The five small fishing towns that make up the Cinque Terre are a beautiful gem, with their vivid colours and idyllic seaside setting. It’s no wonder that they are on many travellers’ destination lists. However, the local authorities announced last week that, due to overcrowding and damage from footfall, they will soon be limiting the amount of visitors by introducing a ticketing system. It is thought only 1.5 million visitors will be able to visit this year, down from 2.5 million last year.
Nobody can enjoy being in those crowds though, and despite their popularity, the Cinque Terre are certainly not the only beautiful seaside towns in Italy, and many have little to no tourists. Let us give you five perfect alternatives.
Porto Venere, Liguria
Porto Venere is so close to the towns of Cinque Terre that it is part of the same UNESCO World Heritage Site, and yet – despite it being just as charming and beautiful – it is relatively ignored by tourists. While the port is perfectly picturesque, head into the village for a rustic charm. You’ll find beautiful churches, ancient ruins, as well as a medieval castle that provides superb views over the town and the Ligurian sea.
Ponza, Lazio
Two hours south of Rome, Ponza is part of a small group of islands just off the Lazio coast. The town itself is on the main island, also called Ponza, and is a pretty fishing port, surrounded by restaurants, bars and boutiques. Every summer, the town hums with activity from vacationing Romans, but still manages to remain uncrowded. While the town has great energetic charm, the beaches away from the port – especially Chiaia di Luna, with it’s magnificent cliffs – are some of Italy’s most spectacular.
Tropea, Calabria
An ancient Roman port, that local legend says was been founded by Hercules, Tropea is a sleepy resort town in the under-visited Calabria region. With beautiful buildings in a maze of streets, dramatic cliffs, and gorgeous white beaches, the main tourism is from holidaying Italians, meaning it maintains a calm, local feel all year round. Be sure to try the cuisine – local specialities are a distinct red onion – Cipolla di Tropea – and the Calabrian spicy sausage, N’duja.
Porto Ercole, Tuscany
Porto Ercole is the smaller town of the Monte Argentario area, which also includes the larger port of Porto Santo Stefano. While the whole area is beautiful, Porto Ercole retains a quiet village charm. A small harbour town, it boasts fantastic views, great restaurants and bars, and luscious green forests. But best of all, it is unknown to most tourists. Bonus fact for art and history lovers – Caravaggio died and is buried in the town.
Santa Cesarea Terme, Puglia
With the previously unknown region of Puglia beginning to come onto tourists’ radars, many people are beginning to visit Otranto and Polignano a Mare. But still relatively unknown is the small town of Santa Cesarea Terme. Situated on a dramatic rocky coastline, with explorable underground caverns, the town boasts beautiful architecture, cafe’s and restaurants with incredible sea views, and – maybe best of all – thermal baths. A definite recommendation for a relaxing sea-side break, with very few tourists besides Italians.
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