10 most cozy Italian towns

To start the holiday period many of our compatriots are chosen as a place to stay beautiful Italy. For those who can not be surprised bustle of the eternal city of Rome and Milan shopping our selection of the most cozy Italian cities on the coast. Probably each of us ever dreamed to spend if not life, then at least a vacation in a quiet hamlet on the beach, drinking coffee and wine tasting at local restaurants, listening to the voices of gulls and surf.

Choose! 

1. Vernazza

Vernazza is the most organic, beautiful and picturesque town Italian "pyatizemelya" (Cinque Terre) Liguria. Today it is home to just over a thousand people, so Vernazza is also one of the quietest towns and compete with them can only calm Manarola. On a background of multicolored multi-storey houses-towers are evident older medieval walls of galleries, palaces, monasteries and, of course, the castle, whose low walls once protected the rest locals from pirate raids. In the narrow streets of Vernazza, at steep angles going down to the sea, at almost every step, you can see the boats, "parked" at home so naturally as look cars standing in our backyards at entrances.

2. Portofino

Portofino - the resort of the Ligurian coast. He is surrounded by hills covered with olive trees. Overview of the windows ropeway whole town is visible at a glance. It liked to be Guy de Maupassant, who wrote about Portofino: "This Green Bay in the realm of harmony and peace, as contrasted with all the vain anxieties of our lives." There is everything here: unspoiled nature and splendid beaches, historical monuments and expensive shops. The former fishing village has been transformed into a wonderful resort that celebrities love to visit.

3. Atrani

Atrani - a small town on the west coast of Italy, in the region of Campania, in the province of Salerno. Atrani cherishes its medieval origins and with its picturesque lanes, arcs in, courtyards, squares and stairs like a festive Christmas decorations, lapped by the sea.During the time of the Amalfi Republic in this town lived the noblest families. Here held coronation and burial doges. Atrani is located just 700 meters from Amalfi, in a natural amphitheater surrounded by huge cliffs receding upward. Atrani center is away from the busy coast road, as entry into the city only allowed local people: it helps keep the town in a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere.

4. Positano

Positano - one of the most famous resorts in the south of Italy, located in the Gulf of Salerno on the Amalfi Coast. Beauty of the landscape, in the XIX century made Positano mecca for artists. The town is scattered over three small valleys sandwiched between the mountains and the sea. Typical colorful houses climb the steep mountain slopes. Virtually 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 sea god Neptune (Poseidon). Galli islands off the coast of Positano are mentioned in the "Odyssey" - according to Homer, here lived a siren. The Middle Ages in the town preserved watchtowers built to protect against the Saracen pirates.

5. Ravello

Ravello - the city of music with romantic gardens, cool alleys and medieval architecture. In XI - XIII centuries, at the invitation of wealthy merchants, arrived in Ravello Arab architects and built palaces here. And to this day still retains the charm of Ravello ancient village.Ravello rich culture closely linked to its musical heritage. Wagner often rested here, in love with this place that inspired him to write many of his famous works. Every summer there is a festival of symphonic music in his name. From the slopes of the terrace, which is located in Ravello, offering great views of the Amalfi Coast.

6. Manarola

Manarola - small fishing town in Liguria, northern Italy. The city is located on a cliff overhanging 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 towns in the famous five. In the center of town is the church of San Lorenzo, built in 1338. In the western part is a small harbor in the east area, where locals often gather to discuss any important matters.Despite the fact that there is no beach - it's a good place for snorkeling and study of caves and rock crevices. To descend to the water built a special ladder. The main fishing here is traditionally fishing and winemaking. Even in the times of the Roman Empire the local wine was appreciated for its excellent taste.

7. Sorrento

Sorrento has always been known as a prestigious resting place: Roman patricians built around the villa and on the nearby island of Capri settled himself emperor Tiberius.Sorrento is located on the steep cliffs of volcanic tuff, terminating in the Gulf of Naples.Piazza Tasso can be called the heart of Sorrento. It is from here that the main shopping street, Via Corso, known for its restaurants, shops and clubs. In Sorrento has two ports - Marina Piccola and Marina Grande. Every morning from Marina Grande sent sea missiles on the island of Capri, Ischia, Procida and the neighboring towns of Positano and Amalfi.

8. Rapallo

At 40 kilometers from Genoa is a small town of Rapallo. There are many historical monuments - ancient cathedrals and churches, is considered the oldest church of San Gervasio and Protas, which was mentioned in ancient manuscripts VI century. Rapallo very clean, noble and charming city. In one of the best hotels in the nineteenth century, located on a high bank near the port enjoyed staying Hemingway. Every day to the shores of Rapallo white yachts moor.

9. Lerici

Lerici - it's a strange mixture of buildings, small coves and rocky cliffs that pierce the sparkling sea. It is a favorite vacation spot of inhabitants northern Italy, because here you can enjoy a quiet relaxing holiday away from the crowds of foreign tourists. The main attraction of the town - the old medieval castle.

10. Castiglioncello

Castiglioncello - a small town in the province of Livorno, located on a promontory washed by the Tyrrhenian Sea. The city is surrounded by pine and oak forests and picturesque hills that literally break off and fall down, forming cliffs, small bays and coves cozy with charming beaches. Past the beauty of the land could not pass by the ancient Romans and Etruscans, and later - the Medici in the Renaissance. Recently Castiglioncello famous as a resort town, which at one time built their villas Marcello Mastroianni and Luchino Visconti.Town allows a calm and measured way of life, eliminating the fuss and noise. Castiglioncello - is a secluded resort for the elite. Mass tourism is here unwritten taboo. Castiglioncello therefore attracts many creative people, including artists, founded the commune.