean is among the finest coastal cities in Italy.
6. Bosa, Sardinia
Let’s transfer on to Sardinia, considered one of Italy’s two most important islands.
Simply 45 km south of Alghero stands Bosa. When you would reasonably not use a automotive, you too can attain Bosa by public transport, such because the ARST firm buses.
Right here the white, rural Sardinia of the nuraghi offers technique to a village the place the intense colours of the homes and the blue of the ocean and river that bathe it dominate.
Sardinia’s solely navigable waterway, the Temo runs by way of the whole city, and amongst its distinctive buildings, we additionally uncover the oldest tanneries in Italy.
Strolling by way of the historic middle, modern parts respectfully distinction Bosa’s historical past, so we will have a espresso in a contemporary bar overlooking a small sq. whose origins may even be traced again to the Phoenician peoples.
The ocean air invades each alleyway within the village. With a stroll of solely 20 minutes, you arrive at Bosa Marina, the place one of many most stunning seashores of Sardinia retains you away from what actual life is like by immersing you in a dream.
7. Scopello, Sicily
Driving alongside the western coast of Sicily we arrive at one of the picturesque villages on the island: Scopello.
Very straightforward to achieve by automotive, driving alongside the A29 we take the Castellammare del Golfo exit and proceed to the junction for Scopello.
To welcome us are two massive scopelos exactly, that’s, “rocks” in Greek, which give the identify to the little village.
However the historical past of Scopello goes again many centuries earlier: historians entrust the primary indicators of civilization way back to the second century B.C., whose columns and priceless artifacts we will admire as we stroll by way of the archaeological areas.
The indicators of the previous are additionally clearly seen on the seashores. If we’re searching for an area away from the hustle and bustle of on a regular basis life Cala Bianca is the place for us.
Historical ruins face a crystal-clear blue sea, however this enchanting hidden area can also be enriched by the greenery of nature.
To get there, the brief stroll on a dust highway additionally permits us to admire the Gulf of Castellammare and San Vito Lo Capo.
Snorkeling lovers don’t forget masks and fins, the rocky seabed a number of meters from the shore composed of wonderful sand offers a priceless spectacle amongst fish and marine biodiversity actually uncommon to seek out elsewhere.
8. Santa Marinella, Lazio
Most coastal cities in Italy develop on pure headlands. That is the case in Santa Marinella, situated in northern Lazio, the place the coast creates a 90-degree angle.
The village was the positioning of an historic Roman port, and continues to be an archaeological website the place analysis is being carried out.
The coast right here is rocky however accessible, good for snorkeling. Locals love this stretch of shoreline a lot that they’ve even constructed a small synthetic sand seashore, the place it’s nearly unattainable to discover a spot in summer season.
Higher then to walk alongside the waterfront and luxuriate in a sundown whereas savoring do-it-yourself gelato from Gelarmony or a dish of contemporary catch from the Acquamarina restaurant.
To seek out the right seashore, certainly one of the stunning seashores in Italy, transfer a number of kilometers additional south, close to the Santa Severa practice station.
Right here is Santa Severa Seashore or Spiaggia del Castello, a protracted, huge stretch of golden sand bordered by crystal-clear sea.
The Renaissance Santa Severa Citadel dominates the seashore. You may go to its outer courtyards at no cost, or with a €6 ticket, you possibly can entry among the museums that inform the positioning’s historical past from Etruscan instances to the current day.
9. Chianalea, Calabria
Let’s depart the islands and proceed the journey among the many villages on the tip of the boot.
The city of Chianalea and its swordfish fishermen await us for an expertise dictated by wonderful scents, landscapes, and flavors.
To get there, take the freeway A2 and exit at Scilla. If the stress of the automotive just isn’t what fits you, take a practice. Getting off on the Chianalea cease, you’ll arrive comfortably 100 meters away from the waterfront promenade of top-of-the-line seashore cities in Italy.
