Amalfi Coast Travel Guide: Insider Tips for a Perfect Trip

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Advisor - Liuba Dmytrus
Curated By

Liuba Dmytrus

  • Amalfi Coast

  • Arts & Culture

  • Beaches

  • Italy

  • Coastal

  • Relaxation

Advisor - Amalfi Coast Travel Guide: Insider Tips for a Perfect Trip
Curator’s statement

The Amalfi Coast isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to feel, experience and fall in love with. Imagine winding coastal roads with jaw-dropping views, colorful cliffside villages that look like they belong in a painting and the scent of fresh lemons filling the air. It’s a dream.

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Where to stay on the Amalfi Coast

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Towns to visit on the Amalfi Coast

Before diving into your Amalfi adventure, it’s crucial to pick the right town that fits your travel style. The Amalfi Coast is made up of 13 unique towns and villages, each offering something different. Some are romantic and luxurious, while others are quieter, more local or ideal for families.

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:

Positano – Perfect for romance and luxury seekers, with stunning views and chic boutiques.

Amalfi – A great choice for history lovers, featuring iconic landmarks and a central location.

Ravello – Breathtaking views, a peaceful atmosphere and world-famous gardens.

Praiano – A quieter alternative to Positano, offering a more local and authentic vibe.

Maiori and Minori – Flat and easy to navigate, with a large sandy beach, ideal for families and couples.

Cetara – Away from tourist crowds, famous for its seafood and charming fishing village feel.

Nerano – A hidden gem for sea lovers, offering crystal-clear coves and excellent local cuisine.

Keep in mind that some of the less crowded towns can be challenging for public transportation and have fewer restaurants and activities, but they offer better accommodation prices and a more peaceful experience.

Things to do on the Amalfi Coast

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to soak up the beauty, these unforgettable experiences will make your Amalfi Coast trip truly special.

Explore the enchanting towns

Positano – Famous for its colorful cliffside houses, boutique-lined streets and stunning beaches like Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo. The perfect mix of romance and scenery.

Amalfi – Rich in history and home to the impressive Amalfi Cathedral, the Paper Museum and the picturesque Valley of the Mills.

Ravello – Perched high above the coast, offering breathtaking views from Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone Gardens, plus world-renowned music festivals.

Take a boat tour along the coast

See the Amalfi Coast from a new perspective! Book a private boat tour to discover hidden coves and sea caves, including the famous Grotta dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto), where sunlight creates a magical green glow in the water.

Visit authentic, lesser-known villages

Vietri sul Mare – The ceramic capital of the Amalfi Coast, known for its beautiful hand-painted pottery and vibrant tiles.

Atrani – One of the smallest, most authentic villages, with medieval alleys, a peaceful vibe and fewer tourists.

Hike the Path of the Gods at sunrise

Sentiero degli Dei is one of Italy’s most scenic hikes, offering breathtaking panoramic views from Bomerano to Nocelle. Start early to enjoy the trail in the soft morning light.

Relax at the Furore Fjord Beach

Nestled between dramatic cliffs, Fiordo di Furore is one of the most unique beaches on the coast, featuring a picturesque stone bridge and crystal-clear waters. (Other stunning beaches perfect for swimming and snorkeling are Marina di Praia, Lido di Ravello and Erchie Beach).

Design your own handmade sandals

Head to Positano to create a pair of custom leather sandals, crafted by local artisans in one of the town’s iconic shoemaking boutiques. A perfect souvenir!

Take a lemon grove tour & taste limoncello

Visit a traditional lemon farm in Sorrento or Amalfi, stroll through fragrant lemon groves and learn how the region’s famous limoncello is made — while enjoying stunning coastal views.

Join a cooking class in a local Italian home

Learn the secrets of Italian cuisine by making handmade pasta, seafood dishes or tiramisu with a local nonna in Positano or Ravello, followed by a delicious homemade meal.

Day trips

If you have extra time, these nearby destinations make for incredible day trips!

Naples (Napoli) – The birthplace of pizza and rich history. Stroll through the historic center, a UNESCO site packed with lively streets and hidden gems; visit the Sansevero Chapel to see the breathtaking Veiled Christ sculpture.

Sorrento – A relaxing coastal retreat. Wander through Piazza Tasso and explore charming artisan shops; enjoy limoncello tasting in one of the many family-run distilleries; relax at Bagni della Regina Giovanna, a stunning natural swimming spot.

Capri – Luxury, nature and breathtaking views. Take a boat tour to the Blue Grotto, a magical sea cave with glowing blue waters; ride the chairlift to Monte Solaro for jaw-dropping island views; stroll through Capri Town & Anacapri, filled with luxury boutiques and charming alleys.

Pompeii – Step back in time. Walk through the ancient ruins of Pompeii, frozen in time by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD; visit the Archaeological Museum, home to mosaics, frescoes and artifacts from the lost city; wine tasting on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius; tour a vineyard near Pompeii and sample Lacryma Christi, a unique wine grown in mineral-rich volcanic soil.

Places to eat & drink on the Amalfi Coast

Italy is a food lover’s paradise, and the Amalfi Coast is no exception. From fresh seafood to citrus-infused desserts, every meal is a celebration of local flavors.

Must-try local specialties

Alici di cetara – Anchovies prepared in various ways — fried, marinated or brined — often served as a delicious appetizer.

Totani e patate alla praianese – A Praiano specialty featuring calamari rings braised with potatoes in red wine sauce.

Delizia al limone – A heavenly lemon-flavored cake that showcases the region’s famous citrus.

Pastiera – A traditional Neapolitan Easter pie made with ricotta cheese and wheat, offering a perfect balance of flavors.

Best restaurants with a view

Positano:

  • La Sponda (Le Sirenuse Hotel) – Romantic, candlelit dining with stunning cliffside views.

  • Il Tridente (Hotel Poseidon) – A charming terrace setting with breathtaking panoramas.

  • Zass (Il San Pietro Hotel) – A Michelin-starred experience with views as spectacular as the cuisine.

Amalfi: Hotel Santa Caterina – Enjoy incredible seaside dining at Al Mare, La Terrazza or a sunset drink at The Grottino Bar.

Atrani: Le Arcate – A charming, authentic spot with fresh seafood and a peaceful seaside setting.

Minori: Ristorante Pizzeria Giardiniello – One of the best pizza places on the coast, loved by locals.

Insider tip: Always reserve ahead, especially for sunset dining!

Need to know

How to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast? Naples (Napoli) is the closest airport to the Amalfi Coast, and there are several ways to reach your destination:

  • By car – drive time: approximately 1.5-2 hours

  • By ferry, the most scenic route – time: approximately 1-1.5 hours (Naples to Amalfi or Positano)

  • By bus, the budget-friendly choice – time: 2-3 hours (from Naples, take a bus or train to Sorrento, then switch to a SITA bus to Amalfi, Positano, or Ravello).

Keep in mind: Driving is not for the faint-hearted and parking is limited and expensive. The ferry operates limited schedules and provides weather-dependent service. Buses can be slow, crowded and not ideal with heavy luggage.

Advisor - Liuba Dmytrus

Travel Advisor

Liuba Dmytrus

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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Amalfi Coast page.