Which Italian region has the longest coastline?

With nearly 8,000 kilometres of coastline stretching around the peninsula and its many islands, Italy is a true paradise for sea lovers.

Fifteen of the country’s twenty regions enjoy this precious coastal exposure, each offering unique features that shape both landscape and local culture. But among this panorama of rare beauty, which region lays claim to having the longest stretch of coastline?

The Italian region with the longest coastline is Sardinia

The answer is clear-cut: Sardinia. With an impressive 1,897 kilometres of coastline, the island of the four Moors stands well ahead of the other regions. Sicily comes second with 1,652 kilometres, followed by Apulia (Puglia) with 870 kilometres. This significant gap highlights Sardinia’s unique geography, an island richly shaped by inlets, gulfs, peninsulas, and smaller surrounding islands, which break up its coastline into a series of stunning and varied landscapes.

A mosaic of coastlines

Sardinia’s coastline is remarkably diverse, adding yet another layer to the island’s charm. Along the Tyrrhenian side, stretching from Punta Falcone to Capo Carbonara, the coast is mostly high and relatively straight, except in the north where it breaks into a maze of rocky outcrops, islets and rugged shores. Notable among these are the islands of La Maddalena and Caprera, nestled within breathtaking bays such as those of Olbia and Orosei.

Travelling south, the scenery shifts dramatically in the Gulf of Cagliari, where the coastline flattens out. The island’s western shores present a striking contrast, alternating between craggy cliffs and marshy wetlands, particularly around the gulfs of Palmas and Carloforte, sheltered by the island of San Pietro. Further north, from Capo Caccia to Punta Asinara, the coast of Nurra asserts itself with a mountainous, untamed character before giving way to the gentler, low-lying beaches of the Gulf of Asinara, home to the port town of Porto Torres.

The impact of the coastline on the identity of the population

Sardinia’s remarkable coastline (vast and varied) is more than just a geographical feature; it is a defining element of the island’s identity. It has shaped its history, economy, and culture, influencing maritime traditions, tourism, and even the way locals perceive their landscape. With its countless beaches, secluded coves, dramatic cliffs and vibrant seabeds, Sardinia continues to attract travellers from around the world, drawn by the wild, unspoilt beauty of this corner of the Mediterranean.

From the crystal-clear waters of the Costa Smeralda to the rugged inlets of the La Maddalena Archipelago, from the sweeping sandy shores of the south to the limestone cliffs of the Sinis Peninsula, Sardinia offers a wealth of coastal experiences, each one unique and unforgettable. This natural heritage firmly establishes the island as the Italian region with the longest and most diverse coastline: a true jewel set in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Article translated by Agnese Giardini

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Curiosities

Parks and Nature

Travel

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