Italy has plenty of cities worth planning a vacation around, but you don’t have to spend your whole trip ticking off museums and all the usual landmarks.

A key visual, A Mediterranean Cruise Itinerary Built Around Italy’s Beach Towns

Follow the coast instead, and you’ll find small beaches, bustling harbors, waterfront restaurants, and towns where an afternoon by the sea is enough reason to stop.

A Mediterranean cruise makes it pretty easy to fit several of these places into one trip. And with the right itinerary, you can start on the Italian Riviera, make your way down to the Amalfi Coast and Ponza, and finish with a few days around Sicily.

Start On the Italian Riviera: Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure

Portofino, Liguria

If you start your trip in Liguria, Portofino and Santa Margherita Ligure are only a few miles apart, and each offers a slightly different way to spend a day on the Italian Riviera. 

Portofino is the smaller of the two, but has one of the most well-known harbors. It also has plenty of waterfront cafes and streets that you can easily explore on foot.

Santa Margherita Ligure is where you can settle in for a good few hours. You can walk along the promenade, find a spot by the water for a swim, and stop for lunch before heading back to the ship. Ristorante Antonio and Ristorante Karalis are just two of the restaurants you shouldn’t miss.

Follow the Coast South to Sorrento and Amalfi

Amalfi, Campania

Once you start heading south to Sorrento, the coastline instantly becomes more dramatic.

This town sits high above the Bay of Naples and is a good base for exploring this part of Italy. You can either stay close to the port or use your time ashore to visit Positano or Amalfi.

If you’re choosing a cruise in the Med specifically for its coastal stops, check how much time you’ll actually have in each port. Getting between these towns takes time, so a longer port day gives you more options.

And if possible, spend some time on the water. Seeing the steep cliffs and hillside towns from a boat gives you a completely different perspective on this stretch of coast.

Slow Things Down On Ponza

Ponza

After the crowds and sightseeing possibilities of the Amalfi Coast, Ponza gives you an excuse to do much less, and it’s a real Mediterranean gem not to be missed! 

This small Pontine Island is known for its rocky coves and clear water, so your time here is better spent swimming or taking a boat trip around the coast. 

You can also wander around the colorful harbor and stop for lunch before returning to the water. A Casa di Assunta is a top pick. 

Ponza doesn’t appear on every Mediterranean itinerary, and you’re more likely to find it on smaller ship cruises. If it’s high on your list, check the individual ports before booking rather than assuming your cruise will stop there. 

End In Sicily: Taormina and Isola Bella

Taormina, Sicily

Sicily is a great end point for your trip, especially around Taormina on the island’s eastern coast. While Taormina sits above the ocean, Isola Bella lies lower down, so you can easily split your day between town and beach.

Spend a few hours swimming at Isola Bella before heading up to Taormina to stroll along the streets and do a bit of shopping. You could stop for a granita if you want something quick, or make time for a seafood lunch before you head back to the ship.

Look out for involtini di pesce spada, which are traditional Sicilian swordfish rolls filled with breadcrumbs, herbs, olives, capers, and other local ingredients.

Choose the Coast, Not Just the Ports

When you’re comparing Mediterranean cruise itineraries, don’t just count how many stops you’ll get. Look at where you’ll actually be able to spend your time once you’re ashore. 

A route that gives you easy access to beaches, small towns, and plenty of time by the water can be much more rewarding than one packed with ports you have to rush through. 

After all, if you’re planning a vacation around Italy’s beach towns, you should have enough time to enjoy them.

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