As beautiful as it is, the Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s (and Europe’s) most expensive vacation destinations. It’s also exceptionally crowded in the summer, which can be a little overbearing if you prefer to get off the beaten track.
So, if you want to plan a summer vacation in a stunning coastal town with history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty, consider any of these five alternatives, which are much cheaper than visiting the Amalfi Coast.
Places Like the Amalfi Coast, But Cheaper
Cilento, Italy
If you’re looking for an Italian alternative to the Amalfi Coast, look no further than Cilento, amidst Campania’s sprawling olive tree estates. It’s often said that you will find in Cilento what Amalfi can no longer offer: peace, tranquility, and appreciation of nature.
Ditch the crowded streets of Positano and the Amalfi Coast in general for its younger sibling, and enjoy your summer vacation on your own terms. Cilento is accessible via Salerno, a port city south of the Amalfi Coast, so you’re in the same region.
While the beaches at Paestum, close to Cilento, have a bloody history (they were the scene of Operation Avalanche in the Second World War), thousands of tourists now visit them annually, enjoying their white sands and gentle, lapping waves.
Cilento itself is home to well-preserved ancient Greek temples, with sites of historical significance in Velia and Certosa di Padula. You can also escape into nature by visiting the Southern Dolomites, where summer hikes are more than achievable with the help of a local guide.
The four-star Palazzo Belmonte, located in the coastal village of San Marco, is the perfect base to explore the coast. Standard rooms start at €339 ($395) per night, while superior rooms with private terraces cost $404 ($472).
Explore more things to do, see, and places to stay in Italy.
Kotor, Montenegro
The Balkan answer to the Amalfi Coast is Kotor, Montenegro. On arrival, get lost in the winding streets of the UNESCO-protected Old Town and walk the cobbled streets to find local eateries, speakeasy-style bars, and fine-dining restaurants.
Kotor looks strikingly like Venice, as this Montenegrin outcrop was part of the Venetian Republic from 1420 to 1797. You’d be forgiven for thinking you’re exploring La Serenissima on vacation, despite the notably cheaper prices for everything from the cold beer served in the Old Town to your palatial hotel at the waterfront.
At the end of your first day in Kotor, it’s worth hiking up to St John’s Fortress, perched above the Old Town, for unrivalled sunset views down across the bay below. It’s open until 10 pm during the summer months.
While Kotor is cheaper than the Amalfi Coast, it can be just as crowded, particularly from June to August, when there is standing room only on most of the beaches. The best times to visit to avoid the crowds are late April, when the weather is just picking up, or early October, when you can find great deals on hotels as the summer season is winding down.
The Heritage Grand Perast is the pick of the luxury accommodation in Kotor. It offers panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor and the surrounding mountains. Superior rooms start at $195 during the shoulder season but are considerably more expensive in the summer months.
Hvar, Croatia
Many see Hvar as Croatia’s answer to Ibiza, as this party island off the Dalmatian coast has beach bars and clubs that run into the early hours of the next day. But there’s much more to this misunderstood island than dancing the night away.
The easiest way to reach Hvar is via ferry, with journey times ranging from 50 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on the vessel that takes you.
Rather than following the crowds to the Old Town or the nearby Stari Grad, get off the beaten track and visit Jelsa, in the east of the island. Jelsa is home to Mina Beach and many lovely little cafes and restaurants dotted around the colorful and characterful town.
The magical Villa Stella Mare, with suites, standard rooms, and apartments, is the place to stay in Jelsa. Rooms start at €250 ($292) per night.
Hvar is also an excellent place to arrange a blue cave tour, similar to swimming in the blue grotto in the Amalfi Coast. Day trips, including food, drinks, and snorkelling equipment, start at $130 per person.
One of our favorite places to stay on Hvar, if you want to be close to the action, is the five-star Palace Elizabeth, directly above the city hall and overlooking the main square in Hvar Town. Premium rooms start at €462 ($539) nightly, while suites with balconies and sea views go for €775 ($905).
Here are our guides to Croatia.
Naxos, Greece
Many holidaymakers make a beeline for the most famous Greek islands: Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete. But cast your net a little further and make the effort to visit Naxos, one of the best-kept secrets within the Cyclades.
Around 9,000 people call Naxos home, reachable via a short flight from Athens or a 90-minute ferry from Santorini.
Compared to the major Greek islands mentioned above, the beaches in Naxos are quiet. The 4km stretch of white sand at Plaka Beach is perhaps the best option, while Agia Anna on the west coast has sea caves and calm, turquoise waters, with very few visitors.
Two beautiful, white-washed towns are also waiting to be explored on your arrival. Naxos Town (known locally as Chora) is home to a beautiful Catholic cathedral and Naxos Castle, which is worth visiting for the island’s best views.
You should also visit Chalki (Halki) to step back in time and explore the quaint, quiet streets lined with neo-classical buildings and Venetian-inspired properties. The former trading hub on Naxos, today’s Chalki, enjoys a much slower pace of life, perfect for a leisurely summer vacation.
Many beautiful boutique hotels are on the island, but we highly recommend the five-star 18 Grapes Hotel for refined Cycladic charm. Standard comfort rooms start at $384 per night, while superior sea-view rooms with hot tubs are priced at $616 nightly with breakfast included.
Explore Greece with our articles.
Sozopol, Bulgaria
Though growing in popularity every year, Sozopol is free from the crowds and many brash international resorts in other Bulgarian seaside resorts like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands.
The formerly quiet seaside town – now a bustling port city – is on a rocky peninsula on the southern Black Sea coast.
While Sozopol’s Old Town might not be as eye-catching as the quaint towns and villages on the Amalfi Coast, it has undeniable historical charm, with medieval churches, stone and timber buildings, and flower-lined cobbled streets.
Two main beaches are in front of the Old Town: Central and Harmani. Both have gentle turquoise waters and white sands, perfect for relaxing.
A local point of interest is the nearby Castle of Ravadinovo, a ten-minute drive from Sozopol. This enchanting property is home to a small zoo, a wishing well, a horse riding center, and an art gallery. Admission costs €15 ($18) per person.
The pick of the coastal accommodation in Sozopol is the four-star Viva Mare, with rates starting at €110 ($129) per night during the summer, and significant discounts offered during fringe and shoulder tourist seasons. But we would recommend you take a look at Santa Marina Holiday Village, 10 minutes from the city.
Where Will You Choose as Your Amalfi Coast Alternative?
Cilento, immediately south of the Amalfi Coast, is the obvious option if you still want to visit Italy this summer, as a cheaper alternative. But also consider Kotor, Hvar, Naxos, and Sozopol for charming, coastal getaways for a fraction of the price of the Amalfi Coast.
