The Amalfi Coast is truly the definition of paradise on Earth. Sparkling blue waters, stunning cliffs, exotic lemon trees, and of course the home of the best pizza, pasta and wines. Not to mention all the gelato you must try.
The Amalfi Coast has been on my bucket list for years! To sum it up, it definitely lived up to its expectations. It’s one of those places that leaves you in awe. Every corner is like something out of a picture book.
However, planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast can be a bit overwhelming. You may be wondering where to stay along the 50 km coastline, whether or not to rent a car, which airport to fly into, and more… In this blog post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know before visiting the Amalfi Coast and help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip!
WHERE IS THE AMALFI COAST
The Amalfi Coast is located in the southern part of Italy, along the Tyrrhenian Sea. It extends for about 50 kilometers along the Sorrentine Peninsula. The Amalfi Coast is known for its breathtaking cliff views, sparkling blue waters, and colorful pastel buildings. The most famous towns along the coast are Sorrento, Amalfi, Positano, Ravello and Praiano. The Amalfi Coast is considered one of the most beautiful places in Italy and is popular both among locals and around the world!
Below you will find an interactive map where I have pinned all major towns in blue and some popular activities and places in red 🙂 This will give you a better idea of how to put your itinerary together!
For some inspo, check out a quick 5 day Amalfi itinerary here!
BEST TIME TO VISIT THE AMALFI COAST
The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is April to May when temperatures are pleasant and it’s off-peak season. The coast is less crowded then, prices for accommodation are cheaper with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 27 °C. Meanwhile Mid-September to early October is also a good time to visit the coast with fewer crowds and pleasantly warm weather.
However, I know that many people (like me :D) want to go there in the summer months – and that’s perfectly fine! But you should know that the coast is an extremely popular destination not only with other tourists but also with locals. During the summer months, it is very crowded, which means that public transportation is in high demand and prices for accommodation are much higher than usual. In the meantime, temperatures can rise to 30° C or more!
If you don’t mind the crowds and the heat, you can still have a pleasant stay! Nevertheless, the Amalfi Coast is a beautiful holiday destination all year round.
BEST AIRPORT FOR VISTING THE AMALFI COAST
The best airport for visiting the Amalfi Coast is Naples International Airport (the Capodichino Airport).
If you are staying in Sorrento, you can buy a one-way bus ticket at the airport to Sorrento for €10. On the left side of the exit door, you will find the stand for Autolinee Curreri where you can buy your ticket. The bus to Sorrento takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There is also a direct train to Sorrento from the Naples Central Station, costing around €4.
For all other routes such as Pompeii, Salerno, and Amalfi, you can also find direct bus routes. If you can’t find a direct bus route, take the train to Salerno and from there a bus or a ferry to your destination.
The NLG ferry service is an easy and fast way to go from one part of the coast to another. The ferries run daily on an hourly base from various towns. They are very affordable and fast! You can get a ferry from Naples to Sorrento, Amalfi, Maiori, and many other towns. I will touch more on transportation further in the blog.
TIP:
Flights to Naples can often be expensive, especially in high season. If you are looking for a cheaper way to get to the Amalfi Coast, you can often find cheaper tickets to Rome. From Rome, you can take the train to Naples or Salerno, starting at around €15 one-way!
Don’t forget to book your train tickets in advance for a guaranteed seat and a lower price!
WHERE TO STAY ON AMALFI COAST
Okay, so this is a tricky one! Amalfi Coast is 50km long with so many beautiful coastal towns. The first time I looked at the map, I was so overwhelmed with all these different places and towns I should stay in… So let me go through all the popular options and make this easier for you.
BEST PLACE TO STAY IN AMALFI COAST
For a true Amalfi Coast experience, it is best to stay in Amalfi town itself or in Positano. Capri Island is another popular choice.
