In case you are in search of inspiration to discover undiscovered Italian coastal cities, you’ve come to the best place.
I’ve spent so lots of my summers trying to find picturesque seaside cities in Italy, which is my dwelling nation.
Typically little is required to make a keep unforgettable: a backpack, a showering swimsuit, a pair of comfy sneakers, and an incredible want to find.
A hidden hamlet removed from the every day routine can provide you feelings you’ve gotten by no means skilled. The small cities that characterize the Italian peninsula typically converse to us of historical past, myths, and tradition.
If we might add to this additionally a calmness and a way of discovery, the place would you go?
I’m pondering of seaside villages resembling Tellaro in Liguria, a pleasing different to the coastal villages of the Cinque Terre, cities in wild Sardinia, an island bathed by pristine waters, and even quiet seaside cities close to Rome.
Beneath are among the finest coastal cities in Italy scenting of sea breeze. Attending to know them will assist you determine the place it is best to go in Italy this summer season.
Desk of Contents
14 Most Stunning Undiscovered Italian Coastal Cities
1. Fregene, Lazio
You’ll be able to uncover enchanting coastal cities in Italy even whereas basing your self in a serious metropolis like Rome.
The Everlasting Metropolis might 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 often known as the “Villaggio dei Pescatori.”
Nevertheless, because the Sixties, because of some movies by director Federico Fellini set in Fregene, this city has turn into well-known all through Italy. From then on, Romans began frequenting its massive, tender, and darkish sandy seashores, and seaside 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 buddies who stay there and who’ve shared with me that Fregene is without doubt one of the finest coastal locations to stay in Italy.
Right now, you possibly can go to Fregene to spend stress-free days on the seaside. If you happen to’re in search of a free seaside, essentially the most lovely one is within the northern a part of Fregene’s coast, the place you’ll discover the café “Kiosko.”
As for seaside golf equipment, there may be actually an abundance of selections. 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 possibility, full with swimming pools for adults and kids.
For water sports activities fans, the proper place is Level Break, situated within the southern a part of the seaside, the place crusing, browsing, and skateboarding are practiced, and there are additionally paddle tennis courts. Many seaside golf equipment supply lunch buffet-style fish and vegetable dishes, whereas dinner is served with a menu.
In Fregene, there may be additionally a massive pine forest devoted to Federico Fellini. It’s a pleasing place to go biking, identical to the village’s streets, the place you possibly can seek for scrumptious gelato (Madagascar’s is great) or strive sweets (Dolce di Asia has top-notch desserts).
A biking path additionally runs alongside the whole shoreline of Fregene, so ensure to carry 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 seaside of Piazza della Marina.
Strolling eastward by means 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 bit of freshly baked focaccia, which you’ll find in one of many typical bakeries already open on the break of day. Focaccia is without doubt one of the most typical Italian breads. It consists of a flatbread comprised of flour, yeast, oil or lard, and is excessive in power.
Higher to put on cozy 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 assist you 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.
If you happen to journey right here by automotive, depart it on the cemetery highway. In Tellaro, in addition to in a lot of the finest seaside 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, resembling Groppolo Seaside and Zezziggiola Seaside, are among the many finest seashores in northern Italy.
3. Mazzorbo, Veneto
Shifting eastward in northern Italy, the colours of Mazzorbo can not assist however seize your consideration.
Its 239 inhabitants are linked to the island of Burano solely by a picket footbridge known as Ponte Longo.
The recommendation is to get there simply by means of that bridge to start out the expertise in essentially the most genuine means.
An alternate is the steamboat, which is able to transport you from the chaotic and touristy Venice to a actuality the place the relaxed tempo of the fishermen who stay there may be the primary factor.
Mazzorbo is without doubt one of 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 shield Mazzorbo’s star factor: 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.
Probably the greatest locations to admire this range is unquestionably Due Sorelle Seaside (Two Sisters Seaside), one of the vital lovely seashores in Italy.
The whiteness of the tremendous sand kinds the proper interval between inexperienced and blue. It will probably 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 seaside 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 essentially the most daring.
Typical taverns and handicraft outlets entertain anybody passing by means 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 every 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 may be all the time time to understand the tranquility conveyed within the background by the sound of the waves.
