The Amalfi Coast in summer
If you’re planning a trip to the seaside to visit the famous tourist hotspots during the peak season, you’d be better off looking elsewhere. Ten Italian hotspots and their quieter alternatives.
In Italy, August is the month of the great exodus. When the whole country goes on holiday and millions of international visitors arrive, the most famous coastal resorts reach their breaking point. Away from the world-famous photo spots, however, there are stretches of coastline and islands that offer the same magic – just without the crowds.
1. Positano vs. Vietri sul Mare on the Amalfi Coast
- The hotspot: In Positano, crowds of people make their way slowly through the narrow, stepped streets in August. The beaches and restaurants are fully booked for months on end.
- The alternative: At the eastern gateway to the Amalfi Coast lies Vietri sul Mare. The town is famous for its colourful pottery and offers a genuine taste of everyday life in southern Italy, wider beaches and a laid-back bar scene without the VIP price gouging.
2. Monterosso al Mare/Cinque Terre vs. Tellaro in Liguria
- The hotspot: In summer, the Cinque Terre is swamped by day trippers. The sandy beach at Monterosso is hopelessly overcrowded, and the trains between the villages are packed to the brim.
- The alternative: Further south, on the Gulf of Poets, lies Tellaro nestled against the cliffs. This small fishing village is considered one of the most beautiful in Italy; architecturally, it is almost indistinguishable from the Cinque Terre, yet it remains largely untouched by the crowds.
3. Capri vs. Procida in Campania
- The hotspot: Thousands of day-trippers flock to the glamorous island of Capri every day. The Piazzetta is packed, and there are long queues for buses and trains.
- The alternative: The neighbouring island Procida – Italy’s Capital of Culture 2022 – has retained its down-to-earth charm. Pastel-coloured fishermen’s cottages at Marina Corricella, tranquil coves and authentic island life characterise the scene.
4. Taormina vs. Cefalù in Sicily
- The hotspot: Ever since the boom sparked by TV series, Taormina has been bursting at the seams. The alleyways around the ancient theatre are almost impassable at rush hour.
- The alternative: Cefalù On the north coast of Sicily, it offers a stunning backdrop of a Norman cathedral and a long sandy beach. Despite its popularity, the crowds are spread out much more evenly between the seaside and the historic centre.
The most Instagrammed sunrises
5. Tropea vs. Scilla in Calabria
- The hotspot: The cliff overlooking Tropea’s old town is Calabria’s flagship attraction. In August, holidaymakers flock to the viewing points and the narrow town beach.
- The alternative: Further south, right on the Strait of Messina, lies Scilla. The Fishermen’s Quarter Chianalea, where the houses stand right on the water’s edge, exudes an almost Venetian atmosphere – with views of Sicily and outstanding local cuisine.
6. San Vito Lo Capo vs. Scopello in Sicily
- The hotspot: The white Caribbean-style beach in north-western Sicily is a sea of parasols at the height of summer. You’ll search in vain for a quiet spot here.
- The alternative: Just a short distance further east, there is Scopello dramatic landscape. All around the historic Tonnara (a former tuna fishing station) and the adjacent Zingaro Nature Reserve are home to turquoise-blue pebble coves set amidst lush greenery.
7. Gallipoli vs. Otranto in Apulia
- The hotspot: In August, Gallipoli is regarded as Apulia’s party capital. The stretch of beach Baia Verde It’s noisy, packed and firmly in the hands of revellers.
- The alternative: On the east coast of Salento, one can see Otranto showing its more elegant side. Italy’s easternmost city captivates visitors with its well-preserved city walls, azure waters and a historic old town that remains peaceful even in summer.
8. Porto Cervo vs. Santa Teresa Gallura in Sardinia
- The hotspot: In the height of summer, the Costa Smeralda is both exclusive and overcrowded. Yacht magnates and luxury tourists drive prices sky-high and cause gridlock on the coastal roads.
- The alternative: On the northern tip of Sardinia lies Santa Teresa Gallura. From here, you have a direct view of Corsica and the granite cliffs of Capo Testa offer unspoilt nature, and the beaches are accessible even without a luxury budget.
9. Vieste v Peschici in Apulia
- The hotspot: The white town perched on the Gargano cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean attracts huge crowds of families in August. The flat sandy beaches are completely packed.
- The alternative: The neighbouring Peschici It, too, is spectacularly perched on a rock above the sea. Its winding alleyways feel more authentic, and the surrounding bays offer far more space to breathe.
10. Polignano a Mare vs Monopoli in Apulia
- The hotspot: The famous bay Lama Monachile in Polignano It’s the subject of countless social media posts. In August, there’s barely enough room for beach towels on the narrow pebble beach.
- The alternative: Right next door, it stretches out Monopoly. With its old fishing harbour, whitewashed alleyways and numerous small coves (Calette) South of the town, the flow of holidaymakers is perfectly spread out.
Photos: K, T. Jullien, M. Grua, R. Petrik, May Vanhille and Sam Teano, Reinhard Bruckner, Tugce Turan, Kevin, Ilo Frey on Pexels.com
