The Amalfi Coast deservedly tops many of our bucket lists, with pastel-colored houses tumbling into the sea, sun-drenched lemon groves made for slow afternoon strolls, and some of the finest, freshest seafood pasta you’ll ever eat. But its perpetually rising popularity—and the subsequent boom in über-fancy hotels—also makes it one of Europe’s most crowded and expensive coastal escapes.
Of course, there are ways to keep costs down if you’re planning to visit the Amalfi Coast—the most important of which is to visit during the shoulder season, in April, May, or October. You could also opt for some of the more affordable towns, such as Minori or Praiano, instead of the big-hitters of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. Then there are the more obvious travel choices: using public transport instead of taxis, booking accommodation well in advance, and avoiding restaurants in the tourist-heavy main squares. But to consider only the Amalfi Coast for your Italian escape is a bit like coming to New York and not venturing outside Manhattan. Sure, you’ll have a great time—but there’s a plethora of other, lesser-known (and far more affordable) destinations in Italy that you will have sadly missed.
Here are the best affordable alternatives to the Amalfi Coast in which to soak up the sun, escape the crowds, and save some pennies while living la dolce vita—plus, the best places to stay in each destination.
Getty Images/ Nico De Pasquale
Cilento
Just a few hours south of Amalfi in the province of Salerno, Cilento is a lesser-known stretch of coastline offering rugged cliffs, crystal-clear water, and authentic Italian life—minus the crowds and inflated prices. The region is part of a UNESCO-protected national park and remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Enjoy the quieter beaches of Cala Bianca, Buon Dormire, and Cala Degli Infreschi; spend some time exploring medieval hilltop villages like Agropoli (pictured above) and Acciaroli (said to have inspired Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea); and try hiking in the national park. It’s no wonder many seasoned Italian travelers say Cilento feels like it did decades ago.
Where to stay in Cilento:
