Move Over Amalfi Coast! These 4 Beach Towns Offer Cheaper Prices & Smaller Crowds

Pastel-hue towns that defy gravity by clinging to vertiginous cliff-sides, coastal drives that simply beg for a Vespa rental, and oh, that azure Mediterranean—there are numerous reasons why you should absolutely go to Italy’s trendy Amalfi Coast this summer.

But then again, there are many more why you shouldn’t:

The hectic traffic, the suffocating pathways that are just too narrow to accommodate the cruise crowds, and €12 for a bog-standard glass of Limoncello Spritz half-filled with ice, when you could get it elsewhere for about half the price.

Yeah, no, grazie.

Luckily enough, Amalfi is not the only answer to your dolce vita prayers; it’s just the more popular, obvious pick.

We get it—your heart’s set on Italy, so we won’t try to dissuade you. But how about you explore these 4 far more relaxed, cheaper beach towns instead?

Lerici

Lining the azure Ligurian Sea, in the aptly named Gulf of Poets, Lerici is a pastel-hue village backed by a medieval castle that just oozes medieval charm, without the hectic scenes typically associated with the neighboring Cinque Terre or Portofino.

Picturesque as it may be, Lerici is largely ignored by tourists. Whether you're eating fresh trofie al pesto in a family-owned trattoria by the harbor, relaxing on the scenic Baia Blu Beach, or exploring the historic castle, you're unlikely to encounter huge crowds.

Plus, Lerici is far more affordable than the average Ligurian beach spot: a casual meal will set you back $15–25, while budget guesthouses range from only $125 to $166 per night for 2 adults, or $62.50–83 each.

Looking for an inexpensive stay in the heart of the Old Town? Check out Le Camere del Borgo.

Trani

A laid-back historic port in Puglia some 25 miles northwest of a bustling Bari, Trani feels a lot quieter and more peaceful in comparison.

It has a rich medieval history, with a landmark Romanesque Cathedral, right by the Adriatic Sea, and a maze-like Old Town, peppered with whitewashed houses and small piazzas, as two of the main attractions. Oh, and the local gastronomy?

Puglia is well-known for its high-quality olive oil, and just in case you're wondering where you can the best spaghetti aglio e olio in town, look no further than Osteria II Gambero Rosso, close to the harbor: simple, traditional, and absolutely no-frills.

By the way, Trani is nowhere as busy as Polignano a Mare or Alberobello—despite laying claim to a beautiful sandy beach, Lido Cala Pantano—and it's much cheaper: meals average $10–15 per person, and mid-range hotels cost between $68–83.

Sperlonga

A short 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Rome, Sperlonga is a sleepy coastal town characterized by its labyrinthine historic center, filled with centuries-old houses, and a long stretch of sandy beach, lapped by bright-blue waters.

Though it is popular among Lazio natives, as in Italians from the Rome region, it's still relatively unheard-of in tourist circles, which makes it ideal for beating the hordes of tourists.

If you're a culture buff, a must-see site is the Roman-era Villa of Emperor Tiberius, featuring a sculpture-decorated grotto, and as for some much-needed time in the sun, Spiaggia di Ponente is your best bet at a stress-free Italian beach experience.

For fresh sourdough pasta made on the spot, try local favorite Pizzeria Al Corvo ($7–12), which is within walking distance of the Old Town. On the accommodation front, a triple room with a terrace near the beach at Villa Regina will cost a couple $133 a night.

Grado

Our fourth (and final) pick is Grado, a secret spot in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, perhaps the most overlooked Italian region, located on the country's northeastern corner.

Contrary to other Adriatic beach towns, Grado has a sandy coastline with shallow waters ideal for swimming. Despite its resemblance to Venice—it is built on a peninsula and cut through with canals—it's far from hosting 20-25 million tourists a year.

Grado is also known for being a spa destination, with numerous thermal baths and wellness centers located in and around its Venetian-style historic center. It's a foodie's paradise with its wide choice of seafood restaurants and locally-owned osteria.

Speaking of food, a lunch or dinner in an inexpensive Old Town eatery costs an average of $15–25 per person, with Trattoria da Pino being a surefire recommendation. As far as guesthouses go, they can be booked for as cheap as $126 for two adults or $63 per person.

Don't believe us? Look up Elegante Monolocale al Mare.

Now, if you're looking for additional budget-friendly, un-touristy, beautiful destinations in Italy to escape the crowds this summer, perhaps you should take a further look here.