While the Amalfi Coast draws millions of visitors with its dramatic cliffs and colorful villages, Italy’s extensive coastline harbors countless other gems that offer equal – if not superior – beauty, often without the overwhelming crowds and premium prices.
Here’s a list of 20 breathtaking Italian coastal towns that deserve just as much attention as their famous Amalfi cousins, each offering its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Camogli, Liguria
Nestled in the Italian Riviera, Camogli charms visitors with its tall, trompe l’oeil painted houses in warm sunset hues of orange, yellow, and terracotta. Ancient fishermen’s homes line the pebbly beach, where traditional wooden boats bob gently in the crystal-clear waters.
The town’s signature focaccia draws food enthusiasts from across Italy, while its medieval castle provides stunning views of the Golfo Paradiso. Local traditions remain strong here, with the annual Fish Festival in May seeing the world’s largest frying pan in action.
Sperlonga, Lazio
Perched dramatically on a limestone cliff between Rome and Naples, Sperlonga’s whitewashed buildings shine like a Greek island transplanted to the Italian coast. Ancient Roman emperors chose this location for their summer villas, with Emperor Tiberius’ grotto still visible along the pristine shoreline.
The medieval town center forms a maze of narrow staircases and arched passageways, opening suddenly to breathtaking sea views. Local restaurants serve fresh seafood caught daily by the town’s fishing fleet, maintaining centuries-old culinary traditions.
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Tellaro, Liguria
Often called the Gulf of Poets’ hidden pearl, Tellaro sits at the eastern end of the Golfo dei Poeti, where literary giants like Lord Byron found inspiration. Pink and yellow houses cluster around the small harbor, their reflections dancing in the clear Mediterranean waters.
The ancient church of San Giorgio rises directly from the rocks, with legends telling of its bell being rung by an octopus to warn of pirate attacks. Small bars and restaurants tucked into medieval walls serve local specialties like muscoli ripieni.
Vieste, Puglia
Rising dramatically from the Gargano Peninsula’s white limestone cliffs, Vieste captivates with its medieval old town and pristine beaches. Narrow streets wind between whitewashed buildings, opening onto small squares where locals gather for evening passeggiata.
The iconic Pizzomunno, a massive limestone monolith, stands sentinel on the beach below the town. Traditional trabucchi fishing platforms extend from the rocky coastline, some converted into unique seafood restaurants.
Tropea, Calabria
Dramatically positioned on a cliff above the Tyrrhenian Sea, Tropea offers some of Italy’s most spectacular coastal views. The historic center sits high above pristine white beaches, with the iconic Santa Maria dell’Isola monastery perched on its own rocky outcrop.
Famous for its sweet red onions and spicy ‘nduja, the town’s culinary scene draws food lovers from across Italy. Ancient palazzi line the main corso, their baroque balconies overlooking the cobblestone streets.
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Castellabate, Campania
Rising above the Cilento Coast, Castellabate’s medieval center offers panoramic views across the Mediterranean. The UNESCO-protected old town features perfectly preserved medieval architecture, with narrow lanes opening onto hidden piazzas.
Local fishermen still supply the town’s restaurants with fresh catches, while nearby beaches rival those of the Amalfi Coast. The 12th-century castle provides a dramatic backdrop for summer cultural events.
Polignano a Mare, Puglia
Built atop limestone cliffs riddled with sea caves, Polignano a Mare combines natural drama with historical charm. The old town’s white buildings perch precariously over the Adriatic, while the famous Grotta Palazzese restaurant occupies a natural cave with views across the sea.
Locals still dive from the cliffs during summer festivals, maintaining centuries-old traditions. Poetry verses written on stairways and doorways throughout the old town pay homage to local artists.
Porto Ercole, Tuscany
This elegant Tuscan harbor town rises above a double bay on Monte Argentario, crowned by imposing Spanish fortresses. Historic palazzo facades reflect the town’s prosperous maritime past, while narrow streets wind up to panoramic viewpoints.
Local boats offer tours to hidden coves accessible only by water, while seafood restaurants serve the day’s catch in historic settings. The town’s artistic legacy includes being the final resting place of Caravaggio.
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Manarola, Liguria
Though part of the famous Cinque Terre, Manarola offers a more authentic experience than its busier neighbors. Colorful houses stack vertically above the tiny harbor, surrounded by ancient vineyard terraces producing the renowned Sciacchetrà wine.
The local swimming hole provides natural alternatives to traditional beaches, while the famous Via dell’Amore connects to neighboring villages. Evening light transforms the town’s pastel buildings into a natural light show.
Otranto, Puglia
The easternmost city in Italy, Otranto combines Greek, Roman, and Byzantine influences in its architecture and culture. The 12th-century cathedral features an enormous floor mosaic depicting the Tree of Life, while the Aragonese castle stands guard over the harbor.
