10 cosiest Italian towns
In the holiday period that has begun, many of our compatriots choose beautiful Italy as a place to relax. 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 coziest 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 by the sea, drinking coffee and tasting wines in local restaurants, listening to the voices of seagulls and the sound of the surf.
Choose!
(Total 10 photos)
1. Vernazza
Vernazza is considered the most organic, beautiful and picturesque town of the Italian "five lands" (Cinque Terre) of Liguria. Today, a little 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 backdrop of multi-colored multi-storey tower houses, the older medieval walls of galleries, palaces, a monastery and, of course, a castle, whose low walls once guarded the peace of local residents from pirate raids, catch your eye. In the narrow streets of Vernazza, at steep angles going down to the sea, at almost every step you can see boats "parked" by the houses as naturally as the cars that stand in our yards at the entrances look.
2. Portofino
Portofino is a resort on the Ligurian coast. It is surrounded by hills covered with olive trees. From the windows of the panoramic cable car, the whole town is visible at a glance. Guy De Maupassant liked to visit here, who wrote about Portofino: "This green bay in the realm of harmony and peace, so contrasts with all the vain anxieties 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.
3. Atrani
Atrani is a small town on the western coast of Italy, in the Campania region, in the province of Salerno. Atrani carefully preserves its medieval origin and with its picturesque lanes, arches, courtyards, squares and stairs, it looks like a festive Christmas scenery washed by the sea. During the time of 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 cliffs rising up. The center of Atrani is far 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 town.
4. Positano
Positano is one of the most famous resorts in southern Italy, located on 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 over three small valleys sandwiched between mountains and the sea. Characteristic colorful houses climb the steep mountain slopes. From almost anywhere in the town offers 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, Neptune (Poseidon). The islets of Galli off the coast of Positano are mentioned in the Odyssey - according to Homer, it was here that the sirens lived. From the Middle Ages, watchtowers built to protect against Saracen pirates have been preserved in the town.
5. Ravello
Ravello is a city of music with romantic gardens, cool alleys and medieval architecture. In the 11th-13th centuries, at the invitation of wealthy merchants, Arab architects came to Ravello and built luxurious palaces here. To this day, Ravello has retained the charm of the ancient village. The rich culture of Ravello is closely linked to its 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 festival of symphonic music named after him is held here. From the slopes of the terrace on which Ravello is located, magnificent landscapes of the Amalfi Coast open up.
6. Manarola
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 cities 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 locals often gather to discuss any important issues. Although there is no beach, it is a good place for snorkeling and exploring caves and rock crevices. A special staircase was built to descend to the water. The main industry here is traditionally fishing and winemaking. Even in the days of the Roman Empire, the local wine was valued for its excellent taste.
7. Sorrento
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, breaking off into the Gulf of Naples. Tasso Square can be called the heart of Sorrento. It is from here that the main shopping street Via Corso begins, famous for its restaurants, shops and clubs. Sorrento has two ports, Marina Piccola and Marina Grande. Every morning, sea rockets leave from Marina Grande for the islands of Capri, Ischia, Procida and the neighboring cities of Positano and Amalfi.
8. Rapallo
The small town of Rapallo is located 40 kilometers from Genoa. There are many historical monuments here - ancient cathedrals and churches, the oldest is 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 the best hotels of the 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.
9. Lerici
Lerici is a bizarre mixture of buildings, small coves and rocky cliffs that pierce the sparkling sea. This is a favorite vacation spot for residents of the northern part of Italy, as here you can enjoy a relaxing and comfortable stay away from the crowds of foreign tourists. The main attraction of the town is an old medieval castle.
10 Castiglioncello
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 rocks, small bays and cozy bays with charming beaches. Even the ancient Romans and Etruscans, and later the Medici in the Renaissance, could not pass by the beauty of these lands. Recently, Castiglioncello has become famous as a resort town, in which Marcello Mastroianni and Luchino Visconti 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 artists who founded the commune here.