Pompeii Gets the Crowds. Paestum Gets the Locals.
Alessia thinks Amalfi gets too much attention and the Cilento gets too little. Her honest guide to Campania, Paestum, and what the region is really about.
Sheer cliffs, sapphire water, and a lifestyle dripping in la dolce vita.






Your on-the-ground insiders. The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Salerno, Naples +1
Ciao! I’m Alessia, and I’m basically your personal compass for the heart of Italy! Consider me your human GPS, but with much better taste in pizza! I graduated in Oriental Languages in Naples and I'm currently working on my Master’s in Planning and Managemnt of Tourism Systems—which is a fancy way of saying that planning perfect trips is my obsession. I’m fluent in English and Korean, and after surviving nearly a year living in the organized chaos of Seoul, I’ve developed a natural knack for logistics. I’m a local from Agropoli, just 10 minutes away from the breathtaking Greek temples of Paestum. Think of it as the 'Secret VIP Entrance' to the Cilento Coast—perfectly positioned to explore the authentic South, while still being within easy reach of Salerno and Naples. We are just south of Salerno and the famous Amalfi Coast, but with way more authentic vibes (and much better prices!)

Genoa, Portofino +8
I’m originally from Italy and have spent years helping travellers plan their trips across the country through my instagram page @friendinitaly - from iconic destinations like Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast to lesser-known places that most tourists completely miss. After moving to the United States four years ago, I realized how difficult it can be to truly understand how to travel in Italy without local insight. That’s why I started helping people plan smarter, more authentic trips - not just following generic itineraries, but creating experiences that actually fit their travel style. I’ve helped hundreds of travellers with practical advice on transportation, timing, hidden spots, and how to avoid common mistakes that can ruin a trip. I also guide people on how to move efficiently between cities, how many days to spend in each destination, and which cities to choose for a first trip to Italy. Whether you're visiting Italy for the first time or coming back for something deeper, I can help you make the most of your time.

Naples, Amalfi
Hi everyone! I'm Renato, but you can call me Reni. I was born and raised between the charming city of Naples and the fabulous Amalfi Coast. I work as an import/export professional, and in my spare time, I love exploring new places, reading, running, and surfing. I have lived in Australia, Brazil, and China for a long time - aka, I know what it feels like to be a foreigner :) I speak six languages (Italian, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Chinese) and I love to interact with people from different cultural and social backgrounds. As a spontaneous, curious and open-minded individual, I would like you to experience the places I love at their best, and make the most out of your trip. In short, I will do whatever I can to make your trip unforgettable.

Florence, Pisa +13
Hi, I’m Rosa - your local Italy travel planner based in Florence. I live in Florence, in the heart of Tuscany. Italy is not just where I live, it's what I love sharing with others. Over the years, I've explored many cities like Bologna, Milan, Venice, Rome Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Puglia and many more. Each region has its own flow, flavors and traditions, and understanding these differeces is what makes a trip truly special. I help travelers experience Italy beyond the typical tourist path. From selecting the perfect area to stay, to reccomending authentic restaurants, wineries and hidden villages. I desing trips that feel personal and deeply Italian. If you want to experience Italy with local insight and thoughtful planning, I’ll help you create a journey you’ll never forget.
This is the Italy of your dreams. A dramatic coastline where pastel-coloured villages cling impossibly to cliffs that plunge into the sea. From the glamour of Positano to the garden paradise of Ravello, it's pure sensory overload. But let's be honest: the Amalfi Coast can also be a logistical nightmare of traffic, crowds, and tourist traps. A local expert is your secret weapon, securing the right boat, the perfect cliffside lunch reservation, and the quiet paths away from the crowds.
May, June, or September. Avoid August at all costs—it's impossibly crowded and hot. The season (and most services) largely shuts down from November to Easter.
A local will tell you to skip the packed ferries and hire a private gozzo (a classic wooden boat) for the day. It's the only way to find the hidden coves and sea caves.
The "Path of the Gods" is famous, but a local knows the quieter, more scenic "Path of the Lemons" connecting the towns of Maiori and Minori, with stops for fresh-squeezed lemonade.
A local will tell you to skip the Blue Grotto queue (a 2-hour wait for a 2-minute ride) and instead visit Villa Jovis, the staggering clifftop ruins of Emperor Tiberius's palace, which you'll often have to yourself.
If you ask someone which island in the Bay of Naples to visit, almost everyone says Capri. Miriam, who was born and raised in Naples, has a different answer.