Additionally nicknamed “Venice of the South,” on this quaint Italian seashore city the homes face the ocean of Calabria and are caressed by the water all 12 months spherical.
Shedding your self in its slim alleys, the scents of the place accompany you on a tour the place historic structure reigns supreme. You may admire constructions that date way back to the 1600s.
Considered one of these is the Ruffo Citadel, which stands on a stupendous rock the place the view that stretches to the Aeolian Islands will depart you breathless.
Lovers of genuine delicacies ought to goal the alarm clock early and rush right down to the port of Scaro Alaggio: native fishermen will delight us with their finest catch and many tips about cook dinner it.
The Purple Coast that’s residence to Chianalea is filled with hidden coves to discover which can be true Italian hidden gems.
However if you wish to pamper your self for a day, the small, well-equipped Lido will give us magical and really picturesque moments.
10. San Vito Chietino, Abruzzo
If in case you have come throughout this text, I wager you’ve already heard in regards to the Amalfi Coast, however what in regards to the Trabocchi Coast? It’s a stretch of the Adriatic Coast situated within the Abruzzo area. Roughly 60 km of shoreline from the town of Ortona to Vasto are related by a biking path that follows the route of an previous disused railway.
By bike (or on foot should you favor), you possibly can discover the seashores and cities alongside this much less touristy however picturesque Italian shoreline.
The Trabocchi Coast takes its identify from the “trabocchi,” conventional stilt constructions that native fishermen used to construct within the water to decrease massive nets for fishing. These trabocchi nonetheless exist as we speak, and there are various of them.
They’re related to the seashore by slim picket piers. Some have been transformed into seafood eating places, just like the Trabocco Valle Grotte. Eating in a trabocco, accompanied by the sound of water and below the starry sky, is among the most romantic issues to do in Italy.
Talking of lesser-known seashore cities in Italy, I extremely advocate one alongside the Trabocchi Coast. San Vito Chietino is perched on a rock spur that provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Costa dei Trabocchi.
The city has solely 5,000 inhabitants and is a peaceable place to remain in case you have a automotive that means that you can attain the seashore in only a few minutes.
Alternatively, you possibly can keep in Marina di San Vito, the place you’ll discover inexpensive and glorious seafood eating places like Trattoria La Cantina.
Typical dishes embrace mussels with tomato and fried seafood. The seashores close to San Vito have small pebbles, and one of many largest and most stunning free seashores is Fossacesia Marina.
11. Marzamemi
When you’re searching for genuine and undiscovered seaside cities in Italy, the city of Marzamemi is the hidden treasure you’ve been looking for.
Nestled within the southeastern nook of Sicily, this enchanting fishing village exudes an old-world attraction and provides a very distinctive expertise away from the well-trodden vacationer paths.
Marzamemi’s historical past dates again centuries, and as you stroll by way of its slim cobblestone streets, you’ll really feel as should you’ve stepped right into a time capsule.
The village’s picturesque harbor, lined with colourful fishing boats, provides to its idyllic ambiance, creating the right backdrop for leisurely exploration and peaceable leisure.
The village of Marzamemi may be discovered alongside the east coast of Sicily, between the cities of Noto and Pachino.
Additionally think about it as a day journey from stunning Siracusa, wealthy in historical past and engaging cultures.
However should you come this far, it’s to chill out and fill your eyes with the colours of the very clear sea, the main points of the village homes, and the crops displayed outdoors the homes.
To not point out the scents of the everyday dishes. When you come all the best way right here, it’s positively additionally to eat!
Attempt the seafood dishes on the Restaurant Calamarò, which has a picturesque location and out of doors tables overlooking the city’s quiet marina.
Considered one of Marzamemi’s most charming points is its deep-rooted fishing custom. The principle historic landmark within the village is the “tonnara,” as soon as a thriving tuna fishing and processing middle. Although the tonnara is not in operation, the remnants of this age-old custom can nonetheless be felt, offering a glimpse into the world’s wealthy cultural heritage.
