- I've visited Italy's Amalfi Coast 3 times. It's beautiful, but I don't like the crowds and prices
- I prefer other Italian destinations like Cefalù, a small city in Sicily with great food and beaches.
- Sicily's Aeolian Islands and Matera, Basilicata, are also worth visiting.
Italy's Amalfi Coast is one of the country's most popular destinations, but after visiting three times, I think I'll skip it on my next trip.
The Amalfi Coast is known for its striking cliffside landscapes and seaside villages, but the famous region has several downsides. It gets crowded, local traffic can be horrendous, and prices are far from cheap.
I'm always looking for alternatives to popular tourist attractions, and after traveling extensively throughout southern Italy, I found a few places I liked better than the Amalfi Coast.
Next time I head to Southern Italy, I'd go to these three destinations instead.
Cefalù, Sicily
Of all of Italy's 20 regions, Sicily is my favorite.
On my first visit nearly a decade ago, the region's volcanic landscapes, unbeatable street-food scene, and welcoming locals won me over.
I've since been back three more times, and I can never seem to get enough. You can't go wrong with a trip anywhere on the island, whether visiting dynamic Palermo or the ever-so-popular Taormina.
Yet Cefalù, a small city on Sicily's northern coast, is my top pick.
The city's historic center is undeniably charming. Narrow pedestrian streets lead to Cefalù's centuries-old cathedral that's towered over by a massive cliff.
Cefalù's long, sandy beach and adjacent boardwalk made for an ideal summer getaway. Trying local cuisine is a must, too, from savory arancini rice balls to decadent granita — my Sicilian dessert of choice.
Plus, compared to navigating the often chaotic traffic along the Amalfi Coast, getting to and from Cefalù is a breeze. The city lies directly on a train line, and it only takes an hour to reach Cefalù from Palermo.
Aeolian Islands, Sicily
If you're near Sicily, I also suggest visiting Aeolian Islands, a volcanic island chain located off the region's northern coast.
The Aeolian Islands consist of seven main islands, which are home to about 15,000 people. They offer a coastal getaway with far fewer crowds than the Amalfi Coast.
Each island is unique. Some, like Vulcano, offer visitors the chance to bathe in volcanic mud baths. Others, like Panarea, feature eye-catching white buildings with vibrant blue doors.
My personal favorite is Stromboli, where you can watch a volcano erupt while sailing into or away from the island.
I'd say the best way to experience the area is with a boat tour. You can find day trips to the Aeolian Islands from the city of Milazzo in northern Sicily.
Matera, Basilicata
My last alternative to the Amalfi Coast is not on the coast at all, but in the rural southern region of Basilicata, located in the "arch" of Italy's "boot."
Nestled in the stunning Gravina Canyon is the ancient city of Matera. It's considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Matera certainly receives its fair share of tourists, but far fewer than cities like Sorrento and Positano on the Amalfi Coast.
Visiting Matera is like stepping into another era. Early inhabitants carved dwellings and churches into the canyon's limestone cliffs — I've never seen anything else like it in all of Italy.
The medieval historic center offers spectacular views, romantic restaurants built into caves, and bustling piazzas. Plus, getting to the city can be an adventure within itself.
It's not on a high-speed rail line, and the closest airport is about 40 miles away in Bari, the capital of the nearby region of Puglia. Many travelers take a local train from Bari to Matera, which takes about 90 minutes.
Visiting Matera was the highlight of my most recent trip to Italy, and I can't wait to go back.
