The Appeal of a Seaside Second Home Never Goes Out of Style
Even after the post-pandemic boom, the second-home market continues to grow: up 15.5% over five years, with the highest prices recorded in Portofino (€23,233/sq m) and Capri (€16,725/sq m).
Seaside property prices: between 2022 and 2026, Campania recorded the strongest growth (+22%), followed by Tuscany (+18.2%), and Marche and Liguria (+18.1%).
In the first half of 2026 alone, prices increased by 5.6% compared to the same period last year, with the highest growth recorded in Sorrento (+11.7%), Castelsardo (+9.4%) and Viareggio (+8.9%).
Among the most expensive coastal destinations are Portofino (€23,233/sq m, with peaks of up to €31,500/sq m), Capri (€16,725/sq m, with maximum values reaching €32,550/sq m) and Forte dei Marmi (€11,925/sq m, with top prices approaching €22,100/sq m).
The dream of owning a seaside home never goes out of style. In fact, it continues to gain momentum even after the post-pandemic surge, driving up residential property values in Italy’s leading coastal destinations. Over the past five years, residential property prices in the main seaside locations have increased by an average of 15.5%. This trend has continued more recently: during the first half of 2026, average property values in coastal municipalities rose by 5.6% compared to the same period in 2025.
The market is being driven primarily by Italy’s most iconic and sought-after destinations, from Portofino, where average property values reach €23,233/sq m and can rise to €31,500/sq m, to Capri, with an average of €16,725/sq m and peaks of up to €32,550/sq m, and Forte dei Marmi, where the average price stands at €11,925/sq m and approaches €22,100/sq m for the most sought-after sea-view properties.
According to an analysis by Abitare Co., a real estate brokerage and services company specialising in new-build properties, which examined 134 of Italy’s most popular coastal destinations among tourists, Campania recorded the strongest regional growth (+22% over the past five years). Tuscany followed (+18.2%), alongside Marche and Liguria, which recorded the same growth rate (+18.1%). Prices also continue to rise in regions whose economies rely heavily on tourism and the appeal of their coastlines, including Sardinia, Sicily and Puglia (+15.5%).
Top Coastal Destinations with the Strongest Property Price Growth
From the Ligurian coast to the islands of Campania, through Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna, the desire to own a seaside home continues to reshape the map of Italy’s most sought-after destinations.
According to the Abitare Co. analysis, the Top 10 coastal municipalities recording the most significant property price increases between 2022 and 2026 include Arma di Taggia in Liguria, Lido degli Estensi in Emilia-Romagna and Follonica in Tuscany, all with an increase of 27%.
The rankings also feature two Campanian icons: Ravello (+26.9%) and Capri (+26.4%), followed by Santa Margherita Ligure (+26%) and nearby Rapallo (+25%), Ligurian destinations increasingly popular with those seeking both seaside living and a vibrant social scene.
The list continues with Positano (+24.9%), Ischia (+23.2%) and, tied at +21.6%, Portovenere, Bellaria and Tirrenia. The Top 10 is completed by Sorrento and Chiavari, with increases of 20.5% and 20.2%, respectively.
Among the most exclusive destinations, Portofino, Capri and Forte dei Marmi continue to stand out.
The Most Expensive Coastal Destinations
Leading the ranking of the highest prices for newly built or renovated homes are, as always, the most iconic destinations, sought after by both domestic and international buyers.
Portofino remains at the top. During the first half of 2026, average property values reached €23,233/sq m, while the most sought-after homes can command prices of up to €31,500/sq m.
Capri and Anacapri follow, with average prices of €16,725/sq m and €12,238/sq m, respectively. For sea-view properties, prices can reach €32,500/sq m and €23,600/sq m.
Outside the top three, but still among the most exclusive destinations, are Forte dei Marmi, with an average of €11,925/sq m and maximum values of up to €22,100/sq m; Porto Cervo, at €11,575/sq m, with peaks of €19,000/sq m; and Santa Margherita Ligure, at €11,425/sq m, with maximum prices of €19,950/sq m.
The ranking is completed by Porto Rotondo (€8,900/sq m), Alassio (€8,663/sq m), Portovenere (€8,613/sq m) and Sanremo (€8,540/sq m).
Dream Destinations with More Accessible Prices, Including Below €3,000/sq m
The dream of owning a seaside home, however, is not limited to the most exclusive destinations. Italy still offers charming coastal locations where it is possible to purchase a property for less than €3,000 per square metre, without giving up beautiful beaches, iconic landscapes and a more relaxed pace of life.
This is the case in Pantelleria, where average property values stand at €2,850/sq m, as well as Gallipoli (€2,688/sq m), San Vito Lo Capo (€2,375/sq m) and Lampedusa, where homes cost an average of €2,150/sq m.
The dream of a seaside home is therefore continuing to grow, even after the post-pandemic surge, driving up residential property values in Italy’s leading coastal destinations.
For further information
Abitare Co.
Tel. +39 02 48.95.84.16
Via Savona, 52
20144 Milan (MI), Italy