Amalfi is the largest town on the coast, hint. the coast is named after Amalfi! In Amalfi, you will find a long shopping street full of local handicrafts, cafes, restaurants, souvenir stores, endless gelato parlors, and much more! Amalfi also has a great beach with lots of sunbeds – you just have to be willing to pay for it…:D However, there is a small part of the beach that is free. From Amalfi, you can also walk to Antrani, where you will find another beach and a few more cafes and restaurants. The town of Amalfi is also an important transportation hub that connects the coast through a wide service of buses and ferries.
Positano, on the other hand, is popular for its breathtaking viewpoints and charming atmosphere. Here you will also find a beautiful beach, stores and plenty of restaurants. However, the town is built on a steep slope, so there is a lot of stepping and moving up and down to explore the town – but the views are well worth it!
In case you or anyone you’re traveling with has any health conditions or impairments, Positano may not be the best choice. It is definitely a bit of a challenge going up and down the steep alleyways.
That being said, you may experience this challenge on various parts of the coast, as the majority of towns are built along mountainous areas! Some are just much easier to navigate than others.
The island of Capri is popular for its breathtaking natural beauty, luxurious accommodations, and reputation as a stomping ground for the rich and famous. With crystal clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and charming villages, visitors can enjoy both relaxation and adventure on the island. The island also offers world-class shopping, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife, making it a popular destination for those who want to experience the glamorous Italian lifestyle. If you want to say on beautiful this island, just remember to bring your wallet… 😉
YOU SHOULD KNOW THIS
The Amalfi Coast is a prime holiday destination that has grown in popularity over the years. With the increasing demand for visitors, popular places like Postino and Amalfi have cracked the piggy bank… Choosing to stay in such a prime coastal location comes at a price. Expect accommodation prices to be much higher than elsewhere on the coast. Prices for social activities and restaurant dining also tend to be higher in these areas. Especially in the summer months, prices skyrocket! Many of the best accommodations are booked up well in advance…
To sum it up, if you have the money to splurge..well, that’s not going to be an issue for you. Otherwise, you might just get lucky and find reasonable accommodation by reserving a property months in advance.
But, what I am really trying to say is, you should consider settling elsewhere, but still stay close to the main towns! I have a lot of insight to offer on this topic… so read carefully if you want to save some money!
BUDGET FRIENDLY LOCATIONS ON AMALFI COAST
So now that you know the ‘best places’ to stay on the Amalfi Coast, let me go through some of the other, ‘less better’ options.
Praiano: is a small town located between Positano and Amalfi. It’s only about 10 minutes by car from each place. It’s quite charming and has some nice places to eat. The choices aren’t quite as great as Amalfi or Positano, but it’s enough for a few days. It’s a good starting point to find cheaper accommodations while getting to Positano or Amalfi in a short time.
Ravello: is definitely one of my personal favorites! This beautiful town is 365 meters above sea level and offers spectacular views. It’s best known for the stunning gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. Not only is the town scenic, but it’s also much more affordable compared to Amalfi and Positano. There is a beautiful, cozy main square with a variety of stores and restaurants! Ravello could be a wonderful place to stay and explore the rest of the coast. Amalfi is about 30 minutes away by shuttle bus. If you want to visit Positano from Ravello, you might need to hop on a different bus once you get to Amalfi or take the ferry to Positano.
Minori: Another compact city on the coast. This town is more popular with families and offers a more relaxed atmosphere and fewer crowds. There is a small beach here and a selection of restaurants. Although it is less popular than the other towns above, it is still a good location. Minori could be a good choice if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Amalfi.
Maiori: is ideal for real beach lovers! Maiori offers the longest beach on the Amalfi Coast, stretching for about 1 km! It’s a lively and popular place for families and those looking for a relaxing time. If you still want to enjoy the rest of the coast, you can take a direct bus or ferry to Amalfi, which takes about 20 minutes! So don’t worry, you can still visit all your favorite places!
