Italy by sea: our favourite coastal gems

Italy’s coastline has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to magical places. Locations dotted along the Amalfi Coast - like the world-famous Positano - capture the imaginations of thousands of visitors each year, while the Italian Riviera is a must-visit for those seeking glamour beside the Mediterranean Sea. But there is so much more to Italy’s coast than just Amalfi and the Riviera. In fact, mainland Italy’s coast stretches over 7,500km, and its islands contribute further miles of sandy beaches, charming coves and picture-perfect villaggi by the sea.

Our Local Specialists have shared some of their favourite coastal gems from all around the Italian coast and the Italian islands. Discover secret spots beloved by locals and destinations off the beaten track, then browse our hand-picked Italian villas. Please contact us for even more of our recommendations for rental villas in Italy or guidance in choosing the right villa for you.

Puglia forms ‘the heel’ of Italy and remains one of the country’s very best-kept secrets. As it is lesser known as an international holiday destination, Italians love this southerly region, which is lapped by the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea to the east and the Adriatic Sea to the west. You can explore more in our collection of villas in Puglia.Sitting on a limestone cliff above the Adriatic, travellers will find the hidden gem of Polignano a Mare. This stunning whitewashed town perches above the striking pebble beach of Cala Porto - sometimes called Lama Monachile - and boasts spectacular coastal views. Here you will find Puglia’s contemporary cliff top art gallery, the Fondazione Museo Pino Pascali, as well as streets interspersed with pretty piazzas, perfect for sauntering through with a coffee or gelato. To soak up the local atmosphere, be sure to make a stop at the main square, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.For a well-situated base near Polignano a Mare, we recommend the relaxing Montaltini, which is 14km away, or the historic Masseria Palmieri, which lies just 13km from the town.

A scenic 45-minute coastal drive from our peninsular villas - Villa del Faro and Villa Blanca - lies the spectacular Santa Cesarea Terme in the heart of Costa Otranto National Park. This cliff top hidden gem is a spa town, situated above natural hot springs that are rich in minerals. The thermal baths are not to be missed, nor are the religious grottoes that are located at the site of many of the springs. The legendary health-giving properties of Santa Cesarea Terme’s springs have attracted Italy’s wealthy families to the town since the 1700s. Their patronage helped develop the area, which is now rich in elegant avenues and magnificent palazzos. 

It is simply impossible not to fall in love with Sicily. This gorgeous Italian island lies in the Mediterranean Sea, ringed with beaches in Sicily, home to picturesque towns and full of spectacular food and colourful culture. Explore our Sicily villas for rent to uncover a hidden coastal gem all your own.The town of Brucoli lies ten minutes from our exquisite villa, Baia dei Turchi, and a 25-minute walk from the charming Estiva. Beautiful sandy beaches can be found all around Sicily’s coastline, but Brucoli offers something unique: its coast features cliffs, rocky formations, natural caves and a pebble beach. The area is ideal for those who enjoy active days out spelunking, snorkelling, sailing and exploring.

Brucoli itself is a friendly fishing village with a few shops and restaurants, and a nearby Norman fortress. We recommend the town for those looking for a quiet holiday amid nature and welcoming locals.

Looking for an Italian coastal gem off the beaten track? Italy’s Tuscan Islands are home to virtually undiscovered coastal towns and gorgeous seascapes. .On the Aeolian Islands, just north of Sicily and the ‘toes’ of the mainland, Lipari offers peace and tranquillity, as well as plenty of local colour. The island is home to the Aeolian archipelago’s largest town, which is also named Lipari. Nestled in a natural harbour on the island’s east coast, it is a small but charming place with a museum, harbourside bars, pretty streets and flower-bedecked balconies. The town is a mere 15-minute walk from Posidonia, our coastal villa on Lipari.