A recent comparison of southern Puglia and the Amalfi Coast suggests that Puglia offers a quieter, cheaper, and equally beautiful alternative to Italy's famous western coastline. The region shares the Mediterranean atmosphere, coastal towns, and seafood-focused cuisine, but without the overwhelming crowds and premium prices.
Quieter Streets and Easier Exploration
While the Amalfi Coast is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and colourful villages, Puglia is generally flatter, which made exploring easier. In Puglia, quiet streets allowed for a more relaxed experience, with locals going about their daily lives rather than navigating packed viewpoints.
Otranto, located on the Adriatic coast and the easternmost city in Italy, offers scenery comparable to the Amalfi Coast but with a much quieter atmosphere. The fortified old town features tiny streets, historic buildings, and restaurants, while the seafront opens onto bright blue water. The town's history includes Greek and Byzantine influences, as well as a 1480 massacre when Ottoman forces killed hundreds of residents who refused to renounce their Christian faith. The remains of the 800 martyrs are kept at Otranto Cathedral.
Tourist Spots with Hidden Sides
Alberobello, the most touristy town in southern Puglia, is famous for its trulli – small whitewashed stone houses with conical roofs. With more than 1,400 trulli and UNESCO World Heritage status, it is incredibly pretty but also extremely touristy, with packed main streets full of souvenir shops and visitors.
However, crossing the town's valley into Rione Aia Piccola reveals a residential area where people still live in traditional dry-stone huts, and the streets are noticeably quieter. This contrast summed up the experience of Puglia: even in touristy places, there is another side to discover if you walk a little further.
Lower Costs and Distinctive Food
Puglia has a significant price advantage over the Amalfi Coast, where famous towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are known for expensive accommodation and restaurants. In Puglia, particularly in Otranto, filling paninis and seafood dishes were available for around €12 or less, whereas finding a bargain on the Amalfi Coast is nearly impossible.
Both regions excel in fresh seafood, vegetables, olive oil, and wine, but have their own specialities. Puglia is known for orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe, burrata, focaccia barese topped with tomatoes and olives, and panzerotti – fried dough pockets filled with tomato and mozzarella. The Amalfi Coast is famous for its large lemons, used in desserts, drinks, and savoury dishes, along with treats like delizia al limone and limoncello. Seafood dishes such as seafood scialatielli and totani e patate (squid cooked with potatoes) are also central to the Amalfi Coast's cuisine.
Which Destination Is Better?
The comparison does not diminish the Amalfi Coast's spectacular appeal, which draws millions of visitors to its cliffs and villages. However, for travellers seeking a quieter, more authentic experience with beautiful beaches, historic coastal towns, and incredible food, Puglia may be the better choice.
Puglia can be visited as part of Great Rail Journeys' eight-day 'Hidden Gems of Southern Puglia' trip, starting from £1,799 per adult based on double occupancy. The price includes return flights from London Gatwick or Heathrow to Brindisi, accommodation at a four-star all-inclusive resort, all coach travel, and guided tours and excursions.
