The more than 4,500 miles of Italian coast are an irresistible attraction for all lovers of the sea. There are many cities and towns, bathed by the crystalline waters of the sea, which are like scenes from a postcard that show the true beauty of Italy.
From Liguria to Sicily, we have selected 5 of the most beautiful coastal cities in Italy for the perfect destination for your summer holidays. If you want to enjoy quiet walks on the beach, relax in the sun and admire the architectural beauty and the incredible cultural heritage of these beautiful places, read on and discover these jewels from the Italian coast.
1. Sestri Levante, Liguria
Sestri Levante, called "city of the two seas" by writer Hans Christian Andersen, is located in the province of Genoa and is one of the last places in the Gulf of Tigullio. Its nickname derives from the fact that the historic centre overlooks two bays, the Favole and the Silenzio. Segesta, as the Ancient Romans called it, deserves to be visited and discovered... you'll love it!
Things to see in Sestri Levante:
- The churches: the church of San Nicolò dell'Isola, which dates from 1151, is the oldest building in Sestri Levante. Close to the historic old town, don't miss the basilica of Santa Maria di Nazareth and the churches of San Pietro, in Vincoli, and the Immacolata Concezione.
- Palazzo Fascie Rossi: recognisable for its reddish façade and the tower that stands out, in this building you can find the Civic Library and the Musel Archaeological Museum, which tells the story of the people who lived in this city over the centuries.
- Punta Manara is an ideal destination for hiking and trekking lovers. You can reach this place on foot by a path that begins just outside the city. You’ll be rewarded handsomely at the end of the road with an incredible view of the blue Tigullio sea and the green hills that surround it!
What to eat in Sestri Levante:
- Testaroli al pesto: discs of soft dough, prepared with flour, water and salt and seasoned with a typical local sauce. This humble, traditional pasta is prepared in warm terracotta dishes called testi, from which it derives its name.
- Anchovy bagnun: an anchovy soup typical of the region that has anchovies as its main ingredient, obviously. It also contains tomatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, parsley, oregano, white wine and olive oil. A real delicacy that should be served with seafood cakes or slices of toasted homemade bread!
- Ciuppin: a delicious fish soup from Liguria that uses every part of the fish. Nowadays, it is often prepared with sea bream.
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2. Ponza, Lazio
A very typically Mediterranean place, Ponza is one of the favourite destinations for Italians to go on holiday.
This island is sure to win over your heart thanks to its unpolluted sea, its romantic beaches (Cala Feola, Cala Felce and Chiaia di Luna, among many others...) with arches and natural and lighthouses, its delicious local cuisine and its streets full of numerous shops of all kinds. An ideal place to spend a slightly different kind of weekend!
Things to see in Ponza:
- The Pilate Caves should be visited by boat. They are tunnels and caverns, excavated in the rock, connected by a central swimming pool; they were used by the Romans as moraines.
- Via Pisacane: the shopping street! Stroll through the most famous brand stores, restaurants, souvenir shops and workshops of local artists and craftsmen.
- The Botanical Garden: here you can admire the typical flora of the island – flowers, herbs and plants that can only be admired here. This is a real gem with sea views up on Mount Belvedere.
What to eat in Ponza:
- Spaghetti with granchio fellone: a dish with the unmistakable taste and smell of the sea. The main ingredient is crab fried with garlic, olive oil, tomato, parsley and pepper in a pan, creating an irresistible sauce to accompany the pasta dish.
- Fiori di zucca fritti: these fried pumpkin flowers are a typical dish of Lazio cuisine. Crunchy, perfectly cooked and irresistible... what’s their secret? A very soft filling of mozzarella and anchovies.
- Rabbit alla ponzese: a traditional recipe from the island linked to the feasts of the patron saint, San Silverio, celebrated on 20th June. But don't worry, you can find it all year round on the menus of the island's restaurants. The rabbit is left to marinate all night with wine and rosemary and then braised in a pot... a real treat for the taste buds!
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3. Positano, Campania
This is one of the most famous cities on the Amalfi Coast. Positano, the vertical city, seems to defy the laws of gravity with its row of colourful houses that look like they’re about to fall into the sea. Set in the Italian Montecarlo, you'll be fascinated and completely won over by its staircases, alleys, terraces, gardens and views like none other in the world.
