Italy’s coastline stretches for thousands of miles—and one of the best ways to see it is by train. From dramatic cliffside routes to quiet seaside towns, these rail lines offer panoramic views without the stress of driving. The scenery is just as memorable as the destinations themselves.
Here’s a list of 16 scenic coastal train rides worth hopping aboard.
Levanto to La Spezia (Cinque Terre)
This short but iconic route hugs the Ligurian cliffs and stops at all five Cinque Terre villages. As the train tunnels in and out of the rock, you’ll catch sudden glimpses of bright homes clinging to hillsides and waves crashing far below.
Each station drops you near a postcard-perfect town. It’s quick, cheap, and endlessly photogenic.
Reggio Calabria to Scilla
Traveling along the toe of Italy’s boot, this ride tracks the coastline with views of Sicily across the water. The sea here is calm and impossibly blue, often running right beside the train. You’ll pass palm trees, rocky coves, and the occasional castle ruin.
It’s a short stretch but one of the most striking in southern Italy.
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Salerno to Vietri sul Mare
This line is often overlooked in favor of Amalfi Coast buses—but it’s a calmer way to reach the coast. The train glides past lemon groves, tiled villas, and cliffs that drop into the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Vietri sul Mare is known for its ceramics, but even the short ride there is worth it. Plus, you skip the hairpin roads and motion sickness.
Rimini to Pesaro
Running along the Adriatic, this route connects two underrated beach towns. The water stays close to the tracks, and you’ll pass stretches of golden sand with colorful umbrellas lined up in perfect rows.
It’s relaxed, not flashy, and ideal for slow travel days. The regional trains stop often, making it easy to explore as you go.
Naples to Pozzuoli
Just outside Naples, this route skirts the Gulf of Pozzuoli and offers views of volcanic hills, calm bays, and tiny fishing ports. It’s part of the Cumana railway—a lesser-known line that’s full of local flavor.
You’re more likely to share the train with students and market-goers than tourists. And the sea? It never really leaves your side.
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Genoa to Camogli
This short trip gives you a preview of the Italian Riviera without the steep prices. Camogli is a colorful, quiet town right on the water. The ride there hugs cliffs, peeks into coves, and passes through lush green hills.
Even locals treat it as a mini escape from Genoa.
Palermo to Cefalù
On Sicily’s northern coast, this line connects the island’s capital to one of its prettiest beach towns. You’ll see olive groves, tiled roofs, and a deep blue sea that glows in the afternoon light.
Cefalù’s golden sand and Norman cathedral make it a worthwhile destination—but the train ride sets the mood before you even arrive.
Bari to Polignano a Mare
This brief Adriatic ride offers nonstop water views as the train cruises just above the cliffs. Polignano a Mare feels like it’s been carved into the rock, and you’ll see it approaching long before you arrive.
Sunlight bouncing off-white stone gives everything a soft glow. It’s one of Puglia’s gems—and the ride is half the fun.
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La Spezia to Pisa
Though not entirely coastal, this route passes through several seaside towns before turning inland. Keep your eyes open near Carrara, where white marble mountains rise above the sea like distant snowcaps.
Parts of the ride feel straight out of a Renaissance painting. It’s more than just a connection—it’s a rolling highlight reel.
Catania to Taormina
Eastern Sicily’s coastline shines on this rail line, especially between Catania and Taormina. The train runs near Mount Etna’s slopes and dips back toward the Ionian Sea, creating a striking contrast.
Taormina itself sits above the coast, so the ride ends with a winding bus or funicular—but the train portion is all beauty.
Livorno to Grosseto
This Tuscany route skips the crowds and runs through lesser-known stretches of the Maremma coastline. It passes through pine forests, sandy beaches, and farmland that runs right to the sea.
It’s one of those rare train rides where nothing feels rushed. If you’re chasing warm air and expansive skies, this one delivers.
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Messina to Milazzo
This ride along Sicily’s northern curve is short and sunny, with views across the sea to the Aeolian Islands. Locals use it daily, but it still feels like a mini coastal tour.
Milazzo’s harbor is where many catch ferries to the islands—but don’t overlook the ride to get there. It’s simple, scenic, and often underestimated.
Ancona to Pescara
This central Adriatic route runs beside the water for nearly the entire trip. You’ll see fishing piers, hidden beaches, and beachgoers lounging just steps from the tracks.
The sea on this side of Italy is calmer, with shallower shades of green and blue. Trains are frequent and low-cost, making them ideal for casual travel days.
Trapani to Mazara del Vallo
On Sicily’s western edge, this route feels like a back road on rails. The landscape mixes salt flats, sea views, and open countryside. It’s quiet, uncrowded, and full of unexpected beauty—like flamingos wading in shallow ponds near the track.
Mazara del Vallo itself has North African influences and a laid-back pace that fits the journey.
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Formia to Gaeta
Often missed by international travelers, this Lazio route leads to a surprisingly vibrant beach town. The short train ride passes hidden coves and hills thick with vegetation. Gaeta has both sandy beaches and medieval architecture, with less chaos than bigger resorts.
The ride feels like a prelude to a low-key vacation.
Ventimiglia to Sanremo
Right near the French border, this Ligurian line offers sea views and glamorous stops without the Monaco prices. Sanremo is known for its casino and music festival, but the coastal ride there is just as entertaining.
Bright sun, narrow tracks, and quick glimpses of the Mediterranean make this one of the Riviera’s hidden highlights.
A View That Keeps Moving
Italy’s coastal trains do more than connect cities—they reveal sides of the country you can’t see from highways or airports. With the sea on one side and ancient hills on the other, these rides turn travel time into something worth savoring.
Whether you’re on a budget or just chasing new views, these rail lines prove that sometimes the journey really is the best part.
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