In Marzamemi, you’ll discover tranquility and serenity which can be uncommon to come across within the extra fashionable Italian coastal cities. Every second spent in Marzamemi is an opportunity to attach with nature and your self.
Lastly, should you’re a lover of cinema, Marzamemi might really feel surprisingly acquainted, because it has performed a supporting function in numerous movies and TV sequence, including one other layer of intrigue to this already fascinating vacation spot.
It was Gabriele Salvatores’ movie Sud that launched Marzamemi to Italy.
A number of scenes from the well-known TV sequence Inspector Montalbano have been additionally filmed right here.
Since 2000, the village has hosted the Pageant Del Cinema di Frontiera, held in winter.
12. Santa Teresa di Gallura, Sardinia
Now I take you by the hand once more to find “the tropics of the Mediterranean.” We’re going to the northeastern a part of Sardinia, the second largest island in Italy, to the area of the island generally known as “Gallura.”
Gallura is a strip of land that protrudes towards the French island of Corse.
The principle city within the space is Santa Teresa di Gallura.
Santa Teresa Gallura provides a various vary of points of interest that showcase the island’s wealthy historical past, pure magnificence, and heat hospitality. From mysterious historic websites to picturesque landscapes, the city is an ideal mix of Sardinian tradition and nature.
One of many highlights is Capo Testa, a peninsula related to the mainland by a sandy strip. The distinctive granite rock formations, resembling fingers reaching for the sky, create a mesmerizing sight.
The enchanting Valle della Luna, generally known as the “Moon Valley,” incorporates a small hippy group amidst the granite rocks.
Cala Spinosa Seashore and the Capo Testa Lighthouse supply breathtaking views of the Straits of Bonifacio and Corsica’s southern coasts. For these searching for leisure, Rena Bianca Seashore, located on the base of Punta Falcone, offers a pristine sandy paradise.
Historical past fans will admire the Lu Brandali Archaeological Website, a well-preserved nuragic advanced with a everlasting exhibition showcasing numerous archaeological finds. The location, managed by an all-women’s cooperative, additionally provides 3D prints and digital excursions for an interactive expertise.
To finish the expertise, bask in Gallura’s delicacies, which provides a wide selection of dishes starting from seafood delicacies to cheese and meat-based specialties, like Galluran soup.
In case you are on the hunt for genuine eating places, I like to recommend not less than a day journey to La Maddalena Archipelago, which can also be a nationwide park. Right here additionally, you will discover many pristine seashores.
Ferries to the Maddalena Archipelago depart from Palau.
Though there are certainly many picturesque small cities in Italy by the ocean, Santa Teresa di Gallura has an edge.
What makes it excel is the presence of the La Maddalena Nationwide Park and so many alternative landscapes, all breathtaking and inside attain.
I’m pondering particularly of the big and small seashores of the whitest sand in addition to the bays nestling in massive rocks formed over the centuries by the wind.
13. Porto Ercole, Tuscany
The southern a part of Tuscany is residence to among the prettiest and most undiscovered coastal villages in Italy.
I’ll wager you’ve by no means heard of the Argentario Peninsula, which sprawls round Mount Argentario and is related to the Tuscan mainland by three slim strips of land.
The peninsula is residence to 2 massive seashores and lots of small bays washed by crystal clear sea; it’s undoubtedly considered one of Tuscany’s hidden gems.
One of the best base for exploring this pure paradise is the small harbor city of Porto Ercole.
Porto Ercole options two components: one which embraces the harbor and one which sits on a rocky outcrop, housing the stays of the traditional metropolis partitions and the majestic Rocca (fortress). The fortress dates again to the Center Ages and was restored and expanded many instances over the centuries.
To entry probably the most historic a part of the village, you have to climb a couple of hundred steps. When you can’t stroll, select lodging within the space surrounding the harbor, which is filled with eating places and memento shops.
