Best Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast

The incredible Amalfi Coast is one of the most beautiful destinations in the Italian Peninsula. It is a fantastic place to visit if you wish to get a close-up look at those ever-lasting Italian traditions, incredible seaside landscapes, and picturesque villages.

In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the Amalfi Coast and its enchanting villages.

But you will also discover how to get there, how to move around, and several other important tips and secrets that will make you book your ticket right away!

Where is the Amalfi Coast

Locally known as Costiera Amalfitana, or simply Costiera, the Amalfi Coast is a 40-kilometer-long stretch of coastline in the Campania region of Italy on the southern end of the Sorrento Peninsula and facing the Tyrrhenian Sea.

The collection of seaside settlements is made of thirteen different villages, starting in the famous town of Positano and ending in the tiny town of Vietri Sul Mare, right before the city of Salerno.

Starting from the west part of the coast, the villages are: Positano, Praiano, Furore, Conca de’ Marini, Amalfi, Atrani, Ravello, Scala, Tramonti, Minori, Maiori, Cetara, and Vietri sul Mare.

LEARN MORE: 14-Day Itinerary Italy

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How to explore the Amalfi Coast?

To start visiting the area, it is first necessary to reach the capital of the Campania region, the huge, beautiful, and—at the same time—chaotic city of Naples, right at the foothills of the Vesuvius.

The best way to go about the coastal trail is to begin from the village that’s closer to Naples. Either Sorrento or Positano are good starting points since both of them offer a wide choice of accommodation.

Although Sorrento is not part of the village of the Amalfi Coast, this coastal town deserves a visit for its picturesque atmosphere, traditional houses, and amazing sea views.

From Sorrento, you can slowly make your way to the west, visiting the villages that interest you the most to end your visit in Vietri sul Mare, from where it is possible to take a train back to Naples.

Getting to the Amalfi Coast

Getting to Naples to start the Amalfi Tour visit is quite straightforward, no matter what city of Italy you’re coming from.

You can reach Naples by plane from the more distant regions in the north of the peninsula, but you can also get there by bus from Rome (the ride lasts a bit more than 2 hours).

It’s also possible to travel to Naples from different European capitals, while traveling to Rome or Milan first makes more sense if you’re visiting from a country outside of Europe.

Once you’ve made it to Naples, it is easy to reach Sorrento by train and, from there get to Positano by bus or taxi.

Moving around on the Amalfi Coast

The Amalfi coast features one of the most breathtaking coastal roads in the country. Narrow, winding, and resting on the edge of a steep cliff, it is not an easy road to drive.

So if you’re not an experienced driver, I suggest moving around by bus, private transport (such as a transfer or taxi), or, even better and faster, the ferry.

It is also possible to move around by bus. The Amalfi Coast Bus Service offers different ticket options; they can be valid for a 45 or 90-minute ride (€2.40 or €3.60). You can also purchase a 1-day ticket or a 3-day ticket (€7.20 or €18).

You can buy your tickets at the local tobacco shops or newsstands. Since there are no official bus stops, always ask for directions when purchasing the tickets.

Ferry travel is a good, cost-effective and time-efficient way to move along the Costiera. It is a great way to avoid crowded buses, especially in summer, but also perfect to enjoy the magnificent views from the boat.

Bear in mind that these ferries do not stop in all of the villages; you will need to reach some of them by bus or taxi to visit.

The Amalfi Coast ferries only dock in Sorrento Positano, Amalfi, Minori, Maiori, Cetara, and Salerno. Prices range from €9 to about €20 depending on the ride and distance, and the tickets are often available at the port.

Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast

It is tempting to say that summer is the best time of the year to visit Amalfi; it is hot and pleasant, and most of Italy is also on holiday.

However, and exactly for that reason, the Amalfi Coast can get extremely crowded as it is one of the most popular destinations in the country.

Besides, prices tend to double (or even triple!) during July and August.

You can choose to visit in spring and autumn for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Remember that the hot season in the Mediterranean is often longer, extending from May well into September.

Winter is also a good alternative for those interested in discovering the holiday traditions in the south of Italy; however, it can get very cold (sometimes it can even snow) and windy, with ferries not running as often or being canceled at the last minute.

LEARN MORE: When is the Best Time to Visit Italy?

Where to Stay in the Amalfi Coast

The most convenient towns to stay in the Costiera include Positano and Sorrento. Positano is one of the most amazing villages on the coast; it is big enough to offer tons of accommodations to book, a huge range of services, and comfortable options for transport.

All these advantages do come at a high price tag though, so Sorrento may sound like a good alternative.

Sorrento is a fantastic coastal town that you should certainly visit when touring the coast. The town is bigger than the other villages without being huge, thus retaining a lot of character and charm.

Villa Dalu is a beautiful and quite affordable place to stay in the center of Positano, only 50 meters from the beach. It features allergy-free rooms, a shared lounge, and a garden with sea views.

Read reviews and check prices for Villa Dalu now

 

Casa Sorrentina is located in the heart of Sorrento and offers convenient accommodation not far from the beach. The comfy accommodation is just off Piazza Tasso in the heart of town.

Check the latest rates and book your room at Casa Sorrentina

Traveling Solo on the Amalfi Coast

How is the Amalfi Coast for solo travel? The place feels quite safe as it is family-friendly and very touristy.

Of course, it is always necessary to take the usual precautions that apply for all popular and crowded destinations, especially when you are in transit at airports, stations, and the center of big cities.

