4 seaside towns in southern Italy

There are many beautiful seaside towns in Southern Italy, where you can enjoy sun, sea and sparkling clear waters. The Italian coastline has everything from cliffs to long stretches of beach backed by dunes. There are also incredible sea caves and coves to discover.

 

The Mediterranean climate allows for al fresco dining most of the year, and the seafood and local produce are always fresh. Southern Italians are known for their friendly relaxed nature and visitors are always welcome to join the community at cultural events, from festivals to concerts under the stars.

Here are four examples of what you might see in a southern Italian seaside town.

1. Agropoli, Amalfi Coast, Campania

Population: 21,607

Nearest airport: Salerno QSR, Naples “Capodichio”.

The Amalfi Coast is famous for its breathtakingly beautiful coastline populated with pretty villages clinging to the rocks. Famous seaside towns include Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Many people fly to Naples and then either drive, train or bus to their chosen location. However, improvements are being made to the “Costa d’Amalfi” airport in Salerno, including a runway extension. Already, Ryanair and Easyjet have expressed an interest in running flights from there. The drive time from Salerno to Agropoli takes about an hour, compared to 1hr 35mins from Naples.

Agropoli village

Agropoli is a seaside town perched on a promontory, overlooking the Gulf of Salerno. The name “Agropoli” derives from Greek and means “High City”, due to its mountainous location overlooking the sea. The architecture in the town reflects its history from the Greco-Roman era, the Byzantines, and the Saracens.

Since the Byzantine era, a fortress was built, and in 882 the Saracens created a fortified citadel in Agropoli. Later, the town also passed under the Normans, the Swabians, and the Aragonese. Today the town of Agropoli has managed to keep its ancient centre and a large part of the city walls.

UNESCO and Blue Flag beaches

Agropoli is a popular seaside town, not only for its historical heritage but also for its location within the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park. The food and wine of Agropoli is also a big attraction, especially the fresh fish, local wine and olive oil. The cuisine of Agropoli is listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Pulses, oily fish, dairy products, and seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables are a big part of the Agropoli diet. In addition, its crystal clear waters have been awarded the “Blue Flag”.

San Marco is the largest beach, but if you are prepared for a bit of a walk, Licina Beach and San Francesco Beach are more secluded. At the far end of the town is a rock formation which is home to the “elephant cave”, which can only be seen from a boat or kayak.

The charming historic centre of Agropoli is located at the highest point of the town. To get there you need to walk up a wide stepped path “Salita degli Scaloni” and pass through the seventeenth-century arched stone gateway. However, it’s worth the walk for the views and to explore the winding alleyways.

Undoubtedly, the highlight is Agropoli Castle, which has a triangular plan and three circular towers around its perimeter. Inside the walls, there are several buildings and a square which today is a space used for theatrical performances.

Agropoli port

In the lower part of the town, there is the tourist port of Agropoli, from where excursion boats depart to beautiful places, such as Amalfi, Capri, Ischia, Procida and Palinuro. There are plenty of bars and restaurants along the waterfront. Agropoli has numerous religious festivals, concerts and folk traditions, including a sea procession in honour of Our Lady of Constantinople on July 24th.

Property prices in Agropoli

You can still find apartments needing modernisation and rural buildings to be renovated for around €100,000. Apartments over 100m2 sell for upward of 95,000, but near the waterfront, they fetch over €220,00, and for a property with sea views, you can pay €495,000. A typical 150m2 terraced house starts at €185,000.

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2. Polignano a Mare, Puglia

Population: 18.014

Nearest airport: Bari BRI

Bari is the capital city of the region of Puglia. Just a 35-minute drive down the coast from Bari Airport is Polignano a Mare. This breathtaking seaside town is perched on a rocky spur overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The houses look like they have naturally grown up from the cliff, and some even have cave rooms.

Old town Polignano

After gazing at the deep blue hues of the sea you will also be enchanted by its old town, with its gleaming white houses, flower-filled balconies and poetry written on the walls. Winding alleyways invite you to take a stroll and immerse yourself in the authentic Italian culture of the Puglia region. The fragrant aromas of cooking and herbs waft from kitchen windows, and cafes offering cakes and gelato tempt you. Then there are the piazzas, where you will see palazzo houses, once owned by feudal lords, with their impressive stone door surrounds.

Highlights of Polignano

Some of the highlights of Polignano a Mare include the Palazzo dell’Orologio palace, and the bronze statue of Domenico Modugno, (who wrote the song “Volare”). The ancient Via Traiana bridge and its view is a sight not to be missed. From the bridge, you can see a small beach called Lama Monachile, which is dominated on either side by high cliffs.

Cliff diving

This is a favourite area to watch the most spectacular diving competition in the world, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series. Divers walk through someone’s house to get to the diving platform. When interviewed they always say how much they love coming back to Polignano each year, because the town has such a friendly atmosphere. This community atmosphere is also demonstrated at the town festival from 14th – 16th June. Highlights include amazing street illuminations and a procession on the sea.

Caves and beaches

Each year, Polignano a Mare receives the Blue Flag for its wonderful beaches. You can also get a boat trip to see the natural wonders of the marine caves. Or for a unique dining experience, there is a large restaurant actually in a cave set in the cliff face.

