Gorgeous Italian island is 'cheaper and less crowded' version of Amalfi Coast

The . A beloved and visually stunning holiday spot in . Nestled on its rugged coastline are picturesque properties clinging to the cliffside, overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno. Just the mention of this iconic coastline evokes images of Italian luxury and exquisite cuisine under the southern

However, Amalfi's renowned reputation for elegance and sophistication comes with a hefty price tag - literally. Despite all the beauty the breathtaking coastline offers, it's quite expensive to visit. It's also busy with tourists, all eager to snap a picture, secure a table or book a hotel.

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As such, despite its allure, a trip to the Amalfi Coast certainly has its downsides, reports . So, what's the alternative? Enter: Ischia.

Offering everything the Amalfi Coast does, minus the crowds of tourists and sky-high prices, the island of Ischia could very well be paradise on earth.

The island is located in the Gulf of Naples, north of Amalfi. It boasts beautiful villas that match the region's style, along with equally stunning scenery.

You're also likely to save on your hotel. Unlike in Amalfi, Ischia isn't overrun by international hotel chains, but independent boutique hotels.

Perhaps the island's biggest claim to fame is its feature in the 1999 modern classic The Talented Mr Ripley, starring Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow. A scene from the film was shot in Ristorante da Ciccio, one of the island's many fantastic dining spots.

Enamoured tourists have hailed Ischia as Italy's "best-kept secret". A traveller from Wales shared their enchanting encounter with the island, remarking: "Visited Ischia for a week at the end of August/early September and it lived up to expectations.

"Beautiful island in the Bay of Naples where the experience can be summed up as Sorrento without the noise and bustle and Capri without the rip-off prices."

The Welsh visitor relished some of Ischia's prime highlights, such as "the exquisite La Mortella Gardens created for composer Sir William Walton, Ischia's Castle which is the best I've ever visited and the Negombo Spa Park for some relaxation in hot thermal pools in the most beautiful setting."

The reviewer didn't hold back on their affection for Ischia, jokingly adding: "Don't know why I'm sharing this with you because the best thing about Ischia is that it doesn't cater for the UK visitor market at all so no fast food joints, nowhere doing hair-braiding and fake tattoos and no loud-mouth embarrassing drunks in the bars and restaurants.

"It is very stylish and very much a destination for Italians."