Everyone and their Nonna has heard of the Amalfi Coast. But what if I told you there’s another jaw-dropping coastline just a few hours south, where the seafood’s divine, the beaches aren’t choked with influencers, and your Aperol Spritz won’t cost $20? Enter: the Cilento Coast, Italy.
Tucked between Naples and Salerno, Cilento is Amalfi’s cooler, more laid-back cousin, the one who doesn’t need validation, just chill vibes. Think sparkling turquoise water, quiet fishing villages, crumbling castles, and enough carbs to send you into a sun drenched-induced coma. And the best part? It’s still largely undiscovered by the masses.
Italy tops the list of Americans’ dream vacations. And honestly? I get it. The food, the views, the people who make pasta from scratch like it’s no big deal. But let’s be real, when you finally get that dream trip on the calendar, do you really want to be shoulder-to-shoulder with a thousand other tourists fighting over a table in Positano?
It’s the part of southern Italy where Italians actually vacation in quiet, untouched, and dripping with that sweet, slow “Dolce Far Niente” life. Imagine everything you hoped Amalfi would be… but better, cheaper.
What Even Is the Cilento Coast?
The Cilento Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches across southern Campania. It’s rugged, raw, and stunningly beautiful. There’s plenty of golden beaches, secret coves, pine-covered cliffs, and medieval towns clinging to hills like they’ve got trust issues. It’s also part of Italy’s second-largest national park, so yeah, it’s giving wild and free.
If the Amalfi Coast is a fashion show, Cilento is your barefoot summer romance; no frills, just fire.
Where to Stop (Besides Every 10 Minutes for Pics)
- Paestum – Come for the ancient Greek temples, stay for the fresh buffalo mozzarella that’ll ruin all other cheese for you.
- Castellabate – This hillside town overlooks the sea and gives major “under the Tuscan sun, but make it Campania” energy.
- Agropoli – Has a castle, a charming historic center, and some killer seaside views.
- Palinuro – Famous for sea caves and dramatic cliffs. Great for hiking or pretending you’re in a moody Italian drama.
- Acciaroli – Hemingway loved it, and so will you. Quiet, authentic, and still untouched by tourist fatigue.
What to Do (Besides Eat Everything)
- Swim in water so clear you’ll question your tap back home.
- Wander cobblestone streets with no real plan <-highly recommended.
- Visit ancient ruins, castles, and towers that look like they belong in a fantasy novel and romance movies.
- Eat your weight in fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and desserts that make you question your local restaurants.
Real Talk: Why This Place is Worth It
It’s authentic. Like, actually authentic. The kind of place where locals from Naples come too relax away from the tourists and have their vacation homes. The kind of place where you’ll eat spaghetti alle vongole ton an outdoor patio overlooking the sea or the ancient town. It’s not curated for Instagram, it’s just real, warm, and wildly beautiful.
TL;DR:
The Cilento Coast is where you go when you want Italian Life and none of the crowds. It’s your escape from Amalfi’s overpriced restaurants and into a world of salty air, historic charm, and pasta that leaves you speechless. Get there before everyone else does. Trust me.
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