This post was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Locations like Cinque Terre, in the northwestern Riviera, and the southern Amalfi Coast tend to hog all the attention, and for great factor: their vibrant homes, sheer cliffs and blue-green waters are what lots of connect with the Mediterranean. Tourists who venture additional afield are justly rewarded. From north to south, we select 6 lesser-known seaside towns with simply as much character, however a portion of the crowds.
1. Scilla, Calabria
Pale homes spilling down a hillside to the sea, parasols and gelati suppliers established on an arc of fine-shingle beach, and a nuggety castle on a bluff. This isn’t, in reality, the Amalfi Coast’s Positano, however the quieter town of Scilla on the Violet Coast, in the southern area of Calabria. The fishing district of Chianalea is especially appealing. It’s strung out next to the waves, where cobalt-blue boats are carried on slips and swordfish ciabatta is the speciality– do not miss out on the ones at Civico 5 on Via Grotte. Invest a long time here and it takes a bit to discover what’s missing out on: traffic and crowds.
Finest perspective: The Piazza San Rocco Belvedere, accessed through a complimentary lift behind, for views over terracotta roofs and out to sea.
2. Ponza, Lazio
They state Odysseus stopped at Ponza and was bewitched by Circe into remaining for a year. Well, that was his reason. And who would not wish to remain in this subtle island town? There are no sights to mention, public transportation is near non-existent and compared to advanced Capri, it appears like a throwback to the 1970s. Like the Roman weekenders who go to, you pertain to keep in mind how to unwind on an island that increases sheer from the sea. Swim in aquamarine seas, dawdle amongst brilliant homes in the harbour and consume fritto misto (a choice of fried seafood) at beachfront dining establishment Da Enzo al Frontone.
Finest perspective: A balcony by the lighthouse at the end of Via Molo Musco for a view of the vibrant homes on Via Banchina di Fazio.
3. Vieste, Puglia
Like Dubrovnik simply throughout the Adriatic, Vieste accumulates on the cliffs of a promontory. It’s a labyrinth of white homes, actions and arches, where cleaning is strung like bunting and felines doze in warm corners. Go To the 11th-century Norman cathedral for Baroque frescos, however otherwise the very best strategy is to simply go any place your feet take you. You’ll get lost amongst narrow alleys, which’s half the point– coming across pieces of centuries-old walls or a preferred pizzeria you ‘d have otherwise missed out on. For beach-time, there’s Del Castello, studded by a monolithic stack of limestone at its town’s end.
Finest perspective: Via Judeca for a view of Punta San Francesco, a middle ages cluster of structures on a finger of rock jabbing into the sea.