The enduring appeal of Italy’s Amalfi Coast shows no signs of waning. In the last month alone, there have been over 900,000 Google searches for “Amalfi Coast”, according to global booking platform Omio. But as the region’s popularity grows, so do the prices—and the crowds. While social media trends continue to push travelers to hotspot destinations, they are also spurring a reactionary drive to discover lesser-explored places.

Given that Italy has a coastline measuring nearly 8,000 kilometers, there are plenty of Amalfi Coast “dupes” that exude the essence of Italian summer for a fraction of the price. One under-the-radar coastal town is Camogli, in Liguria. “With its pastel harbour houses and wide Riviera views, Camogli delivers the same Italian beauty travelers expect from the Amalfi Coast, but with fewer crowds and at a much more forgiving price point,” says Omio.

The Quiet Ligurian Alternative To The Amalfi Coast

Camogli sits on the west side of the peninsula of Portofino in northern Italy, and shares much of the dolce vita aesthetic of the Amalfi region. Tall pastel houses line the harbor, fishing boats bob along the waterfront, and narrow streets wind through the old town.

Yet the town is still under the radar for many travelers. Unlike the tourist-heavy towns of the Amalfi coast, Camogli still feels like a working fishing village. In the mornings, locals head down to the beach for a swim, while evenings see people gathering along the seafront as the sun sets. Small trattorias also serve freshly caught seafood overlooking the water, and visitors can also try focaccia col formaggio (focaccia bread with local cheese), one of the region’s best-known dishes.

A long pebble beach stretches along the promenade, while the hilltop Castello della Dragonara offers wide views across the Riviera coastline. Travelers can also hop on boat tours to nearby Portofino or visit San Fruttuoso Bay, known for its clear waters and quieter beaches.

Riviera Views Without The Amalfi Price Tag

One of the biggest advantages of Camogli is how affordable it is compared to some of Italy’s most famous coastal destinations. Accommodation, dining and everyday costs are typically much lower than in towns along the Amalfi coast, making it a practical option for travelers who still want the classic Italian Riviera experience.

It is also generally less expensive and easier to reach than the towns along the Amalfi Coast. After flying into Genoa, the train to Camogli takes 30 minutes and costs as little as $3.50.

The Amalfi Coast Is Set To Get Even More Crowded

Overtourism is becoming an increasing challenge across some of Italy’s most famous coastal destinations—including the Amalfi Coast. For the 13 towns of the coastline, the wider Campania region’s tourism agency recorded 564,981 visitors in 2023, up 9% from 2019.

A new airport located to the eastern end of the coastline is also making accessing the notoriously hard-to-reach destination a little easier. The Salerno Costa d’Amalfi airport has direct flight connections to several European destinations, including Milan, Brussels, London Stansted and Vienna.