Amalfi Coast
Italy excels at romantic settings, and few other regions can match the dreamy surroundings of the Amalfi Coast. A much loved holiday destination for A-list celebrities for many decades, the allure of this stretch of coastline, populated with dramatic cliffs, colourful houses and fringed by the azure waters of the Mediterranean, should not be underestimated.
Base yourself here to make the most of the Dolce Vita glamour of Positano, Amalfi, Ravello and Sorrento, as well as the islands of Capri and Ischia. History buffs won’t want to miss the chance to visit Pompeii and Herculaneum either. The astonishing well preserved Roman towns destroyed in the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
A holiday to Italy’s Amalfi Coast is a must for everyone. Named an outstanding example of the Mediterranean landscape by UNESCO, the area boasts some of Europe’s most memorable scenery, encapsulating stunning views, charming towns, fine food and excellent shopping.
Go for a drive along the famous ‘Amalfi Drive’, a coastal road winding its way past clifftop villas and lemon groves; explore the shoreline dotted with beaches and postcard-like villages, then take it all in from the comfort of your boat, as you make your way to the glamorous Isle of Capri.
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Best Places to Stay
Isle of Capri
The glamourous island of Capri is a sight to behold. Only a short boat ride away from the mainland, surrounded by perfectly blue waters and filled with manicured villas, high-end restaurants and boutique stores, it’s a playground for the rich and famous and those who appreciate finer things in life.
As you’ll discover while strolling along the walkway from the centre, where pink bougainvillaea tumbles over the white walls of private villas opening out to spectacular views of the sea, it’s the beauty of the island that truly adds to its glamour.
Positano
The pearl of the Amalfi Coast, postcard-like Positano is the most famous town on the Amalfi Coast, and one of the most iconic places in Italy. With its colourful buildings hanging above the pebbled beach, the iconic majolica-tiled dome of Santa Maria Assunta and quaint narrow streets filled with the smell of lemon, it’s no surprise tourist continue being drawn to Positano’s charm.
The town boasts spectacular cliff-side panoramas, colourful facades and is filled with wonderful cafes and restaurants, perfect for a refreshing drink in the sun.
Ravello
Sleepy Ravello is home to the iconic cliffside gardens, beautiful villa,s and boasts some of the most stunning views in Italy. Pause on Villa Cimbrone’s Terrace of Infinity overlooking the sparkling Tyrrhenian sea.
Explore the Moorish-style Villa Rufolo