Where To Grab An Inexpensive Home Near Amalfi

Italy's Amalfi shoreline is among the most renowned in Europe. That’s no surprise. The 100km offer majestic views winding through a succession of unspoilt towns and villages: Amalfi, Ravello, Sorrento, Positano…

No wonder that since it became a must-see for 19th century well-heeled gentlemen on the Grand Tour, it has attracted the world's jetset. It has price tags to match as well. A villa with view over the sea here can set you back the best part of US$4m.

Yet travel not too far away from here an one can have the same natural beauty and more – at much more affordable cost. Welcome to a barely-known jewel that Italians have kept to themselves for far too long. Welcome to the Cilento coast.

The Cilento coast lies just over 1hr 20mins south and stretches for approximatel 160km. It also borders theCilento national park, the country’s second largest and – along with Vallo Di Diano National Park – is such an area of stunning natural beauty that it is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Aside from perhaps Paestum, the names of it picturesque resorts – Casal Velino, Pioppi, Policastro, Sapri – may not trip off the tongue as readily but they offer the same mix of dreamy coastal towns, gloriou weather and majestic coastal views but without the sizeable price tags of the Amalfi coast – which is still close enough to be seen on a day or weekend trip.

Paestum– a city with roots as far back as some 2,700 years ago and features imposing and well-preserved Greek ruins– is also a Unesco World Heritage Site. Yet a 50sq m condo here may set you back just $100,000. As a rule of thumb,on the Cilento coast you should budget for something in the region of $120,000 for a one-bedroom condo and $200,000for two bedrooms – barely a fifth of what you would pay on the Amalfi coast. Furthermore, some shopping around – allied to a bit of persistence – can yieldeven greate bargains. For instance: in Ascea, one-bedroom sea-view condo recently came on the market for $100,000 and another a mere less than 60m from the coast for $85,000.

Two of the most sought-after locations are located at almost opposite ends of the Cilento Coast, namely Agropoli and, around 90 minutes to the south, Scario. House values will be somewhat higher here, but again, shopping around can produce more affordable options.

In Agropoli, a complex of new-construction flats some 10 minutes' walk from the sea recently came on the market from around $150,000 for one bedroom. If you absolutely require a coastal view, expect around $160,000 for a one-bedroom and $170,000 for for a couple of bedrooms.

As usual, prices fall markedly if you are happy to consider a property that may be habitable but requires some fixing up. However, for real estate hunters who are lured by the countryside but want to maintain a sea view, the hills overlooking Casal Velino are a wallet-friendly choice, with a ne one-bed apartmen on offer starting at $90,000.