Overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea

Skip The Crowded Amalfi Coast And Visit This Less Expensive Gem Instead

By Dawn Hammon

VACATIONS

The Amalfi coast has suffered from overtourism, taking away from the once quintessentially village vibe. For an alternative to Amalfi, explore the Calabrian coast instead.
The Calabrian coast sees significantly fewer visitors than Amalfi — 5 million annual visitors descend upon Amalfi, whereas Calabria attracts around 1.77 million.
You can also expect to save several hundred dollars by staying in Calabria versus Amalfi. Meals will run you less, and there are many free and low-cost activities to enjoy.
The Calabrian coast has three regions: Riviera dei Cedri, Costa degli Dei, and Costa Viola that stretch along the southwestern coast of Italy. Take a boat tour to nearby islands.
There are epic beaches in Capo Vaticano with inviting water that lures snorkelers and scuba divers and white granite cliffs believed to be some of the oldest in the region.
Many small towns along Calabria's coast offer colorful houses, shopping, dining, and relaxation, such as Diamante, Tropea, Scilla, and Pizzo Calabro, a fishing region.