During the holiday season, many of our compatriots choose beautiful Italy as a holiday destination. For those who are no longer surprised by the bustle of the eternal city of Rome and the shopping of Milan, our selection of the most cozy Italian cities on the seashore.
Probably, each of us has ever dreamed of spending, if not life, then at least a vacation in a quiet village on the seashore, drinking coffee and tasting wine in local restaurants, listening to the voices of seagulls and the sound of the surf.
Let's choose!
(Total 10 photos)
Vernazza is considered the most organic, beautiful and picturesque town of the Italian “five lands” (Cinque Terre) of Liguria. Today, just over a thousand people live here, so Vernazza is also one of the quietest towns, and only calm Manarola can compete with it. Against the background of multi-colored multi-story tower houses, the older medieval walls of galleries, palaces, a monastery and, of course, the castle, whose low walls once protected the peace of local residents from pirate raids, catch your eye. On the narrow streets of Vernazza, going down to the sea at steep angles, at almost every step you can see boats “parked” near houses as natural as the cars parked in our courtyards at the entrances look.
Portofino is a resort on the Ligurian coast. It is surrounded by hills covered olive trees. From the windows of the observation cable car, the entire town is visible at a glance. Guy De Maupassant loved to be here, who wrote about Portofino: “This green bay in the kingdom of harmony and peace contrasts so much with all the vain worries of our life.” It has everything: untouched nature and magnificent beaches, architectural monuments and expensive shops. The former fishing village has turned into an amazing resort that world celebrities love to visit.
Atrani is a small town on the west coast of Italy, in the Campania region, province of Salerno. Atrani carefully preserves its medieval origins and, with its picturesque alleys, arches, courtyards, squares and stairs, looks like a festive Christmas decoration washed by the sea. During the Amalfi Republic, the most noble families lived in this town. The coronation and burial of the doges took place here. Atrani is located just 700 meters from Amalfi, in a natural amphitheater surrounded by huge, soaring cliffs. The center of Atrani is located away from the noisy roads of the coast, as only local residents are allowed to enter the city: this helps to maintain a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in the city.
Positano is one of the most famous resorts in southern Italy, located on the shores of the Gulf of Salerno, on the Amalfi Coast. The beauty of the local landscapes made Positano a Mecca for artists back in the 19th century. The town is scattered across three small valleys, sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. Characteristic colorful houses climb the steep mountain slopes. From almost anywhere in the town there is a magnificent view of the sea. Positano has been known since Roman times. According to legend, it was founded by the god of the sea himself, Neptune (Poseidon). The Galli islets off the coast of Positano are mentioned in the Odyssey - according to Homer, this is where the Sirens lived. Since the Middle Ages, the town has preserved watchtowers built to protect against Saracen pirates.
Ravello is a city of music with romantic gardens, cool alleys and medieval architecture. In XI – XIII centuries At the invitation of wealthy merchants, Arab architects came to Ravello and erected luxurious palaces here. To this day, Ravello has retained the charm of an ancient village. Rich culture Ravello is closely associated with his musical heritage. Wagner often rested here, in love with this place, which inspired him to write many of his famous works. Every year in the summer a symphonic music festival named after him is held here. From the slopes of the terrace on which Ravello is located, magnificent views of the Amalfi Coast open up.
Manarola is a small fishing town in Liguria, northern Italy. The city is located on a cliff overlooking the wild coastline of the Ligurian Sea. It is also one of the five towns that make up the Cinque Terre. Manarola is the oldest and one of the smallest cities of the famous five. In the center of the town is the Church of San Lorenzo, built in 1338. In the western part there is a small harbor, and in the east there is a square where people often gather local residents to discuss any important questions. Even though there is no beach here, it is a good place for scuba diving and exploration of caves and rock crevices. A special staircase was built to descend to the water. The main industry here is traditionally fishing and winemaking. Even during the Roman Empire, the local wine was valued for its excellent taste.
