The world of social media has many perks, such as helping travelers like me hone in on which travel destinations to add to their bucket lists. A major downside, however, is the potential for overtourism, leaving places that were once beautiful gems as overcrowded, busy tourist hotspots. The Amalfi Coast, unfortunately, is one of those places that left me questioning the “hype”, as the crowds seemed to take away from the beauty of the place.
After spending months on “traveltok” watching videos of the beautiful Amalfi Coast, I set out to visit this popular area situated on the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. While beautiful, the experience didn’t quite live up to the image portrayed by social media. Here’s why — and how I’d do the Amalfi Coast differently next time, and how you can do it better.
Expectations vs. reality
The Amalfi Coast is as scenic and beautiful as it looks in every social media reel you’ve seen — but it’s important to recognize that every place has its shortcomings. Though I had high hopes for my day trip to Sorrento, Amalfi, and Positano, I felt disappointed with the reality of the day. The first and most notable reason for my disappointment is due to overcrowding (my mistake, visiting in August). The summer is one of the most crowded times of year to visit the Amalfi Coast, making it nearly impossible to walk through crowded, narrow streets. Since social media has made these scenic spots even more popular, tourism is on the rise, up nearly 9% since 2019. Social media says it’s ‘not that bad’, but I beg to differ.
Another factor playing into my experience was the rushed nature of my trip. Staying in Naples meant I only had one day to explore three cities in the Amalfi region, with only about 1.5 to 2 hours in each stop. The combination of overcrowding, brutal European summer heat, a rushed schedule, and my claustrophia left me with an unexpected disappointment. I’m not usually someone who minds crowds or tourists; however, I do start to get frustrated when I’m shoulder-to-shoulder with the person in front of me while just trying to walk around.
Tips for better Amalfi Coast travel
No matter where you’re traveling, it’s important to remember that what you see on social media isn’t always going to match the reality of a destination. As you scroll through videos of colorful houses and waterfront restaurants, it’s key to remember that everyone’s expectations of “ideal” travel can differ. If I were to visit the Amalfi Coast again, I would:
- Go only during the shoulder season (September to October or April to May)
- Avoid a day trip (staying for several days at a time) to avoid feeling rushed
- Avoid visiting popular tourist hotspots that can easily get too packed
My experience visiting the Amalfi Coast shows why planning is everything when it comes to optimizing your travel for your preferences. If you have your heart set on visiting this trendy area, strategic planning could yield a better experience that feels less claustrophobic and crowded. Additionally, it may also be worth checking out a few Italian alternatives that offer a similar coastal scenic appeal to the Amalfi Coast, such as Ischia, a small island accessible by ferry in just one hour from Naples. Other alternatives include Cinque Terre in Northwest Italy and Costa Viola in Calabria, Italy.
