Amalfi Coast or Cilento Coast? Here’s Why the Underdog Wins

Which Italian Riviera Is Right for You? Choosing Between the Amalfi Coast and the Cilento Coast

When you hear “Italian coast,” your brain probably auto-fills Amalfi. Positano’s pastel stacks, lemon everything, boat selfies with cliffs in the background – it’s the coastal fantasy plastered all over social media and in the movies.

And sure, the Amalfi Coast is gorgeous. It’s iconic for a reason. But what if I told you there’s a lesser-known coastal gem just a bit further south that offers all the drama (in a good way), minus the crowds and the credit card trauma?

Enter: the Cilento Coast. Think Amalfi’s chill, more affordable sibling who still knows how to throw a great dinner party.

So if you’re debating Amalfi Coast or Cilento Coast, buckle up – we’re diving into why Cilento just might be Italy’s best-kept secret.

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Why People Flock to the Amalfi Coast (Yeah, We Get It)

We’re not here to bash the Amalfi Coast. Honestly, there’s a reason it ends up on so many travel bucket lists:

Dramatic cliffs and colorful villages (hello, Positano and Ravello)
Lemon everything – limoncello, granita, gelato, perfume
Famous hikes like the Path of the Gods
Boat tours around Capri and the Blue Grotto
Pinterest-worthy views around every. single. corner.

But of course there’s a flip side.

The Amalfi Reality Check: Overrated or Just Overrun?

We’ve established that it’s dreamy. But it’s also:

🚗 Traffic Armageddon – driving here in summer? Pack your patience.
💸 Pricey AF – even a modest meal can feel like you’re feeding royalty.
📸 Over-touristed – in peak season, it’s more selfie sticks than scenery.
🏨 Limited availability – hotel rooms book up months in advance (and they’re not cheap).
🚶‍♀️ Not very accessible – lots of stairs, not-so-kid-friendly, and don’t even ask about parking.

If you’re traveling with kids, trying to avoid crowds, or just looking for a more relaxed and real Italian experience… you might start to wonder: Amalfi Coast or Cilento Coast?

Introducing the Cilento Coast: Amalfi’s Under-the-Radar Rival

Located just south of the Amalfi Coast (in the Campania region), the Cilento Coast is a breath of fresh air. Part of the Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the coast is dotted with stunning beaches, charming towns, ancient ruins, and a relaxed vibe that’s pure Italian magic.

What makes it even more special? It’s where Italians flock for their own summer vacations, especially in August. While the Amalfi Coast gets crowded with tourists, the Cilento Coast remains a local’s favorite – meaning you’ll be immersed in authentic Italian experiences, away from the chaos.

The Cilento Coast is also much bigger than the tiny Amalfi Coast. The vast stretch of coastline means you’ll never feel crammed, even during peak season. You’ve got more room to explore, more secluded spots to discover, and plenty of options for beach days, hikes, and cultural experiences.

Quick Highlights of the Cilento Coast

Fewer crowds and less commercialization
Authentic Italian vibes – You’ll hear more Italian than English (imagine that!)
Amazing food – Fresh seafood and zero tourist trap menus
Affordable prices – Your wallet will actually survive
Kid-friendly beaches and relaxed towns
Big enough to spread out – No squeezing into tiny spots, thanks to its vast size
Local choice for Italians – The spot where Italians go for their summer holidays, especially in August

Plan Your Cilento Coast Trip

🛌 Book your accommodation with Booking.com
🚉 Use the Trainline App to find train tickets
⛵️ Reserve boat tours and activities with Viator

Cilento Coast: Where to Go and What to See

📍 1. Castellabate

Best For: Families, village charm, and beach time

Santa Maria di Castellabate is a favorite among Italians looking for a laid-back, beachy escape without Amalfi’s crowds. It’s the perfect blend of swimmable beaches, relaxed piazzas, and old-town charm.

Just 10 minutes up the hill, the medieval village of Castellabate offers stunning views and storybook vibes. Think great seafood, warm hospitality, and all the gelato you can handle, minus the €20 cappuccinos and chaos.

📍 2. Acciaroli

Best For: Elegant beach days, foodies, and relaxed coastal luxury

Acciaroli blends authentic Italian charm with a touch of laid-back elegance. This tidy fishing village is known for its golden Blue Flag beaches, a postcard-worthy marina, and seriously good seafood.

It’s stylish but unpretentious, with a walkable old town full of flower-covered balconies, cozy boutiques, and that irresistible slow-living vibe. Spend your days beachside, your evenings with aperitivo by the harbor, and your nights full of fresh anchovies and local wine.

📍 3. Palinuro

Best For: Adventurers, couples, active families, and sea-cave seekers

Palinuro is a nature lover’s dream with sea caves, hidden coves, and cliff-lined beaches that feel like your own secret slice of paradise. It’s more rugged and relaxed than Amalfi – but way more fun if you’re into exploring.

Spend your days kayaking to surreal grottos like the Grotta Azzurra, hiking coastal trails, or just unwinding on Saline Beach with a Negroni in hand. Whether you’re diving into turquoise waters or dining with a sunset view, Palinuro delivers laid-back adventure without the fuss.

📍 4. Marina di Camerota

Best For: Active families, couples, nature lovers, and hidden beach hunters

This lively fishing town combines laid-back vibes with some of Cilento’s most jaw-dropping coastal scenery. Long sandy beaches, boat-only coves, and a charming harbor make it a favorite for those craving nature and adventure without sacrificing comfort.

