Fresh Air › Instead of Positano
Cetara
Cetara is an anomaly on the Amalfi Coast: a genuinely working fishing village that produces colatura di alici, an amber anchovy sauce aged in small barrels that is a direct descendant of the Roman garum and one of the great Italian condiments. The village has a small harbour with actual fishing boats, a handful of excellent seafood restaurants, and prices that do not require a second mortgage. It sits at the less dramatic eastern end of the coast near Salerno, which is partly why it has been overlooked.
Why visit
An actual fishing village on the Amalfi Coast that produces colatura di alici — an extraordinary anchovy sauce with ancient Roman roots. Excellent seafood. Lower prices than Positano.
Crowd level
Vastly quieter than Positano or Amalfi town. The small beach is used by locals. Minimal tour group presence.
Best time
May-June or September-October
Getting there
On the Amalfi coastal road between Amalfi town and Salerno. Bus from Amalfi (30min) or Salerno (45min). Ferry connections in summer.
Tradeoffs
Small pebble beach rather than Positano's sandy one. Less photogenic cliffside drama.
Direct comparisons
Layers
Region
At a glance
- Country
- Italy
- Region
- Campania
- Fresh Air Score
- 82/100
- Cost level
- $$
- Distance from Positano
- 40 km