Sorrento has always been known as a prestigious holiday destination: Roman patricians built villas in the vicinity of the city, and Emperor Tiberius himself settled on the nearby island of Capri. Sorrento is located on steep cliffs of volcanic tuff, plunging into the Gulf of Naples. Piazza Tasso can be called the heart of Sorrento. This is where the main one begins market Street Via Corso, famous for its restaurants, shops and clubs. Sorrento has two ports - Marina Piccola and Marina Grande. Every morning, sea rockets depart from Marina Grande to the islands of Capri, Ischia, Procida and the neighboring cities of Positano and Amalfi.
40 kilometers from Genoa is the small town of Rapallo. There are many historical monuments here - ancient cathedrals and churches, the oldest is considered to be the church of St. Gervasio and Protasio, which is mentioned in ancient manuscripts of the 6th century. Rapallo is a very clean, noble and cozy city. In one of best hotels 19th century, located on a high bank near the port, Hemingway liked to stay. Every day snow-white yachts moor to the shores of Rapallo.
Lerici is a bizarre mixture of buildings, small coves and rocky cliffs that jut into the sparkling sea. This is a favorite holiday destination for residents of the northern part of Italy, as here you can enjoy the tranquil comfortable stay away from crowds of foreign tourists. The main attraction of the town is the ancient medieval castle.
10. Castigliocello
Castiglioncello is a small town in the province of Livorno, located on a cape washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is surrounded by pine and oak forests, as well as picturesque hills that literally break off and fall down, forming cliffs, small bays and cozy coves with charming beaches. The ancient Romans and Etruscans, and later the Medici during the Renaissance, could not pass by the beauty of these lands. Recently, Castiglioncello has become famous as a resort town, where Marcello Mastroianni and Luchino Visconti once built their villas. The town allows you to lead a calm and measured lifestyle, eliminating unnecessary fuss and noise. Castiglioncello is a secluded resort for the elite. Mass tourism is an unwritten taboo here. Therefore, Castiglioncello attracts many creative people, including the artists who founded the commune here.
All cities and resorts in Italy for travel. List of the most famous regions, regions, cities and resorts of Italy: population, codes, distances, best descriptions and reviews from tourists.
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Cities, resorts and regions of Italy on the map and alphabetically
The first thing you should know is that Italy is very big and very different. The South is completely different from the North, and the mainland is completely different from the islands. Therefore, read useful and short reviews about all provinces and regions of Italy: regions and islands, South, Center and North of Italy.
Cities of history
The “Eternal City” and the absolute center of Italian history, Rome is a must-see for all lovers of bygone times. The number of Roman attractions is so great that in order to somehow facilitate perception, they are usually divided into broad groups of different historical periods: ancient, Byzantine, medieval, etc. The Vatican with its St. Peter's Basilica and the residence of the Pope makes a significant contribution.
An abundance of ancient ruins is located in the vicinity of southern Salerno - there are three famous archaeological parks here: Pompeii, Paestum and Positano. You can walk along the ancient streets and get acquainted in detail with the structure of ancient cities - from the capitol and forum to the brothel and public toilets. Bonus - the most beautiful mosaics, which to this day have not lost their vivid colors.
Known even from school history textbooks, Syracuse is a significant center of the ancient Greek world and the associated variety of architectural monuments. Visit numerous ancient fortified palaces and admire the greatness of the ancient Greeks in the Neapolis Archaeological Park.
Sweet Naples, soaring measuredly in a trembling haze of heat, leisureliness and contentment with life, is the birthplace of no less sweet Neapolitan songs, as well as the now pan-Italian pizza.
Beaches of Italy
Picturesque rocky and gentle sandy beaches in Italy almost equally, and any sun worshiper can find a place to his liking here. Italian beaches are for the most part well (and in some cases simply wonderful) well maintained, equipped with umbrellas, sun loungers and other accessories necessary for a comfortable stay at the water's edge. As a rule, these very amenities are paid, but this is only beneficial for the beaches (and the tourists themselves): this way the number of splashing people is limited - if all the umbrellas and sunbeds are occupied, you need to look for another beach. In addition, the beaches of each region of the country have their own pleasant characteristics. For example, the Venetian Riviera is famous for its wonderful fine dolomite sand, in Sorrento you can dive into a marine reserve and travel through underwater caves, on the Ligurian coast there is a picturesque rugged coastline, and the beaches of the Tuscan Riviera in addition to the ideal sea and high level holiday resorts offer wild nightlife, often without straying far from the surf line. And of course, the proximity of historical monuments, architecture and art pleasantly dilutes the idle lying on the shore.
Thermal resorts in Italy- 5 different springs with water temperatures up to +34 °C, suitable for drinking, mineral baths and mud therapy.
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10th place - Catania
- Population: 315 052
- Region: Sicily
- Square: 180.88 km 2
Atanaia has been the trophy of many empires throughout its history: from the Greeks to the Romans, from the Arabs to the Normans and the Spaniards. However, the locals' worst enemy is right next door - Mount Etna, the largest and most active volcano in Europe, which destroyed the city in a series of earthquakes and a lava flow in 1693. Catania also has a second name - the city is usually called Black: this is due to the fact that it is entirely built of volcanic stone of a specific black color. The color of the city's houses contrasts well with bright color sea and sky (by the way, sunny for 2,500 hours a year). Thus, Catania is the most sunny city in the country.
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9th place - Bari
- Population: 321 687
- Region: Apulia
- Square: 116 km 2
Bari, the capital of the Apulia region, is located at the very bottom of the heel of the Italian boot. “If Paris had a sea, it would be little Bari”, - local residents say with the arrogance of true southerners, and this opinion is very similar to the truth: the air here is imbued with the charm of medieval European cities, and the abundance of attractions can easily compete with historical center capital of France. In a word, Bari is a kind of miniature cultural capital of the Italian south.
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8th place - Florence
- Population: 379 102
- Region: Tuscany
- Square: 102.41 km 2
Florence is located in the Tuscany region, on the Arno River, at the foot of the Northern Apennines. The city was founded in 59 BC. e. Julius Caesar. Although the Etruscans lived here long before that. In 570, the city was captured by the Lombards, and two hundred years later by the Franks. Florence flourished in the 15th-16th centuries, when the city became a major cultural center. At this time, the great Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Petrarch, and Dante lived and worked here.
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7th place - Bologna
- Population: 379 102
- Region: Emilia-Romagna
- Square: 140.73 km 2
Bologna is a city in central Italy, administrative center the province of Bologna, as well as the region of Emilia-Romagna. The oldest university center in Europe. It is considered one of the first cities in Italy in terms of living standards due to both its highly developed industrial traditions and its location at the intersection of important transport routes. In the Middle Ages, Bologna had about 180 towers, which gave the city special kind. They were built by rich families, among whom there was a competition: whoever erects the tower higher than others is worthy of the highest honor. Now there are about 12 towers left.
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6th place - Genoa
- Population: 594 254
- Region: Liguria
- Square: 243.56 km 2
Genoa is the capital of the province of the same name and the region of Liguria. This port city is located on the Ligurian Sea and its entire history is connected with navigation and trade. The local harbor is still one of the most important in Italy, as well as one of the largest in Europe. The main attraction of the Genoese port is its lighthouse, known as "la Lanterna". In addition, Genoa is a center of heavy industry and shipbuilding, and is part of Italy's main industrial triangle, which also includes Milan and Turin. Today Genoa is a city of universities, as well as a tourist and science Center. In 2004 it was declared the European Capital of Culture.
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5th place - Palermo
- Population: 676 527
- Region: Sicily
- Square: 160.59 km 2
Palermo is located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, but the city is a heavily used port, so locals and tourists prefer to go to beaches in the surrounding area, where the water is cleaner. However, if you walk along Vittorio Manuele Street to the city Gate of Happiness, you can admire the very beautiful view on the surface of the sea and just sit on the shore, enjoying the light breeze. In addition, there are many gardens and parks in Palermo, among the most famous are the Botanical Garden with a collection of 12 thousand species of plants, Garibaldi Park with ancient fig trees, striking with its powerful roots and Villa Giulia, decorated with fountains and lush flower beds.