The restaurant is part of a 5-star hotel located along the coast, but Polignano Old Town keeps its character by offering small boutique hotels, “Albergo diffuso” and B&Bs in old buildings. The “Albergo diffuso” is a “scattered hotel”, with rooms scattered around the village, so that you feel like you are living among the locals. Visitors can experience life in an authentic Italian community.

Property prices in Polignano a Mare

A traditional house (70m2) right on the waterfront can cost over €380,000. One built on the cliff edge with rooms in the rock would start at €750,000.  A countryside renovation project including Trulli can be found for less than €100,000. A small villa in the countryside costs from €85,000. A farmhouse to renovate in the area cost over €230,000.

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3. Cefalù, Sicily

Population: 14,310

Nearest airport: Palermo PMO

Cefalù is a quaint seaside town located in the province of Palermo, and just 47 minutes drive from the airport. It is a filmmaker’s dream, hence it being used as a film location for “Cinema Paradiso” and the beach appears in season two of “The White Lotus”.

Old Town Cefalù

You enter the old town through an archway that leads up a cobbled street. Small shops line the route, including souvenir shops, a bakery, an ironmonger, a grocer, and a hair-dresser. Everything is well presented and there is a contented happy feel to the place.

The old town has a unique charm, with narrow streets, and restaurants offering delicious local specialities. At the street cafes, you can indulge in the delights of an arancino or cannolo, and watch the world go by, before exploring the narrow streets.

Museum and wash house

Among the lovely palazzo doorways, there is one that leads to a museum, which gives a glimpse into the life of a wealthy Cefalù family. In another street, you will be transported back to a time when laundry was done communally. You can still see lines of sloped stones used for scrubbing the clothes on and the water troughs below.

Cefalù cathedral

Nestled among the red-roofed houses is a magnificent Norman Cathedral, built between 1131 and 1471. It has two impressive towers on the front corners of the façade, which gives it a slightly fort-like appearance. Since 2015 the Cathedral has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as part of a group of sites called “Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedrals of Cefalu and Monreale”. Inside the main highlights are the mosaics, especially the one representing the figure of “Cristo Pantocràtore”, which entirely covers the apse of the cathedral.

Cefalù parties

The city wall separates the town from the beach, and the houses are spread haphazardly up a gentle slope, until reaching a 270 metre high rock. As well as a peaceful setting, Cefalu also offers a lively nightlife, with bars, restaurants and clubs.

Visit from the 2nd – 6th August to witness the most important celebration of Cefalù. This is the festival of SS. Salvatore, Historical Patron of the Cathedral. In addition, there are various gastronomic and musical events during the summer.

Property prices in Cefalù

A large 225m2 property right on the waterfront can cost €850,000. A 200m2 house in the historic centre costs around €430,000. A small apartment in the historic centre costs from 185,000.  Renovation projects in the countryside can be snapped up for under €100,000. There are even villas with distant sea views for around €140,000. To see more properties in the area, speak to our expert property consultants today. 

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4. La Maddalena, Sardinia

Island population: Approx. 11,000

Nearest airport: Olbia OLB

La Maddalena is renowned for its beaches and the transparency of its waters. Such natural beauty can only be found in more remote places, and La Maddalena is a small island, which is part of an archipelago and national park of the same name. La Maddalena can only be reached by a ferry that leaves every half-hour from Palau and takes less than 30 minutes. The nearest airport to Palau is a 45-minute drive away in Olbia.

La Maddalena by the sea

As you approach the seaside town of Maddalena from the sea, you will realise it was worth the journey. The rocky outcrops and coves make for some stunning scenery, and the pastel shades of the houses give a warm welcome. The village of La Maddalena dates back to the eighteenth century and is located on the south of the main island looking across to Palau. Palm trees line the pretty port and you will find restaurants and cafes.  The small harbour of Cala Gavetta has a statue of Giuseppe Garibaldi, who lived out his last 26 years in Caprera, which is linked to La Maddalena by the Passo della Moneta (bridge).

Although the island now has little strategic military importance it does still host a school for commissioned officers of the Italian Navy. In the past, the granite quarry was important to the local economy, but now the island mostly relies on tourism. Despite the low population, there is a hospital, supermarkets, banks etc. and they have a big celebration for the Patron Saint of the town on 22nd July.

Surrounded by nature

The island is perfect for those who want to be surrounded by natural beauty. A scenic drive around the 45-kilometre perimeter of the island takes you to white beaches, quiet coves and rolling hills. You can follow a path to the fjord of Cala Francese, famous for the old granite quarry. Venture to the north of the island and you’ll find sandy beaches with dunes and rocks.

Property prices in La Maddalena

It is possible to find studio apartments in La Maddalena for under €100,000. Off-plan holiday apartments and town apartments cost start at €120,000. A 100m2 apartment with a superb sea view costs around 285,000. Yet, a sea-view apartment further up the hill might only cost €180,000.

Browse properties for sale in and around La Maddalena in Sicily

As with all property for sale in Italy, it is very difficult to give a price guide as many properties are so unique, and it depends greatly on the location and condition of the building.

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