The Italian Riviera’s 8 Most Beautiful Small Coastal Towns

The Italian Riviera, synonymous with the Liguria region, is arguably best known among international travelers for the scenic seaside villages of Cinque Terre and Portofino, the rich and famous’s luxury holiday destination. However, there is more to it than that!

I must admit that we knew very little about the region before planned a trip to the Italian Riviera… We had no clue this seaside region had so many lovely towns!

Cinque Terre has been on our bucket list for over two decades. However, after we began arranging the vacation, we discovered that there are so many more really lovely and delightful spots nearby.

#1 Santa Margherita Ligure

Santa Margherita Ligure, one of the larger towns on the Portofino Peninsula and the largest in this collection, is undoubtedly the most active and local of them all.

Santa Margherita Ligure, with a fair mix of locals and holidaymakers, appears to be one of the most popular options among those vacationing on the Italian Riviera. Beautiful beaches, a wide range of lodgings, a variety of dining and shopping opportunities, and easy access make it one of the best towns on the Ligurian Coast.

We had a great time going about the waterfront and checking out the local food stores that sold wine, cheese, and local pastry delicacies.

Best accommodation in Santa Margherita Ligure

#2 Portovenere

It’s not by chance that I rank Portovenere first among the best towns on the Ligurian coast. This colorful hamlet in the Bay of Poets (Golfo di Poeti), surrounded by history and incredible scenery, quickly became one of our favorites on the Italian Riviera.

We arrived at Portovenere by boat on the last day of October, which also happened to be the last day of the Cinque Terre ferry season. Portovenere is the first station on the ferry route from La Spezia to Cinque Terre, making it an ideal starting point for visiting Cinque Terre and the surrounding coastal areas.

The opportunities are limitless in the summer. However, there were relatively few boats on the day we came, so we had 5 hours to fill in Portovenere. As we approached a small lovely harbor, we wondered how we would keep ourselves and the kids entertained for the entire day…

Portovenere proved out to have a lot more to offer than it appeared at first glance. We viewed the 12th-century castle and the 13th-century church of San Pietro, walked along the cliffs and observed the neighboring grottos, ascended numerous staircases, and explored the ancient town’s small alleyways… There are numerous restaurants, gelaterias, and small stores…

Best accommodation in Portovenere

#3 Vernazza

Vernazza is yet another charming tiny village along the Cinque Terre coast. It is a vibrant, colorful town surrounded by vineyards.

We strongly advise making an effort and hiking a portion of the Vernazza – Monterosso trail for some of the best Cinque Terre views.

Best accommodation in Vernazza

#4 Riomaggiore

Riomaggiore is one of the five Cinque Terre villages. The waterfront provides the nicest view of this colorful tiny town.

Don’t miss the coastal walk that leads from Riomaggiore station to the beach!

Previously, you could stroll along the shore along Via dell’Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola, but only a small stretch of this road is currently open. Due to landslides, the Via dell’Amore has been closed.

Best accommodation in Riomaggiore

#5 Manarola

Manarola is yet another of the five Cinque Terre settlements not to be missed, and if I could only visit one, it would be this one. Manarola, with its colorful cottages leaning against a mountain overlooking the Mediterranean, is as gorgeous in person as it is in photographs.

It’s also the most vibrant town in Cinque Terre, and as I mentioned in my guide to the best places to stay in Cinque Terre, Manarola is arguably the finest settlement for those looking to stay in Cinque Terre proper.

Best accommodation in Manarola

#6 Portofino

Portofino is undoubtedly the most beautiful village on the Italian Riviera. Perhaps even the entire country of Italy. With luxurious yachts in the turquoise blue water and colorful villas and estates dotting the landscape, it’s the postcard-perfect village you see in travel guides. The Portofino Peninsula, surrounded by mountains and a stunning shoreline, is a must-see in Liguria.

The tiny seaside road leading to Portofino, like the entire surrounding area, is breathtakingly beautiful. We thoroughly loved the trek to Castello Brown and the Portofino lighthouse. A boat ride to the nearby San Fruttuoso Abbey from the 10th century is also recommended.

Best accommodation in Portofino

#7 Lerici

Lerici is another lovely Italian Riviera town, located in a magnificent inlet of the Golfo di Poeti, close to La Spezia and the previously mentioned Portovenere. Lerici, commonly known as the “Perla del Golfo,” is a lovely coastal hamlet with a tiny marina, a 13th-century castle, and a church from the same era.

It’s a summer tourist destination, although despite its proximity to Cinque Terre, Lerici seems to fly under the radar of most international travelers, and is largely visited by Italians. It was the only restaurant along the Ligurian coast where we had trouble ordering a meal in English.

So, the secret is out: you may still locate a genuine Italian beach town on the Italian Riviera, one that has managed to avoid the hordes brought by the massive cruise ships landing just a few kilometers away.

Best accommodation in Lerici

#8 Camogli

Camogli was an unexpected surprise for us, thus we consider it a true Ligurian hidden gem. According to the replies to my Instagram photos, this town is well-known among international travelers, but it wasn’t for us.

If you arrive at Camogli by car, you will undoubtedly understand the ‘hidden’ aspect. We drove by it without noticing the turn to the town center and ended up in the next village.

It was raining, and on our last day in Liguria, we considered turning around and driving home. But then we decided that since we were already here, we should simply get out of the car for 5 minutes and walk around. We stayed for several hours because we didn’t want to leave… Camogli is without a doubt one of the most gorgeous Italian Riviera seaside towns!

Camogli’s gorgeous setting, surrounded by high hills filled with colorful buildings, will not disappoint. It’s simply breathtaking!

Best accommodation in Camogli

Found something amazing? Spread the wonder and share it with your friends! 🥰