I stood on the platform at La Spezia Centrale, a cappuccino in one hand and a regional train ticket in the other, watching the Cinque Terre Express pull in. The train line connecting Levanto to La Spezia is one of Italy’s most spectacular railway journeys, and I was about to see why for myself. Italy’s coastline is easily accessible via an extensive railway network that connects major cities to coastal destinations, with train stations typically within walking distance of beaches and town centres. This guide covers 19 coastal villages you can reach by train, from the famous five of Cinque Terre to hidden spots in Calabria and Sicily — perfect for solo travellers, couples, and families like mine who want to skip the rental car headache.
The Cinque Terre Express connects five UNESCO-designated villages with trains running frequently throughout the day, making it one of the easiest coastal rail routes in Italy.
Yes, you can absolutely explore Italy’s best coastal villages by train — and in many cases, it’s actually better than driving. The regional trains drop you right at the edge of town, and you avoid the parking nightmares and narrow cliffside roads that make me grip the steering wheel until my knuckles go white.
Solo travellers
Families with kids
Photography lovers
Cinque Terre: The Five Villages by Rail
The Cinque Terre is the obvious starting point, but knowing which village suits your style makes all the difference.
The five UNESCO-designated villages — Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore — are connected by regional trains that run frequently throughout the day. Train journeys between villages take only a few minutes, and each has a completely different personality. Monterosso al Mare features the largest beach, which made it the easiest choice for our family day. Lily spent two hours building a sandcastle while Ethan chased waves, and I didn’t have to worry about him wandering onto train tracks.
Manarola offers iconic sunset views from its rocky coastline, and I can confirm the light turns everything gold around 7 p.m. in late spring. Riomaggiore is a special stop on the Cinque Terre Express, with pastel buildings and fishermen’s boats lining the small harbour. Trains from La Spezia Centrale provide access via the Cinque Terre Express, and regional trains also serve the route.
Buy the Cinque Terre Train Card at La Spezia Centrale station before boarding. It covers unlimited train travel between the five villages plus access to the hiking trails. In summer, trains fill up by mid-morning, so board at Levanto or La Spezia to guarantee a spot.
The Italian Riviera: Elegance and Easy Access
North of Cinque Terre, the Ligurian coast offers a different kind of coastal charm — think Belle Époque hotels and palm-lined promenades.
Sanremo hosts an annual music festival, and its train station is steps from the historic centre. I wandered from the platform straight into the old town in under five minutes. Santa Margherita Ligure offers beaches, upscale shopping, and seafood restaurants near the railway station. Portofino is accessible via bus from Santa Margherita Ligure train station — the bus ride takes about 15 minutes and winds along the coast with views that made me pull out my phone for photos through the window.
Santa Margherita Ligure station has luggage storage facilities, which makes it a practical base for day trips to Portofino without hauling your bags. The bus to Portofino runs every 20 minutes in summer.
Tuscany’s Coast: Viareggio and Forte dei Marmi
Tuscany isn’t just rolling hills and vineyards — its coastline has wide sandy beaches and Art Nouveau architecture that surprised me.
Viareggio is a fashionable resort with wide sandy beaches, Art Nouveau architecture, and nightlife. Direct trains connect major Tuscan cities to Viareggio, and it’s only 15 minutes by train from Pisa and its leaning tower. Viareggio hosts one of Italy’s largest annual Carnival celebrations since 1873, and the seaside promenade is lined with Art Nouveau buildings including the Savoy Cinema from 1925 and the 16th-century Matilda Tower. Forte dei Marmi attracts sophisticated travellers with exclusive beach clubs, designer boutiques, and refined dining. Bus services connect the station to the beachfront.
Forte dei Marmi’s beach clubs charge entry fees that can exceed €30 per person per day in peak summer. If you’re on a budget, head to the free public beach sections at the northern end of the promenade instead.
Lazio and Campania: Sperlonga, Vietri sul Mare, and Sorrento
These two regions offer completely different coastal experiences — one quiet and whitewashed, the other dramatic and cliffside.
Sperlonga has whitewashed houses clustered on a steep headland, and its beaches near Rome are popular for clear waters and landscapes. You can reach it in about 1.5 hours from Roma Termini via regional trains, with a bus from Fondi-Sperlonga station to the town centre. Vietri sul Mare is a traditional fishing village on the Amalfi Coast that retains authenticity, known for tuna and sardines in cliffside restaurants. The Church of Saint John the Baptist offers ocean views, and the train station provides access — 8 minutes from Salerno, 53 minutes from Naples via Trenitalia. Sorrento has views toward Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples, with its central train station near Piazza Angelina Lauro in the city centre, served by commuter trains from Naples and other towns.
Puglia: Polignano a Mare and Beyond
Puglia’s coastline is all whitewashed cliffs and turquoise water, and the train from Bari makes it almost too easy to reach.
Bari serves as a gateway to Puglia’s coastline, with regional trains continuing to Polignano a Mare. The town is known for its cliff-top setting and crystal-clear waters, with turquoise waters, white-pebble beaches, Roman ruins, and whitewashed houses. An iconic abbey and 16th-century tower overlook the Adriatic Sea. It’s less than 40 minutes from Bari by regional train. I took the early morning train from Bari Centrale and was sitting on the pebble beach with a pastry by 9 a.m.
