Everyone knows that the Amalfi Coast is a bucket list destination. With its hidden villages perched on coastal cliffs, its nothing short of a fairytale setting. If you like the Amalfi Coast but are looking for someplace new to explore, check out these four similar beaches you’ll love instead of an Amalfi Coast vacation.
Dalmatian Coast
The Dalmatian Coast runs along the Adriatic Sea in Croatia. It has become a very popular destination in recent years along with the nearby city of Dubrovnik.
Of Croatia’s 3,600 miles of glimmering coastline, the most famous (and touristed) stretch is its southernmost region: the Dalmatian Coast, where dramatic limestone cliffs rise from the deep, and islands are scattered just offshore (the most appealing are Hvar and Korčula). Here you’ll find Croatia’s top tourist town, Dubrovnik, and the big city of Split, with its impressive Roman ruins. –Rick Steve’s Europe
The cost of a vacation to the Dalmatian Coast is more affordable and every bit as luxurious as a similar Amalfi Coast vacation making it a destination worth trying at least once.
Cinque Terre
Located on the northwest coast of Italy is Cinque Terre, Italian for five lands. A mule path was the only link to these five fishing villages on the Italian Riviera until recent years. Now you can also visit them via rail or water as well. The area is a UNESCO National Park and Protected Marine Area.
The Cinque Terre is one of those places people tend to read about once and then dream about forever. An isolated part of the northwestern Italian region of Liguria, the Cinque Terre is ruggedly beautiful stretch of coastline inset with five tiny villages perched between the Mediterranean and a range of steep coastal hills. -LA Times
The beaches here are swimmable May through October each year. The area offers nine beaches to choose from — all with crystal clear waters. The beaches here range from sandy to pebbles so there is something for every preference!
Dingle Peninsula
The Dingle Peninsula is located on the most western end of Ireland. It has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Yes, they even rival those found on your Amalfi Coast vacation.
This is Ireland at its best: all sparkling navy ocean and star-strewn skies – so twinkle filled, in fact, that sprawling Inch Beach on the peninsula’s southern stretch is a known stargazing spot. Take the road to Ballyferriter village and walk on Beál Bán beach – only really known to locals. Once you see the views, you’ll see why they’ve kept it to themselves. –Ireland.com
The beaches of the Dingle Peninsula range from smooth sand to rocky shore. There are numerous beautiful picnic spots, walking trails, and dunes to explore! Inch beach is among the most popular with three miles of uninterrupted beach backed by dunes. Many movies feature the beaches of the Dingle Peninsula and once you see it you’ll understand why!
Costa Brava
Costa Brava is located in the province of Girona in Catalonian Spain, in the northeast corner of the Iberian Peninsula. It boasts the same beautiful beaches of the Cote d’Azur with fewer crowds and better prices.
Gloriously wild in parts and tastefully manicured in others, the Costa has some of the finest Blue Flag beaches in Europe, broad and sandy stretches to elegant horseshoe bays and secluded smugglers’ coves. –The Telegraph
Some of the most popular beaches of Costa Bava are Platja de Tamariu, Empuriabrava, and the Cap de Creus Nature Reserve in Cadaqués.
Regardless of which of these amazing destinations you choose, we’re sure you’ll find beaches you’ll love to explore. So, will you choose an Amalfi Coast vacation or one of these beaches? For more coastal destinations you’ll also want to add to your bucket list, read about these 5 Greek Islands to Visit Instead of Santorini.
