Updated for 2025

Italy’s sun-kissed coastline continues to define the epitome of European elegance in 2025. From opulent cliffside resorts to tranquil bays lapped by crystalline waters, these seaside destinations promise a blend of timeless beauty, bespoke luxury, and authentic Italian charm. Whether you’re dreaming of Amalfi’s cinematic splendor or Sardinia’s untouched beaches, these handpicked havens offer an unparalleled luxury Italy vacation. 

Amalfi Coast: Cliffside Glamour & Timeless Sophistication

The Amalfi Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site, enchants with its dramatic cliffside villages, winding coastal roads, and fragrant lemon groves is home to several of the best resorts in Italy. 2025 sees this classic destination offering even more refined experiences, ideal for travelers who savor exquisite design, fine dining, and awe-inspiring vistas.

Positano, the poster child of la dolce vita, boasts luxury properties like Le Sirenuse, an 18th-century palazzo with antique furnishings, vaulted ceilings, and a new rooftop bar offering aperitivo with panoramic sea views. The hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, La Sponda, remains a highlight with its candlelit ambiance and menus inspired by Neapolitan tradition.

Just a short drive away, Il San Pietro di Positano is a sanctuary of serenity, where every suite offers a private terrace perched above the sea. Guests enjoy complimentary yacht excursions, bespoke spa treatments with views of the cliffs, and access to one of the coast’s only private beaches.

For those seeking privacy and local character, consider renting a restored villa in Ravello, home to enchanting gardens and the famed Belmond Hotel Caruso, which now offers curated classical music evenings and helicopter transfers from Naples.

If you are deciding between the Italian Riviera or Amalfi Coast, talk to us! Our travel specialists at 58 Stars can help you craft the perfect escape.

Portofino & the Italian Riviera: Riviera Chic Reimagined

On the Ligurian coast, Portofino exudes discreet opulence with its jewel-toned harbor, luxury yachts, and designer boutiques nestled in pastel buildings. In 2025, the Riviera continues to attract global tastemakers drawn to its blend of history, haute cuisine, and coastal charm.

Check into the legendary Splendido, A Belmond Hotel, which recently debuted an art-inspired renovation celebrating Liguria’s maritime heritage. Here, you’ll find grand terraced gardens, infinity pools overlooking the sea, and concierge-arranged excursions to remote fishing villages.

Portofino’s waterfront is also home to Eight Hotel Portofino, a boutique option favored by those seeking understated luxury and personalized service. Enjoy spa treatments using local olive oils, or a private yacht charter along the Golfo del Tigullio.

Extend your journey along the coast to Cinque Terre, where each village clings to the cliffs in vibrant colors. While traditionally rustic, 2025 brings new refined stays like La Torretta Lodge in Manarola, offering terraces with plunge pools and locally sourced gourmet breakfasts.

Let our travel agents specializing in Italy travel curate the perfect itinerary for your next vacation. 

Sardinia: Untamed Beauty & Coastal Refinement

Sardinia’s northern coast, especially the glittering Costa Smeralda, has long been a magnet for superyachts and sunseekers craving exclusivity. In 2025, it remains an essential destination for those in search of barefoot luxury set against rugged natural beauty and hosts some of the best luxury Italian resorts.

The elite flock to Hotel Cala di Volpe, part of the Luxury Collection, where cinematic architecture meets modern amenities including a marina-side beach club and a newly launched sustainability program that supports local artisans. Nearby, Petra Segreta Resort & Spa offers secluded villas nestled among granite rocks and aromatic myrtle bushes, complete with private plunge pools and views of the Maddalena Archipelago.

Families adore Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & Spa Resort, set in 28 hectares of Mediterranean parkland. Activities here range from sea kayaking and snorkeling to kids’ cooking workshops and nightly Sardinian folk music shows.

Adventure-seekers can explore the pristine beaches of Cala Brandinchi and La Pelosa, where emerald waters rival those of the Maldives. Charter a catamaran for a day trip to La Maddalena Islands, discovering hidden lagoons accessible only by boat.

Puglia: Rustic Elegance & Coastal Charm

Once a hidden gem, Puglia now dazzles with its whitewashed hill towns, ancient olive groves, and turquoise coves. Its Adriatic coastline offers a quieter, more authentic alternative to the more touristed north, perfect for travelers who appreciate slow luxury.

Begin in Polignano a Mare, where dramatic cliffs drop into crystal waters and the world-famous Grotta Palazzeserestaurant invites diners to feast inside a natural sea grotto. Boutique hotels like Borgobianco Resort & Spa pair countryside seclusion with sea views and holistic wellness.

Further south, Ostuni and Monopoli offer access to rustic-chic masserias – fortified estates transformed into elegant countryside retreats. Borgo Egnazia, an iconic resort styled as a traditional Puglian village, offers everything from truffle hunting and olive oil tastings to immersive artisan workshops and yoga on the beach.

Don’t miss the stunning beaches of Torre dell’Orso and the hidden coves of Porto Selvaggio, ideal for a secluded day with a luxury picnic.

Sicily: Volcanic Majesty & Seaside Splendor

Italy’s largest island, Sicily, offers an intoxicating mix of natural drama, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture. From the shadow of Mount Etna to the turquoise bays of Taormina, this is a luxury Italy travel destination for those who seek depth.

Base yourself in Taormina, where the Four Seasons San Domenico Palace continues to set the bar for Sicilian opulence. Overlooking the Ionian Sea, the hotel blends 14th-century architecture with modern indulgence—think cliffside infinity pools, lush gardens, and haute Sicilian dining.

Venture to Cefalù, a charming coastal town with Norman architecture and cobbled streets, and stay at Le Calette Garden & Bay, offering panoramic terraces and eco-conscious suites. Or head to Ortigia, the ancient heart of Siracusa, and unwind at Algilà Ortigia Charme Hotel, a boutique gem known for its palatial suites and proximity to Baroque landmarks.

Wine enthusiasts will love bespoke excursions to Etna’s volcanic vineyards, with VIP tastings of Nerello Mascalese and Etna Bianco paired with sweeping views of lava-scarred landscapes.

Insider Travel Tips for 2025

• Best Times to Visit: Late spring (May–early June) and early autumn (September–October) offer warm weather, ideal swimming conditions, and fewer crowds.
• Transportation: Consider a private driver for scenic routes like the Amalfi Coast or a helicopter transfer between destinations like Portofino and Florence for efficiency and jaw-dropping views.
• Reservations: Book high-end properties and dining experiences at least 6 months in advance, especially in July and August.
• Local Flavor: Embrace the local rhythm—long lunches, late dinners, and unhurried afternoons with a view are central to Italy’s coastal lifestyle.

Ready to plan your perfect 2025 escape to the Italian seaside?
Let’s craft a personalized itinerary that includes every indulgence—private villas, luxury yachts, Michelin-starred dining, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences tailored just for you. Contact us!