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4th place - Turin
- Population: 899 291
- Region: Piedmont
- Square: 130.01 km 2
T urine - Big City in northwestern Italy, business and Cultural Center the Piedmont region and the entire north of Italy. The city is located on the Padan Plain at the foot of Western Alps. Turin is an important transport hub, the second industrial center of the country after Milan. Heavy industry is especially developed here, in particular, automobile manufacturing, ship engine production, aircraft manufacturing, etc. The traditional sectors of the Turin economy - textiles, food, clothing, etc. - also retain their importance. Turin is one of the most famous European cities, it is often called "the capital of European Baroque", "capital of the Alps", "the automotive capital of Italy" And "the cradle of Italian independence".
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3rd place - Naples
- Population: 989 598
- Region: Campaign
- Square: 117.27 km 2
Naples has always been and remains a controversial city - in the capital of the Campania region there is a place of outright poverty and fabulous wealth, rubbish heaps and priceless historical monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Naples is the largest industrial center in Italy. Metallurgy, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, oil refining and petrochemical, light and food industries are developed here. This major port(cargo turnover over 10 million tons per year).
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2nd place - Milan
- Population: 1 331 586
- Region: Lombardy
- Square: 181.76 km 2
Milan is the second largest city in Italy, the country's largest industrial, financial, trade and transport hub, an important cultural center, as well as a trendsetter in European fashion. The city is famous for its museums, art galleries, theaters, architectural monuments, educational institutions(university, conservatory, Academy of Arts, etc.). Milan, along with Rome, is one of ancient cities in Italy. In its place was a Celtic settlement. Almost all the conquerors in European history - the Gauls, Romans, Goths, Lombards and Franks, as well as a whole series of rulers from France, Spain and Austria, took part in the governance of Milan at one time.
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1st place - Rome
- Population: 2 870 493
- Region: Lazio
- Square: 1287.36 km 2
Rome is the capital of Italy and the Lazio region, the largest in the country and one of the most visited cities in the world. The city stands on 12 hills, and its center is Old city- on seven hills. The Tiber River flows through the city from north to south. For hundreds of years, Rome was a small settlement in the center of the Apennine Peninsula. However, its advantageous location and aggressive policy, together with a number of innovations in military affairs, gradually brought it to a leading position, first in the region, and then in the region. The Roman state reached its peak under Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. e., when military and economic power was combined with peace within the empire. The population of Rome exceeded 1 million people.
Rome is a unique city; within its borders there is an entire independent state - the Vatican. It is the main center of Catholicism with an abundance of Catholic churches, created by the best Italian architects and decorated with the works of great Italian artists and sculptors. Masterpieces of Italian painting and sculpture are collected in the Vatican and Capitoline Museums, in the Borghese Gallery, and Lateran. Many archaeological finds are presented in the Roman national museum, Villa Giulia Museum. Works of art of the 20th century. collected in the National Gallery of Modern Art and the National Printmaking Cabinet.
Today, as a symbol of the ancient empire and the modern republic of Italy, Rome combines the grandeur of past millennia and the romance of modern times. This is a city of chic restaurants in spacious squares and shady summer cafes in the cramped, narrow streets of old quarters.
The Italians are the descendants of the sages, politicians and military leaders of antiquity, and yet the Eternal City remains young, full of energy and life today. A traveler visiting the Apennine Peninsula for the first time should begin his acquaintance with this country from its capital, because not only ancient heritage and modern attractions are located here - right in the center of Rome is the dwarf state of the Vatican.
Catholics from all over the world come to Italy to see the head of their faith - the Pope, God's vicar on earth. Travel companies offer pilgrimage tours to this country, which is directly related to the formation of early Christianity. In Loreto, seekers of spiritual enlightenment are invited to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, brought from Nazareth; in Bari, they are invited to attend the liturgy in the Basilica of St. Nicholas; in Amalfi, according to legend, the relics of St. Andrew the First-Called himself are kept. Great amount Christian shrines are located in Rome, Florence, Padua, Venice.
