Best Seaside Places in Italy to Visit Instead of the Amalfi Coast

With breathtaking cliffs towering above the Tyrrhenian Sea, terraced gardens, and pastel-colored villages, it’s easy to see why the Amalfi Coast is at the top of many travelers’ bucket lists.

Despite its charm, though, I’ve never visited because the area can be expensive to visit and become crowded with the over 5 million tourists who visit each year.

Instead, I’ve worked my way through the country’s other extensive coastal regions, and there is no shortage of breathtaking scenery to explore.

From Puglia’s beautiful beaches to Calabria’s charming towns, here are four alternative Italian seaside destinations I love.

I think Cinque Terre is one of the best alternatives to the Amalfi Coast

Translating to the “five lands,” Cinque Terre is a string of villages (Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore) in northwestern Italy along the Italian Riviera.

Each town has distinctive qualities, from Monterosso al Mare’s sandy beaches and Manarola’s picturesque overlook to the secluded cliffs of Corniglia.

Plus, they’re all uniquely connected via hiking trails, walking paths, and train lines, offering a customizable itinerary for every traveler.

Before leaving, I recommend sampling some of the region’s specialties: pesto, mussels, and white wine (specifically the Cinque Terre DOC) at restaurants like Osteria A Cantina De Mananan or L’Ancora Della Tortuga.

Puglia is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters

Puglia, the southeastern region of Italy that forms the country’s “heel,” is often associated with its beautiful beaches.

One of my favorites is Baia dei Turchi. I think its shallow, crystal-blue waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

While there, I was also captivated by one of the region’s distinct architectural features: trulli houses. These traditional Puglian dry stone huts with cone-shaped roofs are unique to the Itria Valley.

The Cilento Coast is a hidden gem with amazing beaches and great food

Located south of the Amalfi Coast, in the province of Salerno, is the Cilento Coast.

Home to a national park and a plethora of archeological sites, mountains, and beaches, I think this area has something for every traveler.

I recommend exploring the turquoise waters of Cala Bianca in Marina di Camerota or sailing to nearby Baia degli Infreschi, a beach that’s perfect for swimming and relaxation.

And don’t forget to check out the food. The region is known for buffalo mozzarella, a plethora of seafood specialties (my favorite is swordfish), and fresh local crops like artichokes and tomatoes.

Calabria’s unique beaches and ancient history make it a must-see region

Occupying the “toe” of Italy’s boot-shaped peninsula is Calabria. Like the Amalfi Coast, this region boasts breathtaking cliffs and charming towns.

La Costa Viola, or the Violet Coast, is one of my favorite spots. Located along the Tyrrhenian Sea, its vibrant purple-hued sea and the enchanting town of Scilla make this stretch of coastline extremely scenic and memorable.

Another city worth visiting is Tropea, located along Calabria’s “Coast of the Gods.” Aptly named, the town has a vibrant history, full of Greek legends and mythology. Plus, its powder-sand beaches make it a favorite destination among visitors and locals alike.

Calabria is also known for having some of the spiciest cuisine in Italy. I recommend trying pizza and pasta dishes with Calabrian chiles and ‘nduja (a spicy sausage spread) — two popular foods that originated here.