The Amalfi Coast for Slow Travellers

Quiet(er) beauty & reprieve among the coast’s less-crowded gems

Swimming off the rocks at natural swimming spot, Bagni Regina Giovanna, outside Sorrento.

I was very happy when my third Substack article ever, Natural, Alternative Italian Beach Destinations, went totally viral! It was so nice to connect with so many of you via this piece.

Now I’m back home in my small town in Italy after months of traveling around Europe for photography jobs, I finally have time for some follow-up Italian slow travel guides.

Someone commented on that article saying they were headed to the Amalfi Coast this summer — a family trip, so not totally their choice — and asked for more off-the-beaten-path spots (has that phrase lost all meaning yet?) to escape the crowds.

I’ve spent a lot of time in Amalfi and Capri (Capri up next!) for work and holidays and I’m always amazed by how quickly the crowds thin out once you step just a little off the tourist trail.

A fisherman enjoying peace and quiet on the pier near Atrani.

There’s a real pack mentality in places like Amalfi. A lot of people follow bucket lists built from viral Reels or TikToks, hunting down the same “must-dos” without exploring further.

But the picture-perfect image often doesn’t match reality — long lines to take identical photos from the same crowded viewpoints, it’s hard to tell if you’re there for the photo or the experience.

I want to share a list of places around and in between Positano, Amalfi town and Sorrento where the reality matches the dream, that show off the natural beauty Amalfi is so famous for, with less people.

Solo swimming outside Sorrento.

Some are more adventurous and therefore quiet, some are just a bit less busy than the popular choice. This is by no means an exhaustive list, more my personal Amalfi Coast gems — from less-crowded beaches to scenic hikes, secret swimming spots and peaceful towns.

I hope you find some space, calm and beauty if you’re headed to the Amalfi Coast this summer. The list is long and packed with tips so it’s best viewed on desktop or via the Substack app.