STAY JUST OUTSIDE THE AMALFI COAST
Have you considered staying just outside the Amalfi Coast? It’s not as bad as it sounds! In fact, there are many reasons to consider the following cities:
Naples: is the third largest city in Italy. It is beautiful in itself and there are many nice things you can do in the city. It is a good base to explore different parts of the region, not just Amalfi. You have the opportunity to easily explore Pompeii, Herculaneum – the ancient Roman city, and Mount Vesuvius! However, getting to the Amalfi Coast is more time-consuming. Naples is a good choice if you want to move outside of Amalfi!
Pompeii: is a spectacular preserved ancient Roman city! It is best known for the sighting of Mount Vesuvius, the second-largest volcano in Italy! After the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius back in 79 AD, the city was completely destroyed, leaving only some remains still standing today. This is a great base point if you would like to learn more about this ancient Roman city while also having the chance to explore Amalfi. It takes just a little over an hour to get to Amalfi town by car.
Sorrento: is a beautiful coastal town built on the edge of the cliffs. It is the closest to the Amalfi Coast. I personally love Sorrento, and we thought it was a very good starting point! There are so many restaurants and several beautiful beaches to enjoy. However, most importantly Sorrento has easy access to all the other towns. There are daily boat trips to Capri, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Naples and much more. It is a beautiful central location. The best part is that you can book accommodation in Sorrento for much less than on the Amalfi Coast!
Check out this stunning hotel we stayed in Sorrento Hotel Il Nido Sorrento. with the most beautiful views of Mount Vesuvius.
We have also stayed in the small town of Agerola at Hotel Le Rocce. I wrote a full hotel review you can read. Another stunning hotel with the best customer service and panoramic views of the coast. I highly recommend this hotel! However, Agerola is located further up in the hills and takes about 50 minutes to get to the coast. Although Agerola is a very small town, there are multiple cafes, restaurants, and supermarkets at hand. If spending some time commuting doesn’t bother you, this is a great option and value for money in terms of accommodation!
Salerno: is located at the end of the Amalfi Coast. It is one of the largest and busiest cities along the coast. Here you can expect narrow medieval streets full of restaurants and shops. Salerno is about five times the size of Sorrento. If you want a livelier atmosphere, this could be a good choice. There are direct train connections from Salerno to Pompeii, Sorrento, and Naples if you want to explore outside the Amalfi Coast.
HOW TO GET AROUND AMALFI COAST
To navigate the Amalfi Coast and its surrounding areas, various transportation options are available to suit your needs:
Buses: The SITA bus service offers regular routes that connect the different towns along the coast. It is an affordable and convenient option for exploring the region while enjoying the scenic views from the bus windows.
Just note, for most SITA bus routes, you have to purchase tickets at newsstands, bars, or small tobacco shops before you board!
Ferries: The Amalfi Coast is well-served by NLG ferry services, providing an enjoyable way to travel between towns and nearby islands. Hop on a ferry and appreciate the stunning coastline from the water while reaching your desired destination in a short time.
Private transfers: For a more personalized and comfortable experience, private transfers can be arranged. This option allows you to have greater flexibility in terms of timing and the convenience of door-to-door service. However, private transfer options can be quite expensive around this part of Italy.
Car rental is a popular option for tourists who want to explore the region’s scenic beauty at their own pace. However, navigating the region’s narrow and winding roads can be challenging for inexperienced drivers. It is also important to keep in mind that some roads may be closed during the peak tourist season. You should also be prepared for parking in the smallest spots and steep hills.. Check out Discover Cars for best deals!
TIP:
When you are preparing to leave for the airport, make sure to give yourself more than enough time. Traffic going into Naples can be really heavy and easily add an extra hour to your journey. It is particularly bad during rush hours – between 9 am to 10.30 am and 4pm to 6pm on week days.
