Explore the striking beauty of Italy without breaking the bank—these seven affordable substitutes of the Amalfi Coast are just as picturesque as their widely popular counterparts.
The Amalfi Coast allows visitors to experience bucket list activities and destinations, and it typically snags one of the top spots on any traveller’s European itinerary. The Italian coastal town has it all—jaw-dropping cliffside views, spectacular turquoise waters, golden sandy beaches, and delicious cuisine. However, approximately 5 million tourists visit the Amalfi Coast every year.
The surging demand (particularly during summer) increases the cost of food and accommodation—and it loses its idyllic identity to become a crowded and costly destination for tourists. Instead of visiting the Amalfi Coast, explore these fantastic Italian alternatives.
It takes about 15 hours to reach Alghero from the Amalfi Coast by ferry or car. Nestled on the island of Sardinia, Alghero is an off-beat and more affordable alternative to the beloved Italian coastal destination.
On the northwestern shoreline lies the enchanting town of Sardinia which carefully weaves the Spanish legacy into Italian culture. Alghero is home to pristine beaches, history, and rustic charm. Some must-visit attractions include—Spiaggia di Maria Pia, St. John Tower, and Piazza Civica. Visit between spring and autumn if you want the cheapest deals.
If you drive for 3 hours 45 minutes from the Amalfi Coast, you will arrive at Bari. It offers an unforgettable opportunity to experience the splendour of coastal Italy without paying a hefty price. Located in southern Italy, Bari is famous for Bari Vecchia (an old town), which lies between ports and features a labyrinthine layout. This destination is perfect for visitors who want to witness the Adriatic Sea while exploring local foods and shops on foot. Do not forget to visit the Bari Old Town and Piazza Mercantile.
If you cannot imagine what the Amalfi Coast looked like four to five decades ago, visit the eastern shoreline of the Salento peninsula — the stiletto tip of Italy. You can relax while watching the Adriatic crashing on the cliffs. The must-visit attraction of Salento is the lovely stretch from Otranto to Leuca, which leads to the seafront cave system—the Grotta Zinzulusa. This prehistoric cave is straddled with stalactites and stalagmites.
If you are searching for a coastal retreat, in an affordable destination that incorporates the glitzy glamour of Amalfi, visit Europe’s deepest and longest lake, with astonishing views. Lake Como is the ideal spot to spend leisure time. If you want to experience Amalfi-style drives, you will be missing the popular stretch running north of Cernobbio.
Drive from Como town to Bellagio, enjoy the road spiralling the cliff and at the bottom, it plunges over ravines. Stop to explore small villages like Torno and other more famous sites like Moltrasio and Laglio.
If you drive north of Amalfi for 6.5 hours, you will reach Rimini—it sits between Rome and Milan. The charming coastal city boasts vibrant turquoise waters that can rival Amalfi. You can visit the mediaeval fortress—Castel Sismondo.
Rimini is popular for its stunning beaches and Roman ruins—making it an ideal destination for history buffs and beach lovers. Some other affordable sites include—the Tiberius Bridge, Arco d'Augusto and Piazza Cavour.
Located approximately 8 hours from Amalfi and just an hour from Palermo, Cefalù has plenty to offer. This tranquil and scenic destination offers a peaceful atmosphere to visitors and is ideal for experiencing a relaxing retreat. Skip the thronging Amalfi during summer and head to Cefalù to enjoy a more authentic Italian experience. Some must-visit affordable attractions include—Cefalù Coast and Porta Pescara.
We hope you find a suitable Italian coastal destination from the list, to spend your holiday away from the bustling crowd.