Calabria: Scilla and Tropea
Calabria surprised me more than any other region — the water is genuinely that blue, and the trains run along cliffs that make you forget to breathe.
Scilla offers beautiful beaches, colourful terracotta towns, landscapes, and rich culinary heritage. It’s part of the “Purple Coast” (Costa Viola), named for the violet hue the sea takes at sunset. A regional train from Tropea takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and passes through scenic rocky coastline before heading inland to Rosarno. Tropea has stunning scenery, turquoise water, and rich history, with lively local dining and wine scenes. You can reach it by train from Scilla in about 1.5 hours on Trenitalia regional trains, and I recommend grabbing a window seat for the coastline views.
The “Train of the Gods” route from Paola to Lamezia Terme passes white beaches, coves, and villages on fortresses and headlands. Special stops include Tropea and Amantea. Book a seat on the right side of the train for the best sea views.
Sicily: Cefalù by Rail
Sicily requires a ferry from the mainland, but once you’re on the island, the train to Cefalù is worth the extra planning.
Sicily’s coastal towns are accessible via ferry connections from mainland Italy, with trains resuming service on the island. Cefalù resembles a structure carved from a cliff overlooking the sea, and it retains culture and commerce while resisting modernisation. It’s known for its beach, cuisine, and Norman cathedral from the 12th century with Byzantine mosaics. The town is located 40 minutes from Palermo and is part of the Arab-Norman Palermo UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Rimini: Italy’s Biggest Beach Resort
Sometimes you want a proper beach holiday with all the trimmings, and Rimini delivers that by train.
Rimini combines 10 miles of sandy beaches with historical buildings. It’s Italy’s biggest beach resort with extensive nightlife, and it’s approximately one hour from Bologna via Frecciarossa or Frecciabianca trains. Onboard services include free WiFi, an entertainment portal, leather armchairs, at-seat power, and complimentary drinks and snacks in higher classes. The train station is a 10-minute walk from the beach, and the historic centre with the Arch of Augustus and Tiberius Bridge is equally close.
Train vs. Car: Which Is Better for Coastal Italy?
I’ve done both, and here’s the honest breakdown of when to take the train and when to cave and rent a car.
| Factor | Train | Car |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for a family of four | €15–€50 per regional trip | €50–€100 per day rental + fuel + parking |
| Parking stress | None — stations are central | High — especially in Cinque Terre and Amalfi |
| Flexibility | Fixed schedules, but frequent | Stop anywhere, but ZTL zones restrict access |
| Scenic value | Window seats on cliffside tracks | Narrow roads with blind curves |
| Luggage | Carry-on only for day trips | Store everything in the boot |
- Regional train passes provide excellent value if you plan to visit three or more coastal towns in one trip.
- Most coastal train stations offer luggage storage facilities, so you can day-trip without your bags.
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential — cobblestone streets and hilly terrain are the norm in every village listed here.
Before You Go to Italy’s Coastal Train Towns
Which coastal village is best for families with young kids?
Monterosso al Mare in Cinque Terre has the largest beach and the flattest streets, making it the most stroller-friendly option. Rimini is also excellent for families, with 10 miles of sandy beaches and a train station a short walk from the shore.
Is the Cinque Terre Express worth the cost?
Yes, if you plan to visit more than two villages. The Cinque Terre Train Card covers unlimited train travel between all five villages plus hiking trail access. Buying single tickets for each short ride adds up fast.
What’s the most overrated coastal town on this list?
Portofino is beautiful but extremely expensive and crowded. The bus from Santa Margherita Ligure drops you at a harbour packed with superyachts and designer stores. I’d skip it unless you have a serious budget for lunch.
Can I visit the Amalfi Coast entirely by train?
Not entirely. The train gets you to Vietri sul Mare and Sorrento, but Positano and Amalfi town require buses or ferries from those stations. The SITA bus from Sorrento is the most practical option.
When is the best time to take these coastal train routes?
Late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the best balance of good weather and manageable crowds. Summer has the most frequent train services, but advance booking is recommended.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Italy’s Rail-Accessible Coast
I’ve taken the train along this coastline four times now, and every trip reveals something I missed before — a cove visible only from the tracks, a village bakery I walked past, a sunset that looked different from a different window seat. The trains themselves become part of the experience, not just a way to get from point A to point B. For more on how to build a full Italian itinerary around rail travel, read our guide to spring in Puglia and its fairytale trulli houses — another region where the train makes everything easier.
Sources and further reading
Marvellous Escapes. “Italy Coast by Train.” 🔗
Trainline. “Top 10 Italian Coastal Towns by Train.” 🔗
e-borghi.com. “Exploring Italy by Train: Scenic Routes and Hidden Stops.” 🔗
Related reading on Emily in Italy
Italy’s Sanremo: A Week of Music and Culture — A deep dive into the Riviera town’s famous festival and what to do there beyond the music.
Explore Italy’s Prosecco Hills Hidden Charm — Another scenic region best explored without a car, with train connections from Venice and Treviso.
Florence: Beat the Heat with Urban Beaches — What to do when you’re in a city but craving the coast, including train-accessible river beaches.
Matera’s Stone City: Caves, Culture, and Culinary Delights — A completely different kind of Italian destination, also reachable by train from Bari.