Take it from someone who nearly missed her flight…
BEST THINGS TO DO IN AMALFI COAST
Hike the Path of the Gods: a breathtaking hiking trail overlooking the stunning coastline and turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea. This 7km hike begins in Bomerano and ends in Positano, taking around 3-4 hours to hike.
Take a Boat Tour: experience the beautiful views of the coast from the sea and visit the hidden coves, beaches and caves. Explore Get Your Guide for best tours!
Enjoy the Beaches: spend a day at one of the beautiful beaches like Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo, or Marina di Praia. However, don’t forget things don’t come cheap on the Amalfi coast, so be prepared to spend some money on sunbeds… However, some beaches do have limited free spaces!
Shopping: explore the artisanal shops, boutiques, and handcrafted goods offered by the locals in the markets and small towns.
Visit Ravello: and discover the breathtaking Rufolo and Cimbrone villas.
Visit The Lemon Groves: discover the famous local lemon production and taste the refreshing Limoncello liqueurs. I absolutely loved tasting Limoncello – it’s a must-try in Amalfi!
Explore Positano: this stunning town is best known for its pastel-colored buildings, cobblestone streets, and beautiful beaches and is a must-see on the Amalfi Coast.
Visit Pompeii: Just a short drive from the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii is one of the world’s most well-preserved ancient cities and is well worth a visit.
Day Trip to Capri: is a must for those seeking a perfect blend of natural beauty and luxurious experience. From the mesmerizing Blue Grotto to the designer boutiques and upscale cafes. Check out this day trip we did! Just note, that visits to Blue Grotto are subject to weather conditions, and unfortunately cannot be guaranteed.
SOME TRADITIONAL DISHES YOU SHOULD TRY
Don’t miss the opportunity to try some of the traditional dishes that reflect the culinary heritage of the region. Try the local specialty “Linguine al Limone” (linguine pasta with lemon sauce), enjoy fresh seafood, and taste delicious desserts like “Delizia al Limone” (lemon sponge cake). Make sure to also try the famous lemon cup sorbet and Limoncello liquor!
IS AMALFI COAST EXPENSIVE?
In short: Yes, the Amalfi Coast isn’t a cheap holiday destination. Everything from private transfers to food and accommodation can be very expensive on this coast.
However, if you plan your trip well in advance and book your accommodation early enough, you can definitely save a lot of money. Most of the best hotels and Airbnb along the shore are booked out months in advance.
If you don’t have a lot of time to plan your holiday in Amalfi, consider visiting outside the high season to avoid the last-minute skyrocketing prices . Don’t forget to also visit the less expensive towns I mentioned earlier! Remember, you don’t have to stay in Amalfi town or Positano itself to enjoy the coast!
As for transportation, using ferries, buses, and trains is best for budget travelers. Private transfers usually cost between €50 to €150 and more for short distances along the coast! So keep that in mind and ask for the price before you hop on.
Eating out in restaurants is on the pricier side, depending on where you choose to eat. However, we found that food in Sorrento is reasonably cheaper compared to the other towns on the Amalfi Coast. We saw the most expensive prices in Capri and Positano. To give you an example, one of the restaurants in Capri wanted to charge me €10 for an Americano. I was quite perplexed. Don’t get me wrong, I love my coffee, but would I pay €10 for a simple Americano?! no thanks. Don’t be afraid to explore the hidden alleys and the less busy restaurants, you can usually always find a hidden gem there! 😉
IS AMALFI COAST WORTH IT
My answer is absolutely yes! Although as I mentioned it is not a cheap holiday destination, it is for sure worth it. Just take a little time to do some research, reserve your accommodation in advance and you’ll be fine!
After all, it is highly popular for a reason. The landscape is truly one of the most beautiful in Europe, with its sparkling blue waters and dramatic cliffside. You will not be left disappointed.
We had an amazing time in Amalfi Coast and I hope you will enjoy this stunning place as much as we did! If you have any other questions about Amalfi Coast, feel free to comment down below! 🙂
Safe travels!
Sam <3