Sirolo is undoubtedly one of the vital 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 couple 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 will also 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 at the moment. One amongst many is the Villa of Tiberius, which, with its pure grotto homes swimming pools and statues that even though 1000’s 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 Seaside.
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 seaside emerges from the foliage of the character that borders it.
Undiscovered and wild, removed from gentle air pollution, Spiaggia delle Bambole Seaside with its namesake cave is the proper place to spend a romantic night beneath the celebs.
Be certain that so as to add this picturesque city south of Rome to your itinerary by means of Italy off the overwhelmed path. Sperlonga and its environment maintain among the most lovely seashores close to Rome.
This village of white homes perched above the ocean is without doubt one of the finest coastal cities in Italy.
6. Bosa, Sardinia
Let’s transfer on to Sardinia, certainly one of Italy’s two fundamental islands.
Simply 45 km south of Alghero stands Bosa. If you happen to would somewhat not use a automotive, you can even attain Bosa by public transport, such because the ARST firm buses.
Right here the white, rural Sardinia of the nuraghi offers approach to a village the place the brilliant 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 means of the whole city, and amongst its distinctive buildings, we additionally uncover the oldest tanneries in Italy.
Strolling by means of the historic middle, modern components 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 lovely 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 vital picturesque villages on the island: Scopello.
Very straightforward to succeed in 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 means of the archaeological areas.
The indicators of the previous are additionally clearly seen on the seashores. If we’re in search of 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 be enriched by the greenery of nature.
To get there, the quick stroll on a mud 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 couple of meters from the shore composed of tremendous 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 location of an historic Roman port, and remains to be an archaeological website the place analysis is being carried out.
The coast right here is rocky however accessible, excellent for snorkeling. Locals love this stretch of shoreline a lot that they’ve even constructed a small synthetic sand seaside, the place it’s virtually unattainable to discover a spot in summer season.
Higher then to walk alongside the waterfront and revel in a sundown whereas savoring do-it-yourself gelato from Gelarmony or a dish of recent catch from the Acquamarina restaurant.
To seek out the proper seaside, certainly one of the vital lovely seashores in Italy, transfer a couple of kilometers additional south, close to the Santa Severa practice station.
Right here is Santa Severa Seaside or Spiaggia del Castello, an extended, huge stretch of golden sand bordered by crystal-clear sea.
The Renaissance Santa Severa Fort dominates the seaside. You’ll be able to go to its outer courtyards totally free, or with a €6 ticket, you possibly can entry among the museums that inform the location’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 will not be what fits you, take a practice. Getting off on the Chianalea cease, you’ll arrive comfortably 100 meters away from the waterfront promenade of probably the greatest seaside cities in Italy.
Additionally nicknamed “Venice of the South,” on this quaint Italian seaside 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’ll be able to admire constructions that date way back to the 1600s.
Considered one of these is the Ruffo Fort, 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 intention 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 dwelling to Chianalea is stuffed 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 actually picturesque moments.
10. San Vito Chietino, Abruzzo
If in case you have come throughout this text, I guess you’ve already heard concerning the Amalfi Coast, however what concerning 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 linked by a biking path that follows the route of an outdated disused railway.
By bike (or on foot should you desire), 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 at the moment, and there are numerous of them.
They’re linked to the seaside 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 beneath the starry sky, is without doubt one of the most romantic issues to do in Italy.
Talking of lesser-known seaside 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 if in case you have a automotive that lets you attain the seaside in just some minutes.
Alternatively, you possibly can keep in Marina di San Vito, the place you’ll discover reasonably priced and wonderful seafood eating places like Trattoria La Cantina.
Typical dishes embody mussels with tomato and fried seafood. The seashores close to San Vito have small pebbles, and one of many largest and most lovely free seashores is Fossacesia Marina.
11. Marzamemi
If you happen to’re in search of genuine and undiscovered seaside cities in Italy, the city of Marzamemi is the hidden treasure you’ve been trying to find.
Nestled within the southeastern nook of Sicily, this enchanting fishing village exudes an old-world appeal and gives a very distinctive expertise away from the well-trodden vacationer paths.
Marzamemi’s historical past dates again centuries, and as you stroll by means 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 proper backdrop for leisurely exploration and peaceable leisure.
The village of Marzamemi might be discovered alongside the east coast of Sicily, between the cities of Noto and Pachino.
