Top 20 most beautiful marinas in Italy2026 ranking

In southern Puglia, Gallipoli is a coastal gem known for its pristine beaches and historic architecture. Set on the Ionian Sea within the Gulf of Taranto, the town centers on maritime life. The Gallipoli Port, dating to the 18th century, remains active with traditional fishing boats near the imposing Castello di Gallipoli (Gallipoli Castle).

Perched on a mountainside, Sorrento sits between cliffs and the sea, a signature look for Southern Italy. Its peninsula is a favorite for sailors, and the Port of Sorrento remains a hub of the Gulf of Naples. Ferries run daily to the Amalfi Coast, Capri, and Procida, just steps from the historic center.

Portovenere Marina sits against the Palazzata, a UNESCO-listed row of pastel medieval tower houses. This harbor hosts fishing gozzi boats and visiting sailboats in a singular setting. It serves as the primary departure point for Palmaria Island, the Cinque Terre, and boat tours across the Gulf of Poets.

Mergellina Harbour in Naples blends daily maritime activity with iconic views of Mount Vesuvius and the bay. More intimate than larger docks, it offers a real Naples experience. Watch local fishermen, catch boats to Procida or Ischia, or grab fresh seafood at harbor-side spots. It is a perfect spot for an immersive, delicious stroll.

Getting around Venice has a charm you will not find anywhere else, as you swap buses for the vaporetto. Surrounded by water and islands, the city is best explored by boat. The Santa Maria Elisabetta Vaporetto Stop sits on the Lido, famous for its beaches and the Palazzo del Cinema (Cinema Palace).

Marina di Varazze stands as one of the most modern ports on the Italian Riviera. With 800 slips for vessels 5 to 50 meters long, it serves as a premier home for pleasure craft. Located 37 kilometers from Genoa, Varazze has been a shipbuilding hub since the Roman era.

A jewel of Monte Argentario, Porto Ercole offers a split personality. You will find an elegant, active marina down below and a historic fortified village clinging to the hillside. Getting lost in the maze of alleys within its borgo antico (old town) is memorable. Known as the place where the painter Caravaggio died, the village is watched over by imposing Spanish fortresses that offer exceptional views. It is a destination with incredible charm, blending history, art, and a laid-back lifestyle.

As the primary hub of Monte Argentario, Porto Santo Stefano is a working port where local life thrives. Its waterfront, lined with eateries, is perfect for strolling between fishing boats and ferries bound for Giglio Island. The town is watched over by an imposing Spanish fortress housing intriguing museums. This is a functional, authentic stop, less polished than nearby Porto Ercole, and the best place to feel the pulse of the peninsula.

Until the early 14th century, Leghorn was a small fishing village on the Ligurian Sea in northwest Italy. The Medici family later transformed its future to bolster Pisa’s maritime trade. Today, the Port of Livorno ranks among Italy’s busiest hubs. Its four basins handle international freight, tourism, and ferry routes to Corsica, Sardinia, Morocco, and Spain.

As the capital of the Puglia region, Bari is a coastal city in Southern Italy deeply connected to the Adriatic Sea. Maritime trade has defined its history, with the Port of Bari continuing this legacy today. Known as the gateway to the Balkans and the Middle East, it links Italy to neighboring countries and the Ionian Islands. Centrally located, the port sits apart from the old harbor, where the historic center offers a more authentic atmosphere away from the ferry traffic.