Things to see in Positano:
- Church of Santa Maria Assunta: a beautiful church with a yellow-and-green-tiled dome. Inside, you can admire the Madonna nera con bambino, as well as sculptures and mosaics.
- Sentiero degli dei: a beautiful walk from Positano to Agerola known as the path of the gods. One of the most spectacular hiking trails in the world. And at the end of the trek? You can relax with views that stretch from Cilento to Capri.
- Get on a boat and take a tour to discover the region’s hidden beaches. Don't miss the beaches of Fornillo and Marina Grande (accessible by foot), as well as Arienzo (known as the three hundred step beach) and Laurito.
What to eat in Positano:
- Scialatielli with seafood: a porous egg pasta, typical of the region, which is served with a fresh seafood sauce.
- Vermicelli di Positano: a simple starter, but one that’s sure to impress with its fresh tomatoes. The recipe? All you have to do is cook the pasta and marinate vegetables and herbs. It’s perfect for vegetarians and vegans, as well as being easy and truly delicious.
- Babarese: a very tasty puff pastry filled with strawberries and whipped cream. A real delight!
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4. Polignano a Mare, Puglia
Polignano a Mare is located on a rocky spur overlooking the Adriatic Sea. There are many reasons to visit this splendid city in the province of Bari, Italy: the intense blue of the sea, the white houses that shimmer in the sunshine, the historic old town with its walls full of poems, the streets that are a delight to get lost in, the flowery balconies and the smell of fresh food that mixes with the salty air.
Things to see in Polignano a Mare:
- Lama Monachile: a symbol of the city and certainly one of the most famous photos on the Internet. A real "must" for all tourists and Instagrammers: two high, stone walls with a small beach tucked between them. The wonder and beauty of this place makes it worth it, despite the bustling crowds that gather there.
- The statue of Domenico Modugno: a bronze sculpture dedicated to the famous Italian singer, who was born in this village.
- Marine Caves: every year since 2008, Polignano a Mare has always received the prestigious Blue Flag award and its sea caves (of which there are more than 70) are largely unexplored. A pleasant boat ride will take you to discover these natural wonders eroded by the sea and the wind. An opportunity you can't afford to miss!
What to eat in Polignano a Mare:
- Caffè speciale: a delicious drink with coffee, cream, amaretto, sugar and lemon peel served in a glass, as is typical of the city.
- Focaccia Pugliese: a soft and aromatic focaccia bread, a traditional dish loved by adults and children prepared with dough, cherry tomatoes, garlic, oregano and extra virgin olive oil.
- Spaghetti con sugo di polpo: a typical Apulian dish with small fresh octopus, red tomatoes and parsley.
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5. Cefalù, Sicily
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2015, Cefalù is a small town in the province of Palermo, with a sea so clear that it looks like a swimming pool.
Get lost in the narrow streets of the historic centre, visit the cathedral, discover the typical Sicilian delicacies in the region's restaurants and walk to see its small port up close.
Things to see in Cefalù:
- The Normanna Cathedral: this cathedral is the most famous monument in Cefalù and since 2015 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its origins are dubious: between history and legend, it is said that King Roger II of Sicily ordered it to be built in 1131 to show his power to the Pope and convert the many Muslims on the island, but others say that the King did it because he was miraculously saved after seeing the Lord during a dangerous and violent storm.
- Corso Ruggero: the main street of the city which cuts Cefalù in two. On the one hand, you can admire its narrow side streets, alleyways, narrow passages and arches; on the other hand, you will walk through wider and more spacious streets.
- Rocca di Cefalù: if you like walking, don't miss the path that leads you to the top of this fortress. During the ascent, you can also see the remains of the Temple of Diana, dating from the 9th century BC. Near the cathedral, a metal cross was also built which is several meters high and can be seen lit up at night.
What to eat in Cefalù:
- Sfincuini (Sfincione): traditional focaccia stuffed with tomatoes, spicy salami, caciocavallo (a type of cheese), onions and anchovies.
- Sardi a beccaficu (Sarde alla Beccafico): these are generally served as an aperitif or main course. They consist of sardines which are rolled up and stuffed with raisins, breadcrumbs, pine nuts and parsley.
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