The Amalfi coast of Italy is one of the most popular destinations in the country, but after visiting three times, I think I will jump it during my next trip.
The Amalfi coast is known for its striking cliff landscapes and its villages by the sea, but the famous region has several drawbacks. It becomes crowded, local traffic can be horrible and prices are far from cheap.
I’m still looking for Alternatives to popular tourist attractionsAnd after having traveled a lot in the south of Italy, I found some places that I liked better than the Amalfi coast.
The next time I head to the south of Italy, I would rather go in these three destinations.
CefalùSicily
Cefalù is my favorite place to visit in Sicily. Jenna Delaurentis
Of all 20 regions of Italy, Sicily is my favorite.
During my first visit almost a decade ago, the volcanic landscapes of the region, the compensable food scene and the welcoming inhabitants won me over.
Since then, I have been back for three times and I can never have enough. You cannot be mistaken with a trip anywhere on the island, whether by visiting dynamic Palermo or always so popular Taormina.
Again CefalùA small town on the north coast of Sicily is my first choice.
Cefalù has beautiful beach sections. Jenna Delaurentis
The historic center of the city is undeniably charming. Narrow pedestrian streets lead to Cefalù Secular cathedral which is golden golden by a massive cliff.
Cefalù The long and sandy beach and the adjacent walk made an ideal summer getaway. Trying local cuisine is also a must, tasty rice balls Arancini with decadent granita – my Sicilian dessert of choice.
In addition, in relation to navigating in often chaotic traffic along the Amalfi coast Cefalù is child’s play. The city is directly on a train line, and it only takes Cefalù of Palermo.
Wind islands, Sicily
One of the many islands I saw during a boat visit to the wind islands. Jenna Delaurentis
If you are near Sicily, I also suggest visiting the wind islands, a chain of the volcanic island located off the north coast of the region.
The wind islands consist of seven main islands, which house around 15,000 people. They offer a coastal getaway with much fewer crowds than the Amalfi coast.
Each island is unique. Some, like Vulcano, offer visitors the possibility of swimming in volcanic mud baths. Others, like Panarea, have catchy white buildings with vibrant blue doors.
My favorite is Stromboli, where you can look at a volcano burst by sailing in or far from the island.
I would say that the best way to discover the region is a boat visit. You can find one -day excursions to the wind islands in the city of Milazzo in northern Sicily.
Matera, basilicata
Matera is not on the coast. Jenna Delaurentis
My last Alternative to the Amalfi coast is not at all on the coast, but in the southern rural region of Basilicata, located in the “boot” of Italy.
Nestled in the magnificent Canyon of Gravina is the ancient town of Matera. It is considered one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.
Matera certainly receives her just part of tourists, but much less than cities like Sorrento and Positano on the Amalfi coast.
Visiting Matera is like entering another era. The first inhabitants sculpted homes and churches in the Canyon limestone cliffs – I have never seen something else like that throughout Italy.
The medieval historic center offers spectacular views, romantic restaurants built in caves and animated piazzas. In addition, going to the city can be an adventure in itself.
It is not on a high -speed rail line, and the nearest airport is around 40 miles in Bari, the capital of the neighboring region. Many travelers take a local bari train to Matera, which lasts about 90 minutes.
Visiting Matera was the highest point of my last trip to Italy, and I can’t wait to go back.