Why Visit Amalfi Coast?
The Amalfi Coast epitomizes Italian la dolce vita, where pastel-hued villages cascade down vertical cliffs to meet the sapphire Tyrrhenian Sea in a UNESCO-protected masterpiece of natural and human beauty. This 50-kilometer stretch of Campania coastline has enchanted travelers since Roman times, when emperors built clifftop villas to capture impossibly beautiful views. Positano tumbles down the mountainside in a riot of bougainvillea-draped terraces, boutique hotels, and ceramic shops, its main beach framed by colorful fishing boats.
Ravello perches 365 meters above sea level, offering Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone's gardens with infinity views that inspired Wagner. Amalfi town itself, once a powerful maritime republic, centers on its striking Arab-Norman cathedral and maze of medieval alleys. The famous coastal road SS163 winds through tunnels and around hairpin bends, revealing new vistas at every turn—lemons the size of grapefruits hanging from terraced groves, hidden beaches accessible only by boat, and exclusive hotels carved into cliffsides.
The cuisine celebrates the sea and mountains: fresh-caught seafood, buffalo mozzarella from nearby farms, and limoncello made from local sfusato lemons. Visit May-June or September-October for perfect weather (22-28°C), when you can hike the Path of the Gods without summer crowds or swim in turquoise coves. The Amalfi Coast delivers romance, luxury, and authentic Italian coastal living.
What to Do
Cliffside Towns
Positano
The Amalfi Coast's most photographed town cascades down vertical cliffs in a riot of pastel colors. Climb narrow lanes past bougainvillea-draped terraces, browse boutiques selling linen and ceramics, and descend to Spiaggia Grande beach. Arrive early morning (7-9am) before cruise ship crowds. Walk to smaller Fornillo Beach for fewer tourists. Sunset from Franco's Bar is iconic. Very expensive—hotels $216–$648/night—but unforgettably beautiful. Allow full day. Parking nearly impossible; arrive by SITA bus or ferry.
Ravello
Perched 365 meters above the sea, Ravello offers the coast's most spectacular views. Villa Rufolo has terraced gardens overlooking the coastline (inspired Wagner's Parsifal), hosts summer concerts (entry ~$9–$11). Villa Cimbrone's Terrace of Infinity with marble busts framing sea views is breathtaking—arrive early (9am) before tour groups (entry $11). Quieter and more refined than Positano. 30-minute winding bus ride up from Amalfi (SITA bus every hour). Allow 3-4 hours. Best morning or late afternoon light.
Amalfi Town
The coast's namesake and most central town. Arab-Norman cathedral with striking facade dominates Piazza Duomo—climb steps for interior (about $3–$4 for cloister and museum). Explore medieval alleys, shop for limoncello and ceramics, visit Paper Museum (around $5 basic entry, $6–$8 with guided tour). Larger and less picture-perfect than Positano but more practical base—hotels cheaper ($108–$270), ferry hub. Less climbing than Positano. Waterfront promenade pleasant for evening strolls. Allow half-day to explore properly.
Coastal Experiences
Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)
The coast's most famous hike with jaw-dropping views. Standard route: Bomerano to Nocelle (8km, 2-3 hours, moderate). Walk cliff edges hundreds of meters above the sea with Capri visible in distance. Best April-June and September-October (avoid summer heat). Start early (7-8am) for cooler temps and better light. Ends with 1,700 steps down to Positano (or take bus from Nocelle). Bring water, sunscreen, proper shoes. Some steep drops—not for those afraid of heights.
Boat Tours & Hidden Beaches
The best way to see the coast's sea caves and coves inaccessible by land. Half-day tours ($54–$86) visit Grotta dello Smeraldo (emerald cave with underwater nativity scene), Fiordo di Furore (dramatic fjord-like inlet), and swimming spots. Full-day excursions ($108–$162) add Capri. Private boats cost $216–$432+. Ferries ($9–$22) between towns offer budget alternative with great views. Best morning (calmer seas). Book day before. Bring swimsuit, towel, sunscreen. April-October only.
Lemon Groves & Limoncello Tasting
The coast's sfusato lemons (size of grapefruits) grow on terraced hillsides. Visit lemon groves in Minori or Amalfi for tastings and limoncello production tours ($16–$27 includes tastings). Learn about traditional terrace farming. Buy genuine limoncello from producers ($16–$27/bottle, better quality than tourist shops). Lemon products: soaps, candles, pastries. Tours 1-2 hours. Combine with village visits. Best spring when trees bloom with white flowers.
Hidden Gems
Atrani
Tiny village next to Amalfi—the coast's smallest and most authentic town. Local fishing village with central piazza, beach, and church. Free to wander. Walk from Amalfi in 15 minutes via scenic path. No tour buses fit the narrow streets. Locals actually live here (unlike Positano). Perfect for quiet morning coffee or lunch at family trattoria. Less Instagram-perfect but more real. Allow 1-2 hours.
Furore & Fjord
Unique 'town without houses'—residents lived in caves cut into cliff. Famous for its fjord (fiordo)—narrow ravine meeting the sea under a high bridge. Dive competition held here. Small pebbly beach at bottom. Walk down stairs for photos from below. Free. Quick stop (30 min) between Amalfi and Positano. Best views from SS163 road above or from boat tours.
Praiano
Quieter alternative to Positano—same vertical town, dramatic views, but fraction of the tourists. Watch sunset from Via Rezzola terrace (coast faces west here unlike most towns). Small beaches: Marina di Praia (pebbly cove) and Gavitella. Authentic restaurants serving locals. Good mid-range hotels ($108–$216). Less boutique shopping, more tranquility. Base here if you want charm without Positano's crowds and prices. Allow full afternoon/evening.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: NAP
Best Time to Visit
May, June, July, September, October
Climate: Warm
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C | 6°C | 5 | Good |
| February | 15°C | 7°C | 9 | Good |
| March | 16°C | 8°C | 12 | Good |
| April | 19°C | 10°C | 8 | Good |
| May | 24°C | 15°C | 6 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 26°C | 17°C | 5 | Excellent (best) |
| July | 31°C | 22°C | 2 | Excellent (best) |
| August | 31°C | 22°C | 4 | Good |
| September | 28°C | 20°C | 9 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 21°C | 13°C | 13 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 19°C | 11°C | 9 | Good |
| December | 14°C | 8°C | 19 | Wet |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Budget
Excludes flights
Visa Requirements
Schengen Area
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (November 2025): Best time to visit: May, June, July, September, October.
Practical Information
Getting There
Fly into Naples Airport (NAP), then take Curreri Viaggi bus to Sorrento (~$14 75-90 min), then SITA bus or ferry on to Positano/Amalfi. Alternatively, Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento ($5 70 min), then SITA bus along the coast. Private transfers from Naples Airport to Positano/Amalfi cost around $108–$162 per car. Salerno is an alternative gateway via train, with ferries to coast towns April-October.
Getting Around
SITA buses connect all coastal towns ($2–$4 per ride, buy tickets at tabacchi shops before boarding). Buses are frequent but crowded in summer—board early. Ferries run April-October between Salerno, Amalfi, Positano, and Capri ($9–$22). Renting a scooter gives freedom but requires confidence on winding roads. Taxis are expensive ($43+ Positano-Amalfi). Walking between nearby towns possible but hilly.
Money & Payments
Euro (EUR). Cards accepted at hotels and established restaurants, but many small businesses, beaches, and water taxis prefer cash. ATMs in main towns (Amalfi, Positano, Ravello). Exchange $1 ≈ $$1. Tipping: round up or leave 10% for excellent service. Beach chair rentals typically $16–$27/day.
Language
Italian is the local language. English spoken in hotels, tourist restaurants, and shops in Positano and Amalfi, less so in smaller villages like Atrani or Furore. Learning basic Italian (Buongiorno, Grazie, Per favore) enhances interactions with locals. Menus often have English translations in tourist areas.
Cultural Tips
Book accommodations and restaurants months ahead for May-September. Lunch 1-3pm, dinner 8-10pm. Many businesses close November-March. Driving is stressful—roads are narrow, parking nearly impossible in Positano. Beaches are mostly pebble, not sand. Dress stylishly but comfortably (lots of stairs). Respect private property—Instagram-worthy terraces often belong to hotels. Lemon products make great souvenirs.
Perfect 3-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary
Day 1: Positano & Beach Life
Day 2: Amalfi & Ravello
Day 3: Hidden Gems
Where to Stay in Amalfi Coast
Positano
Best for: Luxury hotels, boutique shopping, beach clubs, iconic views
Amalfi Town
Best for: Central location, ferry hub, historic cathedral, more affordable
Ravello
Best for: Hilltop gardens, classical music, tranquility, sunset terraces
Praiano
Best for: Quieter atmosphere, local restaurants, authentic village life
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