Italy prides itself on its immaculate, iconic coastal towns, each with its own unique panorama of the sea. The towns are also easy to see from sea level, with rows of colorful houses covering the striking cliff faces. Here are 8 of the most beautiful Italian coastal towns that will hopefully light up a romantic spark in your soul.
1. Manarola
Manarola is part of the Ligurian Sikhter National Park (comprising five villages) and is known as the most colorful city in the world. It's like an artist's palette; vibrant buildings collide to gain space. Every year, tourists flock to hike between the five towns, with numbers surging during peak season.
2. Positano
Positano is widely regarded as Italy's most picturesque and photogenic city, with its rustic charm and wisteria-adorned hotels. The most sophisticated resort in the central Amalfi Coast, but also the most expensive. Positano's enviable location allows tourists to take boats to the nearby islands of Capri, Ischia and the Smeraldo Caves. You can also choose to spend the day on Spiaggia del Fornillo Beach, a smaller and more accessible option than the popular Spiaggia del Fornillo.
3. Sorrento
Located at the intersection of mountains and sea, where citrus plantations intersect with deep valleys; Sorrento sits in a special landscape. This civilized town in the province of Naples is known for its lace and ceramics production. The city's beauty more than makes up for its lack of beaches: the Amalfi Coast to the north, rolling countryside to the east, and charming Capri just offshore.
4. Portofino
Portofino and its unique Half Moon Harbour are located on the Ligurian coast in the province of Genoa on the Italian Riviera. It has become more high-end in recent years, it has become popular with the rich and famous, and now you will see luxury superyachts ubiquitous on the horizon here. Hike to Castello Brown, Portofino's 15th-century castle, for spectacular views.
5. Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is located in the southern Italian province of Bari, on a limestone cliff overlooking the azure sea. Considered one of the most important ancient settlements in Puglia, this historic town is characterized by intricate houses, narrow alleys and many panoramic terraces with views of the Adriatic Sea. Polignano has a rich history and is known for its world-class cliff diving, having previously hosted the Red Bull diving competition.
6. Amalfi
Amalfi is located at the pass of the deep valley below the Sellerto Mountains in the province of Seleno. Amalfi is surrounded by spectacular cliffs and coastal scenery, and visitors can walk from one edge of town to another in 20 minutes. The town has sunny squares and small beaches; its many squares are connected by pedestrian streets flanked by souvenir shops.
7. Atrani
Located near the headland of Amalfi, Atrani became the wealthy residence of Amalfi's most powerful families. Today, Atrani maintains a unique fisherman's town atmosphere. The traditional houses climb up the valley from the beach, with lemon terraces and colourful gardens framed by crowded buildings and narrow staircases. As the smallest town in southern Italy, Atrani's ancient medieval buildings are still intact.
8. Santa Cesarea Terme
Santa Cesarea Terme sits on a rugged plateau overlooking the sea of Puglia, in the "heel" of southern Italy. The town is characterised by typical architecture of the early 20th century, and its shores have thermal springs located in four natural caves on the face of the cliffs. While not as touristy as other Italian coastal towns, Santa Cesarea Terme's popularity with Italians makes it all the more authentic. A path through the woods leads to the higher side of the town, which offers beautiful views of the Serento coast, all the way to the headland of Santa Maria di Leuca.