You can hike, swim, snorkel, and explore secret bays like Cala Bianca and Baia degli Infreschi, all in one day. Evenings are for seafood dinners, gelato strolls, and sunsets at the marina. It’s the wilder, less-discovered side of the Cilento Coast – and that’s exactly the point.

📍 5. Paestum

Best For: History buffs, culture lovers, and beachgoers

Just 10 minutes inland, Paestum is a must-visit for its impressive archaeological site, home to some of the best-preserved Greek temples outside of Greece. But it’s more than just ruins! This UNESCO World Heritage site includes a fascinating museum, where you can dive deep into the region’s ancient history.

Wander among the towering columns of the temples, then explore the museum’s incredible artifacts, including frescoes and pottery that tell the story of this ancient Greek city. After soaking up the history, you’re just a short drive away from Cilento’s beaches, making it the perfect blend of culture and coastal relaxation.

📍 6. Grotte del Bussento

Best For: Nature lovers, hikers, and eco-tourists

Tucked away in the heart of the Cilento wilderness, the Oasi WWF Grotte del Bussento is a hidden gem for anyone seeking peace, pristine nature, and a bit of adventure. This protected nature reserve is centered around the Bussento River’s dramatic reemergence from underground, creating a lush, otherworldly landscape.

Follow scenic trails through dense forest and across wooden bridges as you descend into a green canyon filled with waterfalls, moss-covered rocks, and rare wildlife.

Guided tours offer insight into the unique geology and biodiversity of the area, while quiet spots along the way invite reflection and relaxation. It’s a true escape into nature, just a short journey from coastal towns.

10 Beautiful Cilento Coast Beaches

Amalfi may have the name recognition, but Cilento wins in terms of actual beach experience.

Spiaggia del Troncone (Marina di Camerota) – scenic location, at the foot of towering cliffs
Baia del Buon Dormire (Palinuro) – you’ll need a boat to reach it, but it’s worth every wave
Spiaggia del Porto (Palinuro) – fine sand and clear waters
Spiaggia Calanca (Marina di Camerota) – turquoise coloured bay and surrounded by sea caves
Spiaggia Pozzallo (Marina di Camerota) – accessible by hike, wild and quiet
Cala Bianca Spiaggia (Marina di Camerota) – remote and scenic boat hangout
Spiaggia degli Infreschi (Marina di Camerota) – voted “Best Beach in Italy” in 2014
Spiaggia di Acciaroli (Acciaroli) – long, wide, clean, and shallow (perfect for kiddos)
Santa Maria di Castellabate Beach (Santa Maria di Castellabate) – clear water, soft sand, and plenty of gelato shops nearby
Spiaggia della Grotta di San Marco (San Marco) – unfussy, calm and a killer sunset

Visiting the Cilento Coast: Getting There & Getting Around

Wondering if it’s a trek? Honestly, Cilento is way easier to reach than most think.

🚆 By Train:

You can take a direct train from Naples to Agropoli or Vallo della Lucania – both are gateways to the Cilento Coast.
Trains run frequently, and the journey is around 2 hours. Easy peasy.

🚊 Find Train Tickets to Cilento Coast

Check prices and availability with Trainline!

🚗 Do You Need a Car?

Technically, no. But having a car gives you the freedom to hop between towns and discover hidden beaches.
Parking isn’t the nightmare it is in Amalfi (hallelujah), and traffic is blissfully calm by comparison.

🚗 Book a Cheap Rental Car

Check prices and availability with Discover Cars

💰 Costs & Expectations

Accommodations: Expect to pay about 20-40% less than Amalfi Coast prices.
Dining out: A pasta dish that would be €25 in Positano? You’ll pay €10–12 here. And it’s probably better.
Activities: Beach time is mostly free, boat rentals and umbrella prices are reasonable, and local tours aren’t inflated for foreign tourists.

Amalfi Coast or Cilento Coast? Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	Amalfi Coast	Cilento Coast
Scenery	Stunning	Equally stunning
Crowds	Heavy	Light
Price	$$$$	$$
Family-friendly	Moderate	Very
Accessibility	Tricky	Easier
Local vibes	Touristy	Authentic
Beaches	Small, pebbly	Mix of long and sandy with romantic coves

FAQs: Amalfi Coast or Cilento Coast?

Is the Cilento Coast worth visiting?

Absolutely. It’s a gem for travelers who want natural beauty, great food, and fewer crowds.

Can you do both Amalfi Coast and Cilento Coast in one trip?

Yes! Spend a few days on Amalfi for the “wow” factor, then head south to decompress in Cilento.

What’s the best time to visit the Cilento Coast?

Late May to early October. July and August get busier but are still manageable.

Do you need to speak Italian in Cilento?

A little helps, but locals are warm and welcoming. A smile and a few polite phrases go a long way.

Is Cilento good for families?

Yes, yes, and yes. Calm beaches, relaxed towns, and plenty of gelato.

Final Verdict: Amalfi Coast or Cilento Coast

If you’re after the iconic Italian experience (and have the patience, cash, and stamina for stairs), Amalfi will deliver the drama.

But if you’re looking for an equally breathtaking coast with fewer crowds, more authenticity, and better value for your money?

The Cilento Coast is your coastal soulmate.

Just don’t wait too long… word’s getting out. 😉