Italy is famous for lots of things – her food, culture, lifestyle, fashion, art, history, and more – but when many people dream of Italian vacations, they are thinking specifically of seaside escapes. Along the coast of Italy and her islands, there are endless charming seaside resorts, little old fishing villages, sleepy historic towns, and buzzy vacation spots that are renowned for being impossibly picturesque and affording utterly idyllic holidays by the sea. For those who want to totally fall in love with the Italian coast on their next vacation in Italy, here is a list of some of the most beautiful examples that make for a bucket list of Italian seaside destinations. Take note, book your villa in Italy, plan your trip, and enjoy some vitamin sea and la dolce vita…
Tropea
Presided over by the monastery of Santa Maria dell’Isola, a beautiful building perched rather romantically on a rocky promontory jutting out from the lovely beachfront and into turquoise waters, Tropea is an exceptionally picturesque gem. It has three pretty beaches to choose between, plenty of snorkelling and diving opportunities and facilities for exploring those crystal clear waters, a touristy outer shell with more authentic and excellent places to eat and shop just a few streets deeper, incredible local dishes, a pretty historic core, and more. For our full guide, check out our article here and you’ll be able to find a list of things you’ll want to eat, places to eat them, interesting attractions, and more should you book a villa in Calabria and come explore the town for the day.
Cefalù
Another oft-photographed beauty, made up of a pretty cluster of buildings built overlooking a stunning beach and views perfectly framed by arches, Cefalù truly is a little slice of paradise. It is no surprise, therefore, that Giuseppe Tornatore decided upon it as a location for scenes in his famous and beloved film, Cinema Paradiso. In recent years, it has gone viral once more for its picturesque and peaceful looks that immediately evoke relaxing and lazy vacations and as a setting in another massive media sensation, The White Lotus season two. Steeped in history and cinematic good looks, Cefalù is a place to go to well and truly get away from it all if you book a vacation rental in Sicily and are planning a perfect beach day.
Polignano A Mare
The prettiest seaside town in Apulia, meanwhile, has to be Polignano a Mare. Perched on dramatic craggy cliff sides overlooking impossibly blue waters, topped by gleaming white buildings, and hugging around a charming little beach in the centre of town, it is striking to behold. It is no wonder, therefore, that it is an extremely popular spot during the summer months (though this is true of all of the towns on this list and any seaside destinations that become famous for their beauty). The size of the little slip of a beach, however, does mean that you’ll likely find yourself competing for space unless you arrive very early or well outside the season. Still, there is plenty more to see in town, places to access the lovely waters from the rocks, and wonderful restaurants and bars with views directly over the sea. You might even get to enjoy the excitement of the cliff-diving events that often take place in town and add some excitement to the pretty and relaxing atmosphere. Book a villa in Apulia and be sure to spend at least one day relaxing by the sea in Polignano a Mare!
Praiano
While Positano or Sorrento are the more famous choices along the Amalfi Coast and both are lovely, Praiano is equally charming, incredibly picturesque, a little less full of tourists, and a little cheaper than those more well-known towns. Boasting some truly stunning beaches, rugged coastline scenery, astounding sunsets, and a more authentic vibe, this is a great option for anyone who wants to experience a vacation on the Amalfi Coast without having to fight through crowds of tourists to do anything.
