Southern Italy’s Cilento Offers Crowds-Free Amalfi Coast Alternative

Southern Italy’s Amalfi Coast continues to attract global visitors with its stunning scenery, legendary towns like Positano, and iconic cuisine rooted in the Mediterranean diet, but its popularity has brought severe overcrowding, especially in hotspots such as Amalfi, Capri, and Positano. As a result, travelers and locals alike are increasingly seeking quieter, more authentic alternatives nearby. Destinations such as Santa Maria di Castellabate and the broader Cilento region offer pristine beaches, historic charm, and exceptional local food, all without the overwhelming crowds, thanks in part to strict environmental protections and a strong food culture favoring health and longevity. Other lesser-known towns like Praiano and Furore on the Amalfi Coast itself still preserve a slower pace of life and affordable hospitality, offering a respite from the region’s overtourism. Even as the Amalfi Coast’s mythic status endures, insiders and travel experts now recommend exploring these under-the-radar gems for a more genuine Italian coastal experience. These trends highlight a growing traveler appetite for sustainable, crowd-free escapes that retain the beauty and traditions of southern Italy.