Additionally take into account it as a day journey from lovely 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 small print of the village homes, and the vegetation displayed outdoors the homes.
To not point out the scents of the standard dishes. If you happen to 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 outside 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 realm’s wealthy cultural heritage.
In Marzamemi, you’ll discover tranquility and serenity which can be uncommon to come across within the extra in style 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 collection, 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 collection 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 often 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 gives a various vary of sights 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 linked 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, often known as the “Moon Valley,” includes a small hippy neighborhood amidst the granite rocks.
Cala Spinosa Seaside and the Capo Testa Lighthouse supply breathtaking views of the Straits of Bonifacio and Corsica’s southern coasts. For these in search of leisure, Rena Bianca Seaside, located on the base of Punta Falcone, supplies 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 gives 3D prints and digital excursions for an interactive expertise.
To finish the expertise, take pleasure in Gallura’s delicacies, which gives 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 at the least a day journey to La Maddalena Archipelago, which can 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 dwelling to among the prettiest and most undiscovered coastal villages in Italy.
I’ll guess you’ve by no means heard of the Argentario Peninsula, which sprawls round Mount Argentario and is linked to the Tuscan mainland by three slim strips of land.
The peninsula is dwelling to 2 massive seashores and plenty of small bays washed by crystal clear sea; it’s undoubtedly certainly one of Tuscany’s hidden gems.
The perfect 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 essentially the most historic a part of the village, it’s worthwhile to climb a couple of hundred steps. If you happen to can not stroll, select lodging within the space surrounding the harbor, which is stuffed with eating places and memento shops.
From the Rocca, you possibly can embark on a simple scenic stroll that may take you to Forte Stella, a defensive constructing from the Renaissance interval with a curious six-pointed form.
From right here, you possibly can get pleasure from a romantic sundown overlooking Feniglia Seaside, 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 seaside. The seawater right here is shallow for a lot of meters as a result of presence of a shoal. Behind the seaside lies the Tombolo Nature Reserve, a protected space lined totally by pine forest and Mediterranean scrub. You’ll be able to discover it on foot or by bicycle. If you happen to journey by automotive, you possibly can depart it on the paid public car parking zone close to Tenting Feniglia.
If you happen to get pleasure from swimming and snorkeling, go to the bays of Cala Piccola and Cala Gesso, and don’t overlook to carry fins, a masks, and a mouthpiece with you. Probably the most handy technique of exploring all of the small bays of the Argentario Peninsula is by scooter.
Porto Ercole is unquestionably one of many cutest small seaside cities in Italy close to Rome and Florence.
If you happen to can’t discover a place to remain in Porto Ercole, don’t despair. Very near Porto Ercole are Orbetello and Porto Santo Stefano, slightly bit greater however nonetheless worthy of exploration.
14. Porto Azzurro, Tuscany
The third largest island in Italy is Elba Island, after Sicily and Sardinia.
I discovered about Elba Island by means of a ebook set in Italy. A number of months after studying the ebook, I visited this island, which is a real pure paradise, after which visited it once more the next 12 months.
The truth is, 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’re breathtaking: seashores at first 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 plenty of different folks.
Of the locations the place we stayed on Elba Island, one of the best 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 by which the locals full of life take part.
We had a improbable pizza and seafood risotto at Calafata Restaurant, close to Porto Azzurro’s marina.
From Porto Azzurro, you possibly can go to among the most lovely seashores on this a part of Elba Island resembling Barbarossa Seaside, Madonna delle Grazie Seaside, and Laconella Seaside.
Porto Azzurro and its environment will hold you busy for at the least 5 days. If in case you have extra time to spend on the gorgeous Elba Island, I like to recommend visiting these different cities as effectively:
- Portoferraio
- Capoliveri
- Pomonte
- Chiessi
- Marciana Marina
They’re among the many largest settlements on the island and in addition among the finest seaside 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 speak about 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 in style cities resembling 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 means.
Of the pure wonders of Italy you’ll certainly bear in mind. Nicely, you possibly can get pleasure from them in a privileged means and along with a couple of different spectators by exploring underrated spots on the Italian coast.
Visitor BIO: Lisa is an Italian mother keen about touring and writing. She has explored Italy extensively. You’ll be able to learn extra from her on her journey weblog Rome Travelogues.
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