The 15 best beach towns in Italy

Capri is a gift that keeps on giving, with more beaches than citizens. The island is on many people's bucket lists (as it should be), as is driving the roads, hiking the hills, and exploring the monasteries. Don't forget to rent a boat: you've earned it. 

There could be a list (and probably already are plenty of lists) just about all of the different things you can do in Positano. From hikes to beaches to restaurants, the possibilities are endless. We recommend you hike the Path of the Gods, then cool down at Spiaggia with a glass of champagne. 

You've surely seen Instagram photos of Penelope Cruz or Jenifer Lopez on The Lido, and chances are, you've seen pictures of a lot more stars too. Every September, thousands of celebrities pack into the island like sardines. They arrive for The Venice Film Festival and then walk around like normal people. Not interested in celebs? Head to the island anytime between June and August for some good ol' fashion tanning. 

Camogli is a beautiful town just north of the Riviera, but what truly sets this destination apart is the lack of tourists. 30 minutes north, and the beaches are packed with them. Here you get the same Mediterranean charm without the noise. 

The Caribbean on steroids. This resort town is awash with ancient splendor, crystal blue waters, and dramatic white cliffs. Many have drawn comparisons to Torre Dell'Orso and the Caribbean, but we think Dell'Orso is even better. I mean, where else can you swim in front of a castle? 

Ok, so I guess Dell'Orso isn't the only place where you can swim in front of a castle. Talamone is another beach town with a castle. This one has a population of 200, three hotels, and a dozen restaurants. If you're looking for an escape, look no further. 

Speaking of an escape, Elba feels like it comes from on another planet. Or a screensaver... It's almost too good to be true. The island has hundreds of beaches and coves, many of which go untouched even in the high season. The prospect of driving around and finding your very own beach should be enough for you to book a flight. The B&B prices ($120 a night!) are just a bonus. 

One of Italy's most famous stretches of coast, Cinque Terre has been luring travelers and locals for centuries with its deep waters and bubblegum villas. You probably know at least one person who's been there. No trip to Italy is complete without it. 

Limestone houses+turquoise waters= heaven on earth. I went last year, and the math checks out. One of the largest marine areas in Italy, Porto Cesario is on the very tip of the country's "heel," which means summer here lasts longer than anywhere else. If you show up in October, it still might be 80.

Cefalu is located in Sicily's northern region-- not too far from Palermo-- and is filled with white alleys leading to blue oceans. It's famous for its role in Cinema Paradisio and is a go-to spot for Floretians on holiday. If you're around at night, try the seafood pasta. It's to die for. 

Ah, the Amalfi coast. John Steinbeck once wrote that the place is, "like a dream that isn't real while you are there and becomes real when you are gone." Indeed, the haze of ocean spray and canvas of azure heaven is like a daydream. But it's there all right, and Atrani is the best place to experience it. 

When in Rome... take a trip to the nearby commune of Santa Severa. The beach is only 30-minutes from the city center, and it remains a go-to spot for Popes on vacation. 

Only in Italy can you get oceans, hills, castles, and deserts--all in one place. Sardinia is another one of those towns that has it all. I'm running out of verbs and adjectives to describe these places, but Sardinia deserves at least four: stunning, relaxing, inviting, and intoxicating. 

Want the beaches of Capri without the crowds? Or the prices? Head to the island of Ischia, a fishing village with all the same activities and views without the drawbacks. At the eastern edge, a stone bridge leads to a medieval castle that overlooks the town. On the western edge, a row of restaurants serve fresh calamari. You'll want to brush up on your Italian before going, though. Most people here don't speak English. 

Rimini is Federico Fellini's hometown, and you can see why. The long stretches of beach are packed with gorgeous women, bizarro characters, carnival rides, and splashes of color. This isn't the most picturesque town on our list, but it has the most personality.