Dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters and pastel-coloured fishing villages offering charming views and great local eateries.
The Amalfi Coast is a dream location for many, but it often comes with a high price tag.
Last summer, footage from the area showed tourists packed onto sweltering buses, struggling for space, while others battled through jammed streets, relentless queues, and suffocating crowds.
But, for holidaymakers seeking out somewhere just like the Italian hot spot but with fewer crowds and a better price, there is another hidden gem, and it can be found in the same destination.
Located on the ‘toe’ of Italy‘s boot in the country’s southern region is Calabria.
Loved for its pristine coastline and clifftop towns, the area also boasts plenty of delicious local cuisine at a fraction of the cost compared to Amalfi.
Calabria is known for being the home of ‘Nduja’ – the spicy sausage that has been rising in popularity in the UK in recent years.
Holidaymakers can head to the region and taste the authentic local delicacy that is often used as a perfect addition to pastas and fresh focaccia bread.
Forget the Amalfi Coast, another Italian spot – Calabria – has the same charm and stunning views
It boasts plenty of beaches, including in Tropea (pictured) – a beach town perched on the cliffs
There are other Calabrian traditions to explore too, including cheese-making and pasta-rolling workshops.
Or, visitors could enjoy tasting the iconic Tartufo di Pizzo – an iconic dessert that originates from Pizzo, in Calabria and is a hazelnut ice cream ball filled with melted chocolate.
Relaxing views and beautiful sands can be found at Tropea, a beach town perched on the cliffs.
The trip won’t break the bank either, with a glass of local wine costing as little as €2 (£1.74).
Tucking into traditional pasta dishes might set you back around €8 (£7).
An all-inclusive stay for seven nights at a TUI resort, including flights from London Gatwick to Lamezia Terme, costs from £603 per person – working out at £86 per night.
If getting outdoors on an adventure is more your holiday style, there are also plenty of walking trails in the area.
Pizzo, for example, is situated on the end of a 55km-long Coast of the Gods trail which will take hikers all the way to the town of Nicotera.
Calabria is known for being the home of ‘Nduja’ – the spicy sausage that has been rising in popularity in the UK in recent years
Or, visitors could enjoy tasting the iconic Tartufo di Pizzo – an iconic dessert that originates from Pizzo, in Calabria and is a hazelnut ice cream ball filled with melted chocolate
Alternatively, there are coastal paths that overlook rolling hills and the Tyrrhenian Sea, as well as inland routes such as the Rocca Angitola loop trail.
Camogli is another Italian spot previously mentioned as a good alternative to the Amalfi Coast.
The characterful location sits on the Ligurian coastline and without the hordes of visitors still feels like a working fishing village.
With winding streets leading to the old town and restaurants serving freshly caught seafood, there’s plenty to enjoy.
The local delicacy, focaccia col formaggio, is one of the village’s best-known dishes.
Locals make time for a morning swim in the sea and there are often groups gathering to watch the sun set from the seafront.
Camogli is much more affordable than most other popular Italian destinations, and works out around £150 cheaper than visiting the Amalfi Coast, according to research by global booking platform Omio.
A flight from London to Naples takes approximately three hours and costs from £97 on July 10.
Camogli is another Italian spot previously mentioned as a good alternative to the Amalfi Coast
Then a two-hour train from the airport to Positano, along the Amalfi Coast is priced from £29.
The journey back on July 17 comes in at £26 for the train and £78 for the flight, totally the return trip to £230.
But Camogli works out at £156 cheaper overall for the same dates, and it takes less time to reach the destination.
Visitors can catch a flight from London to Genova, costing from £43, and then travel by train to Camogli for £5.
The return flight is priced from £21, while the train remains the same price, totalling to £74.
Once there, holidaymakers can stroll along the long pebble beach, or enjoy hilltop views from Castello della Dragonara.
