Come summer, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most photographed destinations in the world. During this time, snaps of its pebbled beaches with striped umbrellas and its colourful villages with steep, narrow streets litter Instagram.
But behind the scenes of all that content, there are thousands upon thousands of tourists descending on the Italian coastline during high season. Which then translates to bumbling crowds and bumped-up prices.
So, where to go instead? Ahead, we’ve rounded up five of the best Amalfi alternatives. No doubt you’ll want to keep a them secret (sorry to anyone already in the know!), because these are the best substitute spots for a summer in Italy to consider.
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La Costa Viola, Calabria
La Costa Viola translates to the Violet Coast. It can be found on the west of Calabria in southern Italy, and stretches 35 kilometres from Palmi to San Giovanni. One enchanting village of note is Scilla, often called the Pearl of the Coast. It’s home to the Ruffo Castle, a fortress dating back to the 14th century, as well as the Secche de Scilla stone cathedrals. Plan a visit here if you’re keen on snorkelling, diving and trekking, or simply want to sit in a sunny courtyard or on the balcony of an Airbnb or a room at a small, locally-owned hotel.
Salento, Puglia
Puglia is referred to as Italy’s heel, and Salento is the southernmost area of the region, flanked by the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. Here, you’ll find sandy beaches lined, at parts, with lagoons, and towering cliffs overhead. Though you’ll be spoilt for choice with accommodation options here, ranging from budget to luxe, the peninsula still isn’t too touristy. Add it to your list if you’re wanting to holiday where Italians themselves go — not to mention, want your money to stretch much further than if you were at the Amalfi or Tuscany.
Cinque Terre, Liguria
Of course, no one would say Cinque Terre isn’t a hot spot, but when compared to the Amalfi Coast, it is more budget-friendly. Accommodation and restaurants in the northern Italian destination are a lot more varied (including more Airbnbs) than on the Amalfi Coast and so can run a lot cheaper, not to mention the fact the spot offers plenty of hiking paths to wander, which are completely free. Though it’s worth noting they can get very crowded during high season, which is May to September.
Monte Argentario, Tuscany
Monte Argentario is a former island off the coast of Tuscany, now connected to it via three narrow sandbars. While the peninsula has remained under the radar, don’t expect it to be affordable — the “rich and famous come to hide” here, reports CNN Travel. Visit its main centres Porto Ercole, once a fishing village and now a resort, and Santo Stefano, as well as its many beaches and coves. Crumbling forts and towers built by Spanish kings who once ruled the area also dot its ragged coastline. The most notable is Spanish Fortress, build for defensive purposes and to serve as the Governor’s Palace.
Cilento Coast, Campania
Just two hours from busy Naples lies the Cilento Coast in the Campania region. Here, you’ll find beaches and caves at the base of towering cliffs, vividly-coloured seas and picturesque hilltop towns. Ruins Valinas of Paestum and Velia and the Certosa di Padula have been UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1998. Ernest Hemingway stayed in the hamlet Acciaroli in the early 1950s, and, incredibly, about 10% of its residents today are centenarians.
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