Italy's Hidden Gem Region Is A Budget-Friendly Alternative To The Amalfi Coast

Southern Italy is where culinary staples were created, ancient civilizations have endured, and a tale of two coastlines unfolds. While many tourists flock to the glitz, glamor, and awe-inspiring views of the gorgeous tourist trap the Amalfi Coast, locals escape to a lesser-known region just three hours south. The Cilento Coast, arguably Italy's prettiest under-the-radar coastal escape, stretches from Salerno to the Gulf of Policastro over more than 62 miles of rugged coastline. Part of the UNESCO-protected Cilento and Vallo di Diano National Park, the region offers an affordable getaway, unique experiences, and intriguing local haunts that rival the allure of its northern neighbor. Small towns like Paestum, Pisciotta, and Marina di Camerota join several other under-the-radar Italian gems offering beautiful sites, smaller crowds, and pocket-friendly getaways for those looking to experience all the grandeur of Italy, while maintaining a more relaxed and affordable atmosphere.

Both Naples International Airport (NAP) and Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport (QSR) are within driving distance of the Cilento Coast. Naples International is roughly a three-hour drive or train ride from the Cilento Coast and offers flight options from the U.S., while the smaller Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport is less than two hours away but has fewer direct flights and services. From either destination, you can explore the Cilento Coast via a combination of trains and buses, or, for more control over your itinerary and destinations, by renting a car.

Near the northern tip of the Cilento Coast lies Paestum, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its remarkably well-preserved ancient Greek temples. The influence of these millennia-old architectural feats is seen and felt throughout the small town, home to the Temple of Athena, the Second Temple of Hera, and the Paestum Archaeological Park. Just steps from the ancient structures, the Michelin-recognized Tenuta Duca Marigliano Boutique Hotel offers rates less than $90 a night in the offseason, while nearby Hotel Villa Rita starts at less than $70 (all prices accurate as of this writing).

Pisciotta, a charming hillside beach town that pairs medieval charm with sun-drenched beaches, is centrally located on the Cilento Coast, making it the ideal base for your vacation, where restful nights in the ocean breeze set the stage for active days spent exploring the rest of the Campania region. During Cilento's offseason, highly rated beachfront hotels and villas start at less than $60 a night, while summer's high season sees room rates hover around $100 per night.

At Cilento's southern tip, Marina di Camerota offers rugged, majestic coastlines and pristine beaches that remain uncrowded even at the peak of tourist season. As with other towns throughout the Cilento region, accommodations in Marina di Camerota range from affordable to luxury, starting at just $50 per night during the offseason. Regardless of the season or reason, prices for your Cilento Coast escape are typically more affordable than comparable stays on the Amalfi Coast.

One of the main reasons people visit Italy is, of course, the food. It's no surprise that the Cilento Coast, the birthplace of the Mediterranean diet and home to many of Italy's centenarians, boasts a rich culinary history with an abundance of tantalizing food options. From rustic trattorias and hole-in-the-wall gems to elaborate five-star dining experiences, the region offers unique flavors and options sure to satisfy any craving.

Located in Palinuro, the highly rated Core a Core specializes in fresh, high-end Italian seafood sourced from local fishermen. In Paestum, Casa Coloni offers a unique dining experience and elevated cuisine, featuring four- to 15-course tasting menus starting at around $88. For something a little more budget friendly, head to nearby Da Nonna Sceppa. Michelin recognized and operated by the same family for generations, entrees at this highly rated restaurant start under $20. In Castellabate, Pibarò Pizzeria, a Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice winner, serves authentic, mouth-watering pizzas at tantalizingly affordable prices.

The fertile region also produces a multitude of internationally sought-after culinary treasures, including bruised Salella olives, Menaica anchovies, Pertosa artichokes, fusillo di Felitto pasta, and Cicerale chickpeas, among many others. The coastal area is also home to several dairy farms producing world-renowned buffalo mozzarella, and wineries whose vintages are celebrated both locally and internationally. Round out your foodie fantasy with hands-on experiences: Tour a local cheese factory or ancient olive grove, browse fresh markets to sample and buy regional goods, or join a cooking class led by Cilento residents to immerse yourself in the traditions and intricacies behind the region's simple yet storied cuisine.