La dolce vita? Not anymore.
The Amalfi Coast, once a serene escape, is now overrun with tourists. Streets are clogged with visitors snapping photos, leaving locals frustrated and trapped in their own homes.
Just south of Naples, towns like Positano have attracted stars from Elizabeth Taylor to Kylie Jenner. But now, it’s more chaos than charm.
“Every street is packed. People going every which way. It felt chaotic,” shared an American tourist from last summer. Video clips from recent weekends show the same scene—a narrow street filled with tourists, barely moving.
Local residents are fed up. Antonio Attianese, a local, commented, “If officials really wanted change, they would have done something by now.” Former mayor Salvatore Gagliano noted that the surge in visitors not only clogs foot traffic but also blocks the winding coastal roads, causing total mayhem. “It’s like being in a Third World country,” he stated.
Many locals describe day-trippers as “mordi e fuggi,” or “eat-and-run” tourists, undermining the Amalfi Coast’s elegance. Gagliano complained that even high-paying hotel guests—who spend around $2,200 a night—are avoiding going out due to the crowds.
The significant presence of cruise ship passengers is a major factor behind the overcrowding. Gagliano suggested, “We need to regulate cruise passengers better.” He believes the sheer number is ruining the area’s beauty.
This sense of oversaturation is echoed by both visitors and locals. One commenter noted, “Tour groups of 40 make it a nightmare. It’s dangerous, and it’s sad for Positano.” Another local lamented, “We’ve hit our limit. We feel like prisoners in our homes.”
Current mayor Daniele Milano acknowledged the issues but stated that blocking cruise ships isn’t feasible. He emphasized the need for better regulations to manage the influx of tourism—a pressing challenge for popular destinations.
As travel prices rise, many tourists are seeking quieter spots. According to the U.S. Travel Association, air travel costs have soared nearly 15% in the past year, with food and lodging also increasing in price.
This shift in interest is reflected in travel trends. Travelers are opting for smaller towns instead of bustling cities. For example, Arnaudville, Louisiana has gained attention as a serene alternative to New Orleans, earning a spot on an Airbnb list of hidden gems. Laura Spanjian, from Airbnb, noted that 86% of people show interest in rural destinations.
Whether Arnaudville will overshadow Amalfi remains to be seen, but the winds of change are definitely blowing in the travel world.
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