The enduring appeal of Italy’s glittering coastlines, its forever on-trend food and drink scene and its rich history, art and architecture make it one of the world’s most-visited countries year after year.

Its coastlines – including Puglia, Tuscany, Ischia and Amalfi – feature on most of our travel bucket lists, and these destinations feature spectacular hotels and settings perfect for celebratory holidays and special moments.

Whether it’s Jean Paul Getty’s quietly glamorous former mansion on a private cove in Palo Laziale with panoramic views over the Tyrrhenian Sea, a cliffside hideaway in Tuscany, a romantic 100-year-old hotel outside Venice that’s served as the backdrop to a number of cult 60s films or one of the only hotels in Amalfi with direct access to the sea, there’s something for everyone in our edit of the best Italian beachfront hotels.

A 20-room boutique hotel on the coast of Palo Laziale, La Posta Vecchia makes an ideal getaway or part of a trip to Rome (it’s just 30 minutes from the Italian capital).  

Jean Paul Getty’s former private mansion, the hotel is majestic yet quietly sophisticated, with (predictably) exquisite interiors, including Renaissance furnishings, precious tapestries and Roman mosaics. Nestled in acres of lush gardens with panoramic views over the Tyrrhenian Sea and easy access to the Etruscan sites of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, it’s one for the bucket list.

Borgo Egnazia is nestled in the Itria Valley, between the Adriatic Sea and seemingly endless ancient olive groves. Opened in 2010, the hotel is modelled on an authentic Puglian village and made of hand-cut tuff stones with gardens adorned with olive trees and a picturesque piazza in the heart of the resort that harks back to the history of the area. Centuries ago, villages were clusters of small houses spread among narrow, intertwined alleys where farmers lived. These houses were built around a large piazza, where all community activities and public celebrations took place.

Easily accessible by car in just 45 minutes from Brindisi airport (or an hour from Bari and near Monopoli and Ostuni) there’s plenty to explore off-site, even though many guests choose to stay on-site during their trip.

There are seven restaurants, including Mia Cucina, which serves traditional Puglian dishes; traditional restaurant La Frasca; and the beachfront seafood restaurant Cala Masciola, which has its very own fishmonger’s shop. Cala Masciola Beach Club is the perfect place to relax by the sea or take advantage of the watersport centre. You can shop at Bottega Egnazia, which sells a well-curated selection of Apuglian splatterware and ceramics, excellent local food products (including the resort’s own olive oil and vermouth), candles and brilliant linen pieces including the stylish linen maxi dresses worn by the hotel staff. 

Tucked away in a pristine Tuscan cove with breathtaking views and a glamorous history of guests from Hollywood royalty to high society, Il Pellicano embodies la dolce vita. It’s a postcard-worthy, two-hour drive from Rome through charming countryside and along the Tuscan coast. 

Beyond the hotel, Tuscany’s Maremma region offers wine tasting, medieval hilltowns, artistic gardens and the opportunity to take a dip in Saturnia’s healing sulphuric waterfalls, which gush out at 37ºC.

The newly renovated Casa Bianca al Mare Hotel on the Adriatic coastline sits in the pretty seaside resort of Lido di Jesolo. The historical building is over 100 years old and has all the charm you’d expect, including incredible parapets and ornate turrets. A recent refurbishment has brought the interiors right up to date, even introducing hot tubs on the panoramic terraces. 

Casa Bianca al Mare has served as the backdrop to several cult films in the 60s and is a location loved by celebrities, having welcomed artists including the Rolling Stones and Ray Charles.

The restaurant, Amarmio, offers fine dining that gives a nod to its surroundings with a menu that celebrates the sea and serves up local dishes with a modern twist. Elsewhere, you’ll find sculptures, prestigious works of art and stunning art nouveau interiors, and off-site there’s plenty to explore with Venice just a few kilometres away.

Mezzatorre is Ischia’s most stylish destination, with stunning views, a gorgeous spa, healing spring waters and a private location all tucked into seven hectares of Mediterranean scrub. Its name comes from the unfinished watchtower in which it is located – a nod to its storied history. 

On the north-west tip of Ischia above a private bay overlooking the Gulf of Naples, this restorative escape is the island’s best-kept secret. Natural thermal waters bubble straight up into the spa, making it a perfect restorative oasis. There are two quaint nearby beach towns – Lacco Ameno and Forio are just minutes away – and you can book boat trips, take hiking trails or try wine tasting.

The grand dame of the Amalfi Coast, Hotel Santa Caterina, is a five-star luxury hotel that has remained family-owned for more than a century. Although not technically beachfront – it doesn’t have a beach – Hotel Santa Caterina is one of very few hotels in Amalfi that has direct access to the sea. 

The hotel exudes vintage glamour and sophistication, with classic interiors, Mediterranean design and Amalfi-style villas. The rooms and suites are spacious and bright, with hand-painted majolica floors, marble bathrooms, balconies and sensational views. Celebrity guests have included Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and Kim Kardashian and it was a favourite for Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. 

Restaurant Glicine has a Michelin star and does modern interpretations of classic Amalfi cuisine and its beach club is world famous. Located a short distance from Amalfi town centre, it’s perfectly positioned for visiting nearby towns such as Positano, Ravello, Sorrento, Capri and Pompeii. 

A beautiful, old-school luxury hotel and resort in Forte Dei Marmi, it’s a holiday hotspot for some of the chicest Italians. Founded in 1926, the resort is made up of three primary residences – Villa Pesenti, Augustus Lido and La Nave complex – and seven private villas. 

The properties were all built between 1920 and 1960 and are surrounded by an expansive garden park that is heavily scented by gardenias, jasmine, roses and lavender and often filled with birdsong.

The pool sits in a quiet corner of the resort gardens under an umbrella palm tree, and the resort has a visually pleasing private beach that is set up with beach tents, sunbeds and stylish striped beach towels.

A 90-minute drive from the new Salerno Costa d’Amalfi airport, which launches direct flights to and from London Gatwick this month, and is dubbed the ‘undiscovered Amalfi’, Maratea is a destination to know.

Nestled along the rugged coastline of the Basilicata region, Maratea is a hidden gem located in the Gulf of Policastro.  With its stunning coastline, rich history and authentic Italian charm, Maratea is a failsafe choice for travellers wanting to enjoy the beauty of southern Italy, and Hotel Santavenere (the only five-star hotel in the area) is situated right at the foot of Monte San Biagio overlooking the sea with its very own private beach.

Built in the 1950s, Santavenere was originally an aristocratic villa, an impressive residence where every detail is considered. The grand, sun-filled lounges are furnished with historic Vietri tiles, late 18th century furniture, Minturno ceramics and rare artisanal objects. 

Images: courtesy of resorts