From the Rocca, you possibly can embark on a simple scenic stroll that can take you to Forte Stella, a defensive constructing from the Renaissance interval with a curious six-pointed form.
From right here, you possibly can take pleasure in a romantic sundown overlooking Feniglia Seashore, which stretches for about 6 km alongside one of many strips of land connecting the Argentario Peninsula to Tuscany.
In case you are touring with youngsters, I extremely advocate visiting this seashore. The seawater right here is shallow for a lot of meters as a result of presence of a shoal. Behind the seashore lies the Tombolo Nature Reserve, a protected space coated completely by pine forest and Mediterranean scrub. You may discover it on foot or by bicycle. When you journey by automotive, you possibly can depart it on the paid public car parking zone close to Tenting Feniglia.
When you take pleasure in swimming and snorkeling, go to the bays of Cala Piccola and Cala Gesso, and don’t overlook to deliver fins, a masks, and a mouthpiece with you. Essentially the most handy technique of exploring all of the small bays of the Argentario Peninsula is by scooter.
Porto Ercole is certainly one of many cutest small seashore cities in Italy close to Rome and Florence.
When you can’t discover a place to remain in Porto Ercole, don’t despair. Very near Porto Ercole are Orbetello and Porto Santo Stefano, somewhat bit larger however nonetheless worthy of exploration.
14. Porto Azzurro, Tuscany
The third largest island in Italy is Elba Island, after Sicily and Sardinia.
I realized about Elba Island by way of a e-book set in Italy. A number of months after studying the e-book, I visited this island, which is a real pure paradise, after which visited it once more the next 12 months.
Actually, it takes repeated visits to find all of the greater than 100 seashores, washed by crystal-clear sea, that Elba’s shores host.
Elba Island is a part of the Tuscan Archipelago Nationwide Park and is its largest island. The island is situated about 40 km from the port of Piombino, a metropolis in northern Tuscany.
By ferry, you’ll attain the island in about an hour. The views that await you might be breathtaking: seashores at the beginning and small bays of sand or stones, mountains, rocky or inexperienced hills, and picturesque villages.
The island of Elba is a vacation spot for native Tuscan, Italian, and northern European tourism. Subsequently I like to recommend that you simply go to within the off-season or in June or September. In any other case, you’ll have to share the seashores with numerous different individuals.
Of the locations the place we stayed on Elba Island, the perfect appears to us to be the village of Porto Azzurro. Right here, on summer season evenings, there’s a craft market, open-air cinema, and concert events through which the locals full of life take part.
We had a implausible pizza and seafood risotto at Calafata Restaurant, close to Porto Azzurro’s marina.
From Porto Azzurro, you possibly can go to among the most stunning seashores on this a part of Elba Island akin to Barbarossa Seashore, Madonna delle Grazie Seashore, and Laconella Seashore.
Porto Azzurro and its environment will preserve you busy for not less than 5 days. If in case you have extra time to spend on the beautiful Elba Island, I like to recommend visiting these different cities as properly:
- Portoferraio
- Capoliveri
- Pomonte
- Chiessi
- Marciana Marina
They’re among the many largest settlements on the island and likewise among the finest seashore cities in Italy the place you possibly can spend your summer season trip.
Wrap-up
As you will have guessed from studying this text, once we discuss quiet Italian coastal cities we’re actually spoiled for selection, from north to south and on the islands.
A few of these undiscovered Italian coastal cities are simply accessible from fashionable cities akin to Rome, Florence, and Venice.
Add them to your itinerary in Italy at any time of the 12 months and these small Italian coastal cities will allow you to expertise native tradition in an genuine manner.
Of the pure wonders of Italy you’ll certainly remember. Nicely, you possibly can take pleasure in them in a privileged manner and along with a number of different spectators by exploring underrated spots on the Italian coast.
Visitor BIO: Lisa is an Italian mother captivated with touring and writing. She has explored Italy extensively. You may learn extra from her on her journey weblog Rome Travelogues.
Learn Subsequent:
