Why is the Amalfi Coast so famous?
You’ve likely seen the Amalfi Coast in films and wondered, “Where is that beautiful place?” It is the stretch of coastline on the southwestern part of Italy, the southern portion of the Sorrento peninsula between Sorrento and Salerno. Naples is the closest large city. Amalfi Drive, or Highway SS163, connects the villages of the Amalfi Coast. Along this stunning, winding drive beside the Tyrrhenian Sea, you’ll find beautiful towns, vineyards, lemon terraces and cliffs. The villages include Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, Maioiri, Tramonti, Minori, Ravello, Scala, Atrani, Amalfi, Conca dei Marnin, Furore, Praiano and Positano – don’t they sound dreamy even just slipping off the tip of your tongue?
How many days do you need on the Amalfi Coast?
To get the best Amalfi Coast travel experience, plan to stay at least five days. You really don’t want to rush your vacation in this captivating land. Take the time to explore the beaches, romantic towns, incredible dining and mysterious grottos.
If you truly have only two nights on the Amalfi Coast, considering staying in Sorrento. Add on the island of Capri because it’s easy to visit via a quick hydrofoil ride. If you have more days, add on the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as a hike to the top of Mount Vesuvius.
What is the best way to travel the Amalfi Coast?
Undoubtedly, the best way to travel along the Amalfi Coast is by car, and within the villages, the best way to explore is on foot. You’ll drive just one main road – Amalfi Drive, or the SS163 highway – as you make your way along the coast. It is considered one of the most scenic drives in the world.
As for arriving at the Amalfi Coast, you’ll find into Naples International Airport. Take a private car transfer from Naples to the Amalfi Coast (there is no public transportation between Naples and Positano). The Circumvesuviana train also runs from Naples to Sorrento, Salerno or Vietri sul Mare. There are car rental companies at the Naples airport and the train stations.
If you are opting for the scenic route along Amalfi Drive, keep in mind that the road is quite windy and perched atop 500-foot-tall cliffs. The road has just one lane in each direction. The traffic is heaviest from May to October. If the driving makes you uncomfortable, rent a private car to get to the coast and in between the villages.
There is Sita bus service to the Amalfi Coast, either via Sorrento – Positano – Amalfi, or Amalfi – Salerno. Even if you purchase a bus ticket, it is not guaranteed that you will get a seat, so get there early. Timetables vary by day of the week and there is no route that runs the entire coast, so expect to change buses.
Another option is to take the train from Salerno or Sorrento, then take the high-speed ferry to Positano, Amalfi or Sorrento, or Capri or Ischia (between April and October).
Once you’re in the villages themselves, plan to walk – a lot. It’s really the best way to get around and experience the town life. Some towns have public buses.
What is the best town to stay in on the Amalfi Coast?
Each of the Amalfi Coast towns has its own appeal, so wherever you stay, it’ll be lovely. To break it down a little further, here’s where to say based on personal interest or your travel situation.
For romance, stay in Ravello. There are lemon terraces and olives groves for days in the hilltop village, and extraordinary views from historic villas.
For the best home base, stay in Amalfi. You won’t need a car at all as this is the coast’s central transport hub. There are bus and boat connections through Amalfi, making it easy to get to other villages. Check out the beach, historic paper museum and medieval cathedral. Another option for a jumping-off point is Sorrento. There are many accommodations, with something for every taste and budget. Connections are easy from here to Capri, Positano, Amalfi and Pompeii. And, it’s pretty open year-round, so it’s a good bet for the low season from October to April when other destinations are mostly shut down (including Positano and Capri).
For a family-friendly stay, head to Maiori or Minori. There’s a long, sandy beach, affordable accommodations, flat stroller-friendly streets and several restaurant choices.
For the beach, stay in Positano. There are two beautiful beaches. The busier of the two beaches is Spiaggia Grande, while the Spiaggia Fornillo offers a quieter scene. If you’re up for the stairs, take the nearly 300 steps to the Spiaggia Arienzo, nearby.
How do I get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?
Direct train service runs from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, leaving from Roma Termini, Ostiense or Tiburtina in Rome and arriving at Cava dei Tirreni, Vietri sul Mare-Amalfi or the Salerno train station. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to get from Rome to Amalfi by train.
Think of Capri as an add-on to your Amalfi Coast road trip. Consider three or four days to fully experience both Capri and Anacapri. However, if you can only manage one day, you’ll want to prioritize a Capri boat tour and a visit to the Blue Grotto, a chairlift ride to the top of Mount Solaro, a visit to Villa San Michele and exploring the Piazzetta.
What should I see and do along the Amalfi Coast?
Positano
Positano is quintessential Amalfi Coast. Cliffs are draped with colorful Mediterranean-style architecture, high-speed boats and luxury yachts ply the turquoise waters and it’s easy to get lost in the winding, narrow streets of the village. If you love the beach, you’ll adore Positno. Head to Marina Grande Beach, the most central of the sandy swaths, or join the locals at Fornillo Beach (take the cliffside Sentiero degli Innamorati path from Marina Grande). For a cultural fix, visit the Roman ruins near the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria Assunta, or explore nearby Montepertuso or Nocelle. And if you’re a shopper, go crazy with the Vietri ceramics, hand-made fashions, custom leather sandals and antiques.
Grotto dello Smeraldo (Emerald Grotto)
Be sure to stop for a swim at this pretty spot between Positano and Amalfi. (It’s also a popular destination on a boat tour.) This dazzling natural highlight was formed over the centuries and gradually filled with seawater. As the sun filter through the turquoise waters into the grotto, the light appears emerald. If you’re on a self-drive Amalfi Coast trip, park at the lot along the SS163 highway and take the stairs or elevator to the grotto entrance.
Hiking
Plan to walk a lot when you’re on the Amalfi Coast, to really soak up the scenery and sense of place. That includes hiking at various spots along the coast on trails that vary in length and difficulty. Try the almost-4-mile Il Vallone delle Ferriere near Ravello, which traces streams, waterfalls and medieval ruins. For the best coastal views, head to 4-mile La Baia di Ieranto in the fishing village of Nerano. You’ll make your way to the Bay of Ieranto, from which you can see Capri (there’s a pebble beach at the end, too, a nice reward). Finally, attempt the Path of the Gods (or Il Sentiero degli Dei), a 5-mile cliffside trek starting from Praiano. The trails are free of charge and easily hiked on one’s own, but if you prefer a guide, Carto Trekking offers options along 36 different trails.
Praiano
If you prefer a more peaceful ambience than more popular Amalfi coast towns, visit the sleepy fishing village of Praiano. This is where the ancient Path of the God trail starts, plus the area is replete with islands, grottos, coves and secluded beaches, all accessible via boat. There are centuries-old churches, restaurants perched on the cliffs and artist studios to explore. Don’t miss the Marina di Praia beach, tiny but dramatic – it is hugged by sheer cliffs. Back in the village, keep an eye out for majolica-tiled votive shrines, places by local families to lay claim to a particular property and ask for its divine protection.
Conca dei Marini
Another particularly picturesque town, not far from Praiano, is Conca dei Marini, set on the legendary cliffs of the Grotto dello Smeraldo. There are just a few hundred residents here, so it’s easy to have a quiet, romantic holiday in this former fishing village.
Villa Cimbrone
For incomparable views that are easy to get to, visit Villa Cimbrone in Ravello. This gorgeous hotel boasts fantastic English-style gardens – many of the plants on the grounds are about a century old. Take a romantic stroll through roses, hydrangeas and chestnut trees, to the Terrace of Infinity, where, as you might expect from the name, you’ll be treated to unfettered views of the picture-perfect, cliff-lined coastline.
Boat Tours
Given its seaside location, you’ll want to experience the Amalfi Coast from the sea, looking back at the kaleidoscopic, cliff-hugging villages for which this stretch of Italy is renowned. You can hop on a ferry between April and the end of October, from Sorrento to Positano to Amalfi. Ferry service is also available to Capri. Or, join a short, semi-private small group tour, or a private boat rental. Typical Amalfi boat tours will lead you to the Furore Fiordo, the Emerald Grotto (Grotto dello Smeraldo), the islets of Li Galli, Arienzo and Laurito bays and the waterfalls of Marmorata. If you’re in Positano, take a boat to Grotta delle Matera and Marina di Crapolla, where there are Roman ruins right on the beach. You’ve heard of the Sirens? Make sure to stop at the three small islands known as Li Galli, believe to be the home of the Sirens.
Fiordo di Furore
Speaking of this beautiful fjord, make it a point to get there. The Amalfi Highway, on which you’ll likely be driving, connects the fjord via bridge. Walk down the stony cliffs on stairs to admire the views or take a swim at the secluded beach. Another trail leads along the cliff line to dramatic ocean views, while yet another trail leads to an old fishing village and paper mills.
Amalfi
Amalfi is the namesake town of this stretch of coastline and was once the capital of a maritime republic. Start your day here at Piazza Duomo, off Via Lorenzo. Shop, grab coffee or limoncello and a bite to eat and watch the world go by in the shadow of the Cathedral of Saint Andrew. Amalfi brims with history, fresh seafood, colorful buildings, hidden alleyways and old-world charm. Splurge and stay at the Hotel Santa Caterina for private beach access and a heated seawater swimming pool just steps from Amalfi’s historic center.
Ischia
Consider a day trip – or longer – to the volcanic isle of Ischia in the Bay of Naples. The main towns here are Ischia Porto, Ischia Ponte, Forio and Lacco Ameno. For a convivial bar scene, choose Ischia Porto, while if you’ here for the spas and gardens, try Forio and Lacco Ameno. Car-free Sant’Angelo offers quiet beaches and a less-touristed atmosphere.
Capri
Play celebrity for a day on Capri, which rises out of the Tyrrhenian Sea as an Eden of fragrant lemon trees, light summer breezes and abundant sunshine. It’s easy to get around via bus or on foot, so make the most of your stay. Don’t miss the Blue Grotto, La Piazzetta, Villa San Michele, Via Krupp and Mount Solaro.