Amalfi Coast alternatives: 7 Italian cities to visit instead

Apr 24

We have all been on social media and viewed the over edited instagram heavy views of the white and blue houses in Santorini, that one specific viewpoint in Bali or an expensive plate of pasta with Positano in the background. These destinations are absolutely stunning… but depending on when you go the prices and crazy influx in tourists can make the experience less than ideal. Social Media can be such a powerful tool in term of motivation, planning, creativity and ideas. But, in regards to travel often times there are certain extremely aesthetic short form videos that absolutely go viral on platforms and in turn boosts tourism and travel to the area. Travel can often be controversial depending on the area in terms of how tourism actually affects the locals, cultural authenticity and truly experiencing a new destination in a way that is healthy for both the tourist and locals. I am not an expert on that topic by any means as I am a young budget traveler who has only been traveling for a few years. The few rules I follow when traveling to another country is to stay in areas that are not purposefully gentrified (pushing locals out for rentals and hotels), and also attempting to rent, buy and eat at places that are family owned, local and small! But, this blog does not exactly dive into that. This post is a deep dive into the most popular and often overhyped destinations…. and similar (and cheaper) places to go instead! If you are planning some 2023 travels consider ditching that expensive Amalfi Coast trip for one of these instead.

The Almalfi Coast of Italy (Positano, Capri etc.)? INSTEAD… La Costa Viola, Calabria, Salento, Puglia, Monte Argentario and more.
- La Costa Viola: offers cliffside beach views along the roads as well as the authentic cobblestone narrow street small villages and sandy (and desolate) beaches.
- Scilla: lies on the eastern coastline of Italy’s Puglia peninsula or the “heel” of Italy and is special due to the fact that the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea both flank the area! Sandy beaches with cliffside views and lagoons are all must visits.
- Lecce: will be your go to choice if you area lover of Florence… and beaches! This city can be explored on foot and the historic quaint city is filled to the brim with small coffee shops, restaurants meant for long dinners and beaches can be reached within 30 minutes. Although this is not exactly on the beach the prices are considerably much much cheaper and the crowds are less than half of somewhere like Positano!
- Ponza: is a very small island located between Naples and Rome… the tourism there is very very minimal partly because there is less of an historical aspect and simply a strong focus on long sandy beaches and water activities! If you have hit a lot of the major Italian cities and are looking for a simple beach island retreat this is your place.
- Genoa: This city is regarded and often nicknamed “the cheaper and northern Positano”. Although this city is very large the same magical details that pull in the tourists to Positano exist here including winding coastline cliffside roads, colorful hillside buildings and the majestic blue of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Matera: This city in my opinion is the most historic looking in all of Italy. It genuinely must feel like you are in another world of ancient times. The caves here as well as the city itself are picturesque and much more affordable than its competition.
- Monte Argentario: This commune is seriously a Tuscany gem. I would beg to argue that other than maybe Cinque Terre this is aesthetically the closest looking vibe to the Amalfi Coast. The green mountains contrasted by the blue sea is an absolute must see. What is particularly great about this area is that the commune is made up of several smaller beachside towns that all offer the spectacular views and beaches alongside that quaint European summer feel. You could basically plan an entire trip around Monte Argentario as you would with the Amalfi Coast and spend much much less and see much much more in terms of time and fewer tourists.