Italians know a lot about good wine and hearty healthy food. Gastronomic tours to Italy offer tourists to attend cooking classes in Tuscany and Liguria, get acquainted with local cuisine and wines in Lazio, Piedmont, Veneto, Trentino, and take part in tastings in Sardinia, Lombardy, Umbria. Lovers of the classics will find it in abundance in Pisa, romantics flock to Venice and Juliet's homeland - Verona, flirtatious fashionistas gather in the world capital of haute couture - Milan.
The peninsula is surrounded on three sides by warm seas, it is not surprising that Italy is considered a Mecca beach holiday. The main resorts are located on the islands: Sicily, Sardinia, Capri, Ischia and Elba. In Rimini, mostly young people gather to “hang out” at a beach disco all night long, Abruzzo is ideal for eco-tourists who prefer peace, quiet and complete fusion with nature, brave adventurers flock to Puglia, and exotic lovers come to Calabria.
Ski resorts in Italy are no less popular than the beaches: you can try yourself as a skier or bobsledder in Bormio, Cervinia, Sestriere, Val di Sole, Passo Tonale. Children are crazy about thematic amusement parks located in the Emilia Romagna region in the resorts of Milano Marittima, Riccione, Cesenatico. Lovers of spa holidays choose the small town of Fiuggi and the resort of Montecatini, not far from Tuscany. “Lone wolves” also have something to see in the homeland of Celentano, Boccaccio and Fellini: Pesareo, Ravenna, San Marino - these and other cities have a lot to offer even the most experienced traveler.
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10th place - Catania
- Population: 315 052
- Region: Sicily
- Square: 180.88 km 2
Atanaia has been the trophy of many empires throughout its history: from the Greeks to the Romans, from the Arabs to the Normans and the Spaniards. However, the locals' worst enemy is right next door - Mount Etna, the largest and most active volcano in Europe, which destroyed the city in a series of earthquakes and a lava flow in 1693. Catania also has a second name - the city is usually called Black: this is due to the fact that it is entirely built of volcanic stone of a specific black color. The color of the city's houses contrasts well with the bright color of the sea and sky (by the way, sunny for 2,500 hours a year). Thus, Catania is the sunniest city in the country.
9
9th place - Bari
- Population: 321 687
- Region: Apulia
- Square: 116 km 2
Bari, the capital of the Apulia region, is located at the very bottom of the heel of the Italian boot. “If Paris had a sea, it would be little Bari”, - local residents say with the arrogance of true southerners, and this opinion is very similar to the truth: the air here is filled with the charm of medieval European cities, and the abundance of attractions can easily compete with the historical center of the French capital. In a word, Bari is a kind of miniature cultural capital of the Italian south.
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8th place - Florence
- Population: 379 102
- Region: Tuscany
- Square: 102.41 km 2
Florence is located in the Tuscany region, on the Arno River, at the foot of the Northern Apennines. The city was founded in 59 BC. e. Julius Caesar. Although the Etruscans lived here long before that. In 570, the city was captured by the Lombards, and two hundred years later by the Franks. Florence flourished in the 15th-16th centuries, when the city became a major cultural center. At this time, the great Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Petrarch, and Dante lived and worked here.
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7th place - Bologna
- Population: 379 102
- Region: Emilia-Romagna
- Square: 140.73 km 2
Bologna is a city in central Italy, the administrative center of the province of Bologna, as well as the region of Emilia-Romagna. The oldest university center in Europe. It is considered one of the first cities in Italy in terms of living standards due to both its highly developed industrial traditions and its location at the intersection of important transport routes. In the Middle Ages, Bologna had about 180 towers, which gave the city a special appearance. They were built by rich families, among whom there was a competition: whoever erects the tower higher than others is worthy of the highest honor. Now there are about 12 towers left.
6
6th place - Genoa
- Population: 594 254
- Region: Liguria
- Square: 243.56 km 2
Genoa is the capital of the province of the same name and the region of Liguria. This port city is located on the Ligurian Sea and its entire history is connected with navigation and trade. The local harbor is still one of the most important in Italy, as well as one of the largest in Europe. The main attraction of the Genoese port is its lighthouse, known as "la Lanterna". In addition, Genoa is a center of heavy industry and shipbuilding, and is part of Italy's main industrial triangle, which also includes Milan and Turin. Today, Genoa is a city of universities, as well as a tourist and scientific center. In 2004 it was declared the European Capital of Culture.
