For decades, the Amalfi Coast has been Italy’s “it” destination, attracting everyone from honeymooners to movie stars. That popularity is well-deserved. Stunning cliffside vistas. Luxury hotels. Chic boutiques and restaurants. It is a vibe, a scene, and the place to see and be seen. When TikTok influencers talk about Euro Summer, the Amalfi Coast is the ultimate dream.
But obviously, all that popularity comes with some downsides. It is over-crowded in the summer, hotel prices are sky high and book up months in advance, getting around the winding, cliffside roads is challenging (and forget about parking), and it is struggling to hold on to any authenticity as tourists and Airbnbs drive out locals.
If you still want to experience the Amalfi Coast, but can’t tolerate the prices and crowds for your entire Italian vacation, let me introduce you to the Cilento Coast. Just south of the Amalfi Coast, Italy’s lush and beautiful Cilento Coast can be a great alternative when you want to slow down and relax. You can also take day trips from Salerno or Agropoli by ferry to Capri and the Amalfi Coast letting you experience the beauty without the hefty price tag.
What is the Cilento Coast?
The Cilento Coast is a largely unspoiled stretch of coastline in southern Campania, located south of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. It is known for its crystal-clear, blue-flag waters, dramatic cliffs, and sandy beaches, and the lush Cilento National Park. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich history, including the ancient Greek temples of Paestum, along with charming, authentic villages.
Getting to the Cilento Coast is easy. It is a 2.25 hour direct train from Rome to Salerno, making it an ideal way to chill out after a hot and busy visit to Rome. Alternatively, you can fly into Naples and rent a car and drive two hours south to the Cilento Coast. Note: I never recommend driving on the Amalfi Coast because of the very narrow, winding roads, traffic congestion, and difficulty parking, but driving is easy on the Cilento Coast.
Why Visit the Cilento Coast?
So we have talked about why visiting the Amalfi Coast can be problematic, but why should you consider the Cilento Coast instead? First up, let me say that the Amalfi Coast is uniquely special and should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend a week there. What I would suggest would be to either pair the Cilento Coast with Rome (e.g. 4-5 days in Rome + 5 days on the Cilento Coast) or spend a couple of days on the Amalfi Coast and then move south to the Cilento Coast.
By the way, if you are the type of person that likes to get off-the-beaten path, be sure to check out my other Italian travel dupes recommendations. And let me also remind you, as an experienced travel advisor, one of my specialties is planning custom client trips to Italy.
1. Real Sand Beaches
If you have been to the Amalfi Coast, you know that the draw isn’t the gorgeous soft sand beaches. If you want those, head to Greece. Instead, the beaches in Amalfi are pebbled and the beach drops off quickly into the water (so be sure to bring your water shoes!) But the Cilento Coast is known for its pristine blue-flag beaches. If you aren’t familiar with that term, a Blue Flag beach is a voluntary eco-certification awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating operators that meet strict environmental, educational, safety, and accessibility criteria. It is an internationally-recognized “seal of approval.”
Some of the best are Baia degli Infreschi, Cala Bianca (Marina di Camerota), and Punta Licosa, which are highly rated for their pristine waters. Beaches are wide, with mostly calm, clear waters and soft yellow sand. Up and down the coast, you will find beach clubs where you can rent sun loungers and enjoy lunch or drinks. But the beach clubs aren’t tightly stacked row upon row of chairs the way you might find in Forte dei Marmi. There is space to move and enjoy, making it perfect for families, couples, or groups.
2. Greek Temples at Paestum
History and mythology lovers will appreciate visiting the Greek (yes Greek) temples and ruins at Paestum. These are the most well-preserved Greek temples on mainland Italy.
Founded in 600 B.C. by the Greeks, Paestum was conquered by the Romans in 273 B.C. While you can still see the archaeological signs of their conquest today, the best-preserved, and most spectacular, ruins in Paestum remain Greek. There are three temples that are largely intact, and are dedicated to female Greek deities (Hera and Athena.)
The site also has an archaeological museum, with some of the most important finds of the Greek and Etruscan civilizations. The nice thing about visiting Paestum is that you won’t find the crowds that you see at Pompeii and, since the site is much smaller, it is easy to visit in a half-day.
3. Birthplace of the Mediterranean Diet
You have probably heard about the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. But did you know that the Cilento Coast is the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet? Whether you enjoy fresh, healthy food or Michelin-star fine dining, you will find it on the Cilento Coast.
Even better, those who enjoy agritourism and visiting places where our food is grown and made, will be delighted to visit one of the buffalo mozzarella producers in the area. Did you know that buffalo mozzarella is made from the milk of water buffalo? These buffalo mozzarella farms, primarily located around Paestum, offer top-tier, DOP-certified organic mozzarella experiences, and known for their artisan production methods and “happy,” cared-for buffalo.
Key farms include Tenuta Vannulo, Azienda Agricola Barlotti, and San Salvatore, which feature tours, fresh tastings, and farm-to-table lunch experiences. You will find buffalo milk mozzarella, ricotta, yogurt, and even gelato!
The Cilento Coast is also a wine producing region, perfect if you enjoy trying new varietals and wine tasting. The wines have coastal and volcanic influences and have the Cilento DOC and Paestum IGT designations. The core wines are red (Aglianico), white (Fiano), and rosato. San Salvatore produces an award-winning rosato and offers both tours and tastings.
4. Nature and Adventure in Cilento National Park
The Cilento, Vallo di Diano, and Alburni National Park is a 181,000-hectare UNESCO World Heritage site in Campania, which stretches from the Tyrrhenian coast to the Apennine Mountains. The area is known for turquoise waters, sea caves, and rocky coves, along with lush forests and rivers.
One of the best things to do is to charter a boat for a day trip along the Cilento Coast (or up to Amalfi). You can enjoy beautiful scenery, gorgeous blue water, and sunshine while sipping wine and snacking on local specialties. And by the way, the cost of chartering a boat in Cilento? Like half the cost of what it would be in Amalfi.
Adventurers can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, and other off-road experiences.
5. Affordable Luxury Accommodations
The best kept secret of the Cilento Coast? Your euro goes a whole lot further than it will in Rome, Venice, or the Amalfi Coast. So if you are seeking affordable luxury, you are in luck. The Savoy Hotel and Spa in Paestum is a true stand out. With only 44 rooms and extensive gardens and grounds, you will never feel claustrophobic the way you might in Positano.
The decor is coastal elegance. The dining is a mix of Michelin star at Tre Olivi and fresh, local, classic dishes. Sand beaches are just a five-minute walk or short shuttle ride away at the Beach Club 93, where you can easily spend the day swimming in the sea, stretched out on a sun bed, or enjoying the food and drink at the restaurant.
Of course, there are plenty of other ways to relax, from the large outdoor pool and bar, the aforementioned gardens, tennis courts, bikes to borrow, and the serene Holos Spa. The Spa features a hamman, sauna, ice room, and multiple pools for a comprehensive wellness journey.
And even though the Savoy prices are a bargain compared to the neighbors to the north, the four-star sister property of the Esplanade next door is another true boutique gem.
Interested? I’m happy to book it and use my connections to make sure you are treated like a VIP. Fill out my trip inquiry form to get started!
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Tamara Gruber is an award-winning travel writer and the founder of Your Time to Fly. With more than a decade of professional writing experience across two travel publications and hundreds of destination guides, she specializes in crafting practical, detailed itineraries that help travelers explore the world with confidence. Her work reflects years of on-the-ground research across the globe. Tamara is a member of SATW and serves on the Board of Directors of the Family Travel Association.
