Italy’s coastlines are as famous because of the stars that choose to spend vacations on them as they are for their natural charm. Elegant coastlines such as the Italian Riviera and the Amalfi Coast are no strangers to holidaymakers from the world of showbiz, not to mention visitors who have plenty in the bank to afford the finer things in life and indulge in lavish lifestyles. Below is a look at some of Italy’s most beautiful coastlines and some of the towns, villages, and things to do that make the coastline so great.

The Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi Coast stretches for around 60 kilometers along the southern edge of the Sorrentine peninsula and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. On its website, the organization calls the Amalfi Coast “an outstanding example of a Mediterranean landscape, with exceptional cultural and natural scenic values resulting from its dramatic topography and historical evolution.” 

Sorrento itself serves as a gateway to this magnet-for-celebrities coastline. It’s a handsome clifftop resort that, no matter how many visitors it receives, always manages to stay beautiful. 

Positano is something of the poster town for the coastline. The sun-bleached pink, peach, and terracotta houses, which look as if they’re tumbling into the sea, make for stunning photos, as do the steep streets.

The equally photogenic town of Amalfi, which was of major economic and political significance to the Byzantine empire, has a wealth of history behind it and offers the glamorous Marina Grande. Rising above Amalfi is the Duomo di Sant Andrea, next to which is the tranquil cloister Chiostro del Paradiso. 

Of note too is the town of Ravello, which is east of Altrani and overlooks the sea from the brink of the frightening sounding but immensely beautiful Valle del Dragone (Valley of Dragons). The gardens that used to surround the villas are now parks and the view from each trumps the garden before it.

There are a variety of activities you can perform while staying on the Amalfi Coast. Swimming in the waters is invigorating. You can also take guide tours by boat to Capri from Sorrento, Naples or other towns on the coast. Alternatively, Borrow A Boat and explore the Amalfi Coast as you choose.

Italian Riviera

Just like the Amalfi Coast, the Italian Riviera, a narrow strip of coastline that straddles the south of France and Tuscany, has the celebrities flocking to it. Think of the Italian Riviera and you think, automatically, of the region in which it’s situated: Liguria. 

Perhaps the jewel in the crown is the Riviera is the region’s capital, Genoa, which is famous for being the birthplace of Christopher Columbus, who was an embodiment of the city’s active maritime tradition. Genoa will also appeal to anyone who has an interest in architecture, as Renaissance, Gothic, Baroque and medieval styles all abound. 

Portofino is another regional gem and wastes no time in endearing itself to you instantly with its colorful houses set in a semi-circle around the Piazzetta. This fishing village lends itself superbly to leisurely strolls in the sunshine and, for quite possibly the most amazing view in the whole of Portofino, you should head to the Punto del Capo lighthouse. 

Vernazza will likewise find a way into your heart quickly. It’s a fishing village and maybe the quaintest and steepest of the five Cinque Terre villages. The main cobbled street, Via Roma, links the seaside Piazza Marconi to the train station and side streets lead to Vernazza’s trademark narrow streets.

Salento

The Salento peninsula coastline is in the “heel” of the Italian boot and is a region within the southern end of Puglia, in southern Italy. Some call it the “Pearl of the Ionian Sea.” Italians come here for the sunshine, beaches, and, above all that, the tremendously good food. The food fished in the nearby waters and farmed in the fresh pastures here sees the region make a significant contribution to the country’s larders. Specialties here include the region’s giant purple shrimps and fish broth and pasta.

One of the main jewels in the Salento crown is Gallipoli, a town that pirates tried to conquer across the centuries. In the 1800s, the town’s harbor was a hub in the Mediterranean for lamp oil and spice merchants. Today, a major attraction, however, is the beach La Purità. The sand is blissfully soft, the sea is a gorgeous fluorescent blue, and the beach, in general, helps to create a real buzz in the town. It just wouldn’t be Gallipoli without it.

Another Salento town to visit is Otranto where you can see the 15th century Castello Aragonese castle. Back in that century, the town was considerably more populous and had more of an edge than it does today. The structure of the castle may be a bit grim, but the castle itself is well preserved, both internally and externally, and offers fabulous views from the outer walls. 

Conclusion

The Amalfi Coast, the Italian Riviera, and Salento are all fantastic locations that provide phenomenal vacations, thanks to delightful towns and villages, colorful scenery, and inspiring views. If you’re a fan of getting out and exploring in a yacht, there’s plenty of scope to do so. If you enjoy autographing hunting, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled as you could come across some megastars from Hollywood or other areas of showbiz. Just like everyone else, celebs need to take a vacation, too.