A local American’s perspective on traveling smarter and experiencing Campania beyond the usual itinerary
If you're planning a trip to southern Italy, the Amalfi Coast is probably already on your list. Positano, Amalfi, Ravello - the destinations everyone has heard of. For travelers willing to look beyond the familiar names, you can discover more of Campania, and knowing where to stay can make all the difference.
I live in Campania and I want to share something I wish more American travelers knew before booking their trip to the Amalfi Coast: Salerno and Cilento can open the door to a far richer experience of southern Italy.
I don’t sell pre-planned packages from an office in America to places I've never visited. I haven’t visited the area once for a week, or for a few hours when the cruise ship docked in port, and suddenly believe I have the best advice. I live here. I know the region, its geography, its rhythms and the experiences that are worth making time for.
Praiano, Amalfi Coast
First, Let's Get the Geography Right
The Amalfi Coast is a specific stretch of coastline that includes Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello, Minori, Maiori, Cetara and Vietri sul Mare amongst other villages.
Sorrento is often included in Amalfi Coast itineraries, with many Americans making the village their base. It's a fine destination, but it is on the Sorrentine Peninsula and not actually part of the Amalfi Coast, so choosing it as your base means understanding the additional travel involved in reaching different parts of the region.
Consider Salerno instead.
Salerno is a lively coastal city with a beautiful waterfront, a historic center of narrow, cobblestone streets, superb food, a rich history and an authentic vibe. Furthermore, Salerno is well connected. It has a major railway station and ferry connections to the Amalfi Coast villages, a practical and beautiful way to visit the famous coastline.
You can explore the coast by sea, return to an authentic Italian city for dinner and enjoy convenient rail connections for other excursions on your bucket list. If your dream is waking up in Positano and spending every evening overlooking its famous beach, staying on the Amalfi Coast may be exactly right for you. For those who wish to escape the mass tourism and pricey nightly rates of the Amalfi Coast, and explore beyond its small villages, the city of Salerno is well worth considering.
Salerno City
And the best part? You're also perfectly positioned to discover somewhere many American visitors overlook entirely.
Castellabate, Cilento
Welcome to Cilento
The southern Italy you didn’t know you were dreaming of.
Punta Licosa, Cilento
Just south of Salerno, the scenery changes. The crowds thin, the coastline stretches and historic villages rise above the Mediterranean.
Imagine a coastline where crystal-clear turquoise waters meet dramatic cliffs and charming fishing villages cling to the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, each one celebrating unique, centuries-old traditions. Ancient Greek temples stand remarkably preserved, rolling hills are covered in olive groves and vineyards and the scent of freshly-prepared local seafood drifts from family-run restaurants overlooking the sea. It is the birthplace of the Mediterranean Diet, the home of authentic Mozzarella di Bufala, DOP, exceptional olive oil and local wines.
Have you ever ordered lunch from a boat in the sea, delivered to your boat in the sea?
In Cilento, you can.
Cilento is one of southern Italy's most extraordinary and overlooked treasures.
Cilento isn't simply a quieter Amalfi Coast. It's a destination with its own character, history, traditions and remarkable coastline. You don’t just visit it. You discover it with all of your senses. Once you do, you may wonder how it stayed off your radar for so long.
Castellabate, Cilento
Let Someone Who Lives Here Help You Plan
The Amalfi Coast is famous for a reason, and you should absolutely experience it if it's on your wish list. Its beauty is undeniable and visiting its cliffside villages is an unforgettable experience. However, if time allows, your trip doesn't have to end there.
With the right base and local knowledge, you can easily experience the Amalfi Coast as well as nearby, lesser-known locales that offer a unique surprise you weren’t expecting.
Capelli di Venere (Venus’ Hair), Cilento