Crystal-clear waters lap against the old town walls, where local fishermen clean their nets each morning. The nearby Baia dei Turchi offers one of Italy’s most beautiful hidden beaches.
Lerici, Liguria
Known as the Pearl of the Gulf of Poets, Lerici enchants with its pastel-colored waterfront and imposing medieval castle. Literary giants like Mary Shelley and Percy Bysshe Shelley once called this townhome, drawing inspiration from its romantic setting.
Small beaches nestle between rocky outcrops, while hiking trails offer spectacular views across the Gulf of La Spezia. Local mussel farms supply restaurants with fresh seafood year-round.
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Maratea, Basilicata
Often called the Pearl of the Tyrrhenian, Maratea offers dramatic mountain scenery alongside pristine beaches. The massive Christ the Redeemer statue rivals Rio’s famous landmark, while the historic center contains 44 churches despite its small size.
Black sand beaches and hidden coves dot the coastline below the town, accessible by ancient mule paths. The natural port provides shelter for both fishing boats and luxury yachts.
Ponza, Lazio
The largest of the Pontine Islands, Ponza combines colorful Mediterranean architecture with dramatic volcanic geology. Pastel-housed port dates back to Roman times, while ancient tunnels lead to hidden beaches and crystal-clear coves.
Local boats take visitors to secluded beaches only accessible by water, while evening aperitivo spots offer sunset views across the Tyrrhenian Sea. The island’s waters hold numerous Roman shipwrecks, attracting divers from across Europe.
Santa Cesarea Terme, Puglia
Built along limestone cliffs above thermal springs, Santa Cesarea Terme blends natural beauty with exotic architecture. Moorish-style villas overlook the Adriatic, while natural caves release healing mineral waters.
The town’s thermal baths occupy historic buildings dating from the early 1900s, offering traditional treatments. Small beaches nestle between rocky outcrops, providing intimate alternatives to larger resort areas.
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Scilla, Calabria
Dominated by the ancient Ruffo Castle, Scilla straddles a rocky promontory between two bays in the Strait of Messina. The Chianalea district, known as Little Venice, features houses built directly over the water, their foundations lapped by Mediterranean waves.
Traditional swordfish boats still use ancient hunting techniques passed down through generations. Local restaurants serve fresh catches in settings that haven’t changed for centuries.
Porto Venere, Liguria
Though lesser-known than its Cinque Terre neighbors, Porto Venere offers equally stunning scenery with fewer crowds. The striped church of San Pietro stands sentinel on its rocky promontory, while colorful houses line the ancient caruggi leading to the castle.
Byron’s Grotto marks the spot where the poet would swim across the bay to visit Shelley. Local mussels, grown in the gulf’s clean waters, feature prominently in traditional dishes.
Castro, Puglia
Perched on limestone cliffs above crystal-clear waters, Castro combines prehistoric caves with medieval fortifications. The natural port shelters both fishing boats and pleasure craft, while ancient steps lead to hidden swimming spots along the coast.
The Zinzulusa Cave opens directly onto the sea, revealing prehistoric remains and unique marine life. Local restaurants serve fresh sea urchins and other traditional Salentine specialties.
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Sperlonga, Lazio
Rising white and gleaming between Rome and Naples, Sperlonga’s ancient center crowns a dramatic promontory. Emperor Tiberius built his summer villa here, complete with a seaside grotto filled with classical sculptures.
The medieval town remains perfectly preserved, its white buildings reflecting Mediterranean sunlight. Archaeological remains combine with pristine beaches to offer both cultural and natural attractions.
Portoferraio, Elba
Napoleon’s capital during his exile, Portoferraio, wraps around a perfect natural harbor on Elba’s northern coast. Medicean fortifications protect the colorful old town, where Napoleon’s townhouse remains perfectly preserved.
Ancient salt pans and Roman ruins dot the coastline, while clear waters attract snorkelers and divers. Local wines produced from ancient grape varieties complement the fresh seafood served in harbor-side restaurants.
Cefalu, Sicily
Though increasingly popular, Cefalu maintains its authentic character as a medieval fishing village beneath La Rocca’s towering bulk. The Norman cathedral dominates the old town, its twin towers visible for miles along the coast.
Ancient washhouses still stand along the seafront, while fishing boats land their daily catch on the beach below medieval walls. Local restaurants serve traditional Sicilian dishes with Arab and Norman influences.
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Timeless Mediterranean Magic
These enchanting coastal towns represent Italy’s incredible diversity, each offering its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. While the Amalfi Coast justly deserves its fame, these alternatives provide equally rewarding experiences, often with more authentic atmospheres and fewer crowds.
Whether seeking ancient history, culinary discoveries, or simply perfect Mediterranean views, these towns prove that Italy’s coastline holds countless treasures waiting to be explored. Remember that the best experiences often come from taking time to discover these places slowly, embracing their rhythms and traditions rather than rushing through them.
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