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5th place - Palermo
- Population: 676 527
- Region: Sicily
- Square: 160.59 km 2
Palermo is located on the shores of the Tyrrhenian Sea, but the city is a heavily used port, so locals and tourists prefer to go to beaches in the surrounding area, where the water is cleaner. However, if you walk along Vittorio Manuele Street to the city gate of Happiness, you can admire a very beautiful view of the sea surface and just sit on the shore, enjoying the light breeze. In addition, Palermo has many gardens and parks, among the most famous are the Botanical Garden with a collection of 12 thousand species of plants, Garibaldi Park with ancient fig trees that amaze with their powerful roots and Villa Giulia, decorated with fountains and lush flower beds.
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4th place - Turin
- Population: 899 291
- Region: Piedmont
- Square: 130.01 km 2
Turin is a large city in northwestern Italy, the business and cultural center of the Piedmont region and the entire north of Italy. The city is located on the Padan Plain at the foot of the Western Alps. Turin is an important transport hub, the second industrial center of the country after Milan. Heavy industry is especially developed here, in particular, automobile manufacturing, ship engine production, aircraft manufacturing, etc. The traditional sectors of the Turin economy - textiles, food, clothing, etc. - also retain their importance. Turin is one of the most famous European cities, it is often called "the capital of European Baroque", "capital of the Alps", "the automotive capital of Italy" And "the cradle of Italian independence".
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3rd place - Naples
- Population: 989 598
- Region: Campaign
- Square: 117.27 km 2
Naples has always been and remains a controversial city - in the capital of the Campania region there is a place of outright poverty and fabulous wealth, rubbish heaps and priceless historical monuments included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Naples is the largest industrial center in Italy. Metallurgy, mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, oil refining and petrochemical, light and food industries are developed here. This is a large port (cargo turnover over 10 million tons per year).
2
2nd place - Milan
- Population: 1 331 586
- Region: Lombardy
- Square: 181.76 km 2
Milan is the second largest city in Italy, the country's largest industrial, financial, trade and transport hub, an important cultural center, as well as a trendsetter in European fashion. The city is famous for its museums, art galleries, theaters, architectural monuments, educational institutions (university, conservatory, Academy of Arts, etc.). Milan, along with Rome, is one of the oldest cities in Italy. In its place was a Celtic settlement. Almost all the conquerors in European history - the Gauls, Romans, Goths, Lombards and Franks, as well as a whole series of rulers from France, Spain and Austria, took part in the governance of Milan at one time.
1
1st place - Rome
- Population: 2 870 493
- Region: Lazio
- Square: 1287.36 km 2
Rome is the capital of Italy and the Lazio region, the largest in the country and one of the most visited cities in the world. The city stands on 12 hills, and its center - the old city - on seven hills. The Tiber River flows through the city from north to south. For hundreds of years, Rome was a small settlement in the center of the Apennine Peninsula. However, its advantageous location and aggressive policy, together with a number of innovations in military affairs, gradually brought it to a leading position, first in the region, and then in the region. The Roman state reached its peak under Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. e., when military and economic power was combined with peace within the empire. The population of Rome exceeded 1 million people.
Rome is a unique city; within its borders there is an entire independent state - the Vatican. It is the main center of Catholicism with an abundance of Catholic churches created by the best Italian architects and decorated with the works of great Italian painters and sculptors. Masterpieces of Italian painting and sculpture are collected in the Vatican and Capitoline Museums, in the Borghese Gallery, and Lateran. Many archaeological finds are presented in the National Museum of Rome, the Villa Giulia Museum. Works of art of the 20th century. collected in the National Gallery of Modern Art and the National Printmaking Cabinet.
Today, as a symbol of the ancient empire and the modern republic of Italy, Rome combines the grandeur of past millennia and the romance of modern times. This is a city of chic restaurants in spacious squares and shady summer cafes in the cramped, narrow streets of old quarters.