Things to Do on the Amalfi Coast

Sorrento

I’ve decided to include a stop in this gorgeous town, even if it is off the traditional trail. Enjoy all these best places to see in Sorrento.

Here, you can check out the gorgeous historic old town featuring beautiful winding alleys and colorful townhouses.

The most important place in town is Piazza Tasso, Sorrento’s main square, where you can take a walk to soak in the local sounds and vistas.

Also in Sorrento, it is a good idea to discover the gorgeous Villa Comunale and its gardens that will enchant you with the terrific views of the whole coast as well as the imposing shape of the Vesuvius.

Positano

The official starting point of the Amalfi Coast, there are lots of things to do in Positano.

Positano is a very touristic town made of picturesque, colorful alleys. In town there are gorgeous souvenir shops, art exhibitions, artisan shops, and galleries that you will also want to check out.

Take some time to visit the beach. Spiaggia Grande (meaning Big Beach) is the most important of them; it stands at the base of Positano and is popular both with locals and visitors.

Along the coastal area, there are fantastic pizza houses and traditional Italian restaurants that are perfect both for dinner and lunch.

A must-try? The local limoncello is a fantastic spirit made of lemon and lemon zest and one of the staple products in the region.

Of course you can go for a shot of this beverage but also try limoncello gelato, cake, and even biscuits.

LEARN MORE: 15 Best Beach Towns in Italy

 

Amalfi Town

The small but enchanting town of Amalfi is a perfect place to spend a morning or even a whole day when visiting the coast.

One of the landmarks in town is located in the main square, Amalfi’s Cathedral. The ancient church of Saint Andrew was built back in 987.

It features a unique, colorful facade made of mosaics and a characteristic flock of stairs, perfect for a snapshot of the building.

If you’re also curious about the history of this town, then it is a good idea to head to Amalfi’s Paper Museum. The locally produced paper is known as bambagina, and it is considered among the top quality handcrafted paper.

 

Atrani

You can reach the tiny settlement of Atrani on foot from Amalfi; it won’t take you more than 15 minutes to get there, and you will enjoy the relaxing atmosphere of this fairly forgotten area.

The picturesque settlement is located between two cliffs, and it is known for being the smallest town in the country.

The coast of Atrani is a beautiful area to visit, featuring dozens of small and colorful houses standing on the edge of a breathtaking cliff.

Ravello

It is easy to reach Ravello by bus from Atrani and you should certainly do so.

This small mountain settlement, a bit far from the coast, is internationally known as the City of Music, since Ravello hosts music festivals every year.

However, the best places to visit in the town are two incredible medieval villas, Villa Cimbrione and Villa Rufolo, which feature spectacular gardens and impressive sea views.

 

Furore Beach

Although not as popular as other villages on the Amalfi coast, Furore is definitely worth a visit.

It is home to one of the most stunning views you will encounter in the whole area, the beach known as the Fjord of Furore.

This picturesque beach is a hidden shore with an incredible 30-meter-high bridge over the sea.

 

Vietri Sul Mare

The last and often forgotten village of Vietri Sul Mare is a delightful place to visit when exploring the Amalfi Coast.

The place is perfect to purchase local souvenirs to take home, including the famous ceramics of Vietri that feature characteristically lively and bright colors.

If this is a craft that peaks your curiosity, then check the Museum of Ceramics. It is located in a beautiful villa, and the exhibit includes not just artistic ceramic decorations but also pottery thought for everyday use.

The church of Vietri, devoted to Saint John the Baptist, is a perfect example of the local crafts with its imposing bell tower and dome made of colorful local ceramics.

 

Maiori and Minori

These are two quiet coastal towns that are often skipped during an Amalfi Coast itinerary, but they deserve to be mentioned.

Maiori is located between Amalfi and Ravello, and it is the place where you will find the best and biggest beaches on the Amalfi Coast.

Also in Maiori, it is possible to check out an impressive Norman Tower from 1563 that stands over the main beach.

Minori, instead, is a simple little town where life goes on pretty much the same despite the tourists. It is a colorful village that has a beautiful beach.

The whole area is calm and relaxing and the perfect destination for a few days in total solitude.

There are not many options when it comes to accommodation, but booking in advance might help you find a comfortable place for a night or two.

One of the best things to do in town is to follow the so-called Lemon Path, an ancient trail that connects both Maiori and Minori and that has some of the most gorgeous views of the entire coast.

The Lemon Path hiking trail is neither winding nor steep, and it takes about an hour to hike.

Other Places to Visit Near Amalfi

Once you’re done checking the magnificent villages of the Amalfi Coast, you might want to discover more. If you have extra time, then I suggest you consider these fun day trips.

Capri Island

A day would be enough to explore the fantastic little island of Capri with its one-of-a-kind sea grottos and its international and cosmopolitan atmosphere.

There are different day trips departing from Sorrento and Naples.

 

Pompeii

Perfect destination for history buffs, the archaeological ruins of Pompeii (Pompei Scavi) would need several days for you to fully see them, but you can get a pretty decent picture of the history of the place if you visit on a day trip.

You can reach Pompeii by car, but even faster and easier by train.

The Campania Express is a special train along the Circumvesuviana line that stops at Pompeii (the ticket is about €6 from Naples).

 

Naples

Why not devote some time to the most important town in the Campania?

You can join an organized tour of Naples that can easily show you the unique highlights of this vibrant city, including the historic Royal Palace, Piazza del Plebiscito, and the impressive Castel dell’Ovo, the most ancient fortification in town.

 

Enjoy your travels to the Amalfi Coast!

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