The Amalfi vs The Coast of Maratea

We no longer arrange weddings in the Amalfi, Capri & Sorrento.  The biggest problem is that they are so popular that the service providers (hotels, mayors, florists, etc) have developed  a "we do not need to care" attitude; which is fine for brief vacations, but totally unacceptable for weddings.  The Amalfi, Capri & Sorrento have become decidedly too touristy, too busy,  too expensive - it has become too unromantic -  our clients were turned off by standing in a line of bridal couples  -  shades of Hawaii.  

 Most of Italy's popular tourist area have many problems in  common with the Amalfi.

We have moved just down the coast to the Coast of Maratea and the Cilento National Park - by far Italy's most beautiful and unspoiled coast.  It is like the Amalfi of sixty years ago -  oozing romance.    We call it Italy's Last Hideaway -  yet it is still very convenient for Capri and the Amalfi (by boat -  avoiding the horrendous traffic jams getting there -  while having a world-class boat trip.    It is also very convenient (more so than the Amalfi) for  Pompei, Paestum, Herculaneum,  Matera (site of Gibson's "The Passion of Christ" movie), etc.  And (again unlike the Amalfi), it is on the same high speed train line and major highway as Naples, Florence, Rome, Sicily.

 

Important Features	The Amalfi	Maratea & Cilento
Residency	Requires a minimum of six day stay (to ensure you spend more money)	No residency requirements.
Location Restrictions	Requires weddings be on Government Property	No restrictions
Natural Beauty	Beautiful, but marred by  excruciating traffic.	The Coast of Maratea shares the same coastal mountain beauty (click here), but has been kept in pristine condition.  Traffic is non-existent.   We like to say jokingly that the Coast of Maratea makes Big Sur look like Little Sur - and we think that Big Sur is world-class.
Ease To Get To	Because of this intense, un-ruly and even unsafe traffic from Naples to the Amalfi  three hours is not uncommon. .	60 minutes by hassle-free luxury train - enjoy lunch or just wine & cheese - or just have a nap.
Prone to "Screw-ups"	The Amalfi is so popular with tourists that they have developed a "could not care less" attitude which leads to problems  -  perhaps OK  for a few days holiday, but totally unacceptable for weddings.
Cost	One of Europe's most costly destinations.  It has become outrageously expensive -  $5 donuts, $26 appetizers (e.g., toasted bread & tomatoes.) are just some examples from 2003.	One of Europe's better values - everything is much cheaper - hotels, weddings,  food, wine, etc.  in Maratea & Cilento a Pizza and bottle of wine can cost €5 for both in a restaurant.
Other places to visit	The same traffic makes it very difficult to get out of the Amalfi to see other gems such as Pompei,  Paestum,  Herculaneum,  the Monastery at Padula, etc.	All of these places are either in the region or are just a short train ride away.  Rome & Florence are on the same railway track.
Authenticity & Diversity	The Amalfi is now a tourist trap. However, like all tourist traps,  it is a must see.  The question is how.  We suggest it should be seen quietly and relaxfully by boat from The Cilento & Maratea.	Time has stood still here.  Donkeys & paesanos still toil in olive and fruit groves.  There are stunning coasts and cliffs,  high mountains, hill-top villages,  pastoral countryside and three thousand years of the finest Roman & Greek Architecture.
Romance	Standing in a line of brides to get married in not romantic	This undiscovered and unspoiled region wants to exploit its world-class romantic beauty.  As such, unlike the rest of tourist-worn Italy, the mayors and even the Catholic church are demonstrating new levels of flexibility.  Mayors will conduct outdoor weddings in gardens, beaches, etc.  The Catholic church even offers some churches to be used for Protestant ceremonies.