Escape the crowds and high prices of the Amalfi Coast with these underrated small towns in Italy. From Porto Santo Stefano to Acciaroli, experience stunning scenery, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine.
Escape the Crowds: Discover Underrated Small Towns in Italy
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Italy is a country that attracts millions of tourists every year, thanks to its rich heritage, natural wonders, historical monuments, and delicious cuisine. While the Amalfi Coast is a popular destination, it can be overcrowded and expensive, especially during the peak season. Luckily, there are many scenic small towns in Italy that serve as great alternatives to the Amalfi Coast. Let's explore some of these underrated destinations.
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Porto Santo Stefano: A Hidden Gem on the Monte Argentario Promontory
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Porto Santo Stefano, located on the Monte Argentario promontory in Tuscany, is a charming seaport town known for its crystal-clear waters, renowned seafood and olive oil, and rich naval heritage. It offers opportunities for yachting, diving, and a bustling nightlife. The coastal roads in Porto Santo Stefano provide stunning Mediterranean views that rival those of the Amalfi Coast.
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Castellabate: A Medieval Seaside Resort with Old-World Charm
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Castellabate, also known as "the Castle of the Abbott," is a medieval seaside resort located in the province of Salerno. Visitors can wander the cobblestone lanes of the Old Hill, enjoy the waves, and sample local seafood dishes in the newer part of town called Santa Maria di Castellabate. This historical spot offers a peaceful alternative to the crowded Amalfi Coast.
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Ascea: A Coastal Village in the Heart of Cilento National Park
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Ascea, situated in the heart of Cilento National Park, is another great alternative to the Amalfi Coast. This coastal village boasts picturesque sandy beaches, food festivals, street performances, and a lively center with pizzerias, fish sellers, and bars. The Path of Lovers is a romantic climb that leads visitors to the Punta del Telegrafo promontory, offering unforgettable sea views.
Otranto: Discover History, Art, and Nature in this Hidden Gem
Otranto, located on the east coast of the Salento peninsula in the province of Lecce, is a hidden gem known for its history, art, and nature. The 15th-century Aragonese Castle, Cathedral, church of San Pietro, and catacombs of Torre Pinta are some of the main attractions in this ancient Greek city. Otranto's beauty inspired the first Gothic novel, "The Castle of Otranto."
Scilla: Calabria's Prettiest Fishing Town
Scilla, often referred to as Calabria's prettiest fishing town, offers a similar scenic experience to the Amalfi Coast. This relaxed and tight-knit community features homely waterfront eateries, colorful narrow streets, and an impressive fortress-turned-cultural center perched on a rocky promontory. Scilla is a charming alternative for those who enjoy Nova Scotia's fishing villages.
Ponza: A Hidden Gem on its Namesake Island
Ponza, located on its namesake island in the Bay of Gaeta, offers sandy and rocky beaches, intimate coves, striking rocky hills, beachfront cafés, vineyards, and farms. One of its main attractions is the man-made Grotte di Pilato, where Romans used to farm eels as a delicacy. Ponza is a hidden gem that rivals the beauty of the Amalfi Coast.
Portovenere: A Charming Fishing Village on the Gulf of La Spezia
Portovenere, known for its tasty mussels and oysters, sits on the Gulf of La Spezia, also called the Gulf of Poets. This fishing village offers historical sites such as the Doria Castle and the churches of Chiesa di San Pietro and Chiesa di San Lorenzo. Despite being less popular than the Amalfi Coast, Portovenere attracts tourists and celebrities, thanks to its charming waterfront setting.
Porto Ercole: Tranquil Beach Village in Tuscany
Porto Ercole, nestled in Tuscany, is a tranquil beach village known for its beautiful resorts. Visitors can stroll along its narrow streets, admire the Church of St. Erasmus, explore Spanish defensive bastions, and enjoy views of the dreamy harbor from Piazza Santa Barbara. The Porto Ercole cemetery is the resting place of the controversial painter Caravaggio.
Orta San Giulio: An Idyllic and Romantic Town on Lake Orta
Orta San Giulio, located in the Piedmont region, is an idyllic and romantic town on Lake Orta. Its narrow alleys and cobblestone streets are lined with antique shops, craft boutiques, and mouthwatering restaurants. The chapel complex, Sacro Monte of Orta, offers picturesque views of the area.
Acciaroli: A Charming Seaside Hamlet with a Rich History
Acciaroli, a charming seaside hamlet on the Cilento coast in the Campania region, is celebrated for its crystalline water and fragrant rosemary dishes. Local dishes, especially seafood, are seasoned with a native type of rosemary that is said to be ten times stronger than the regular variety. Acciaroli has a rich history and was a favorite refuge for Ernest Hemingway.
Experience Italy's Underrated Small Towns
These underrated destinations in Italy provide stunning scenery, history, art, and culinary delights that rival those of the Amalfi Coast. By visiting these small towns, travelers can avoid the crowds and high prices of the popular coastal destination. Whether it's Porto Santo Stefano, Castellabate, or Acciaroli, these alternative destinations offer a unique and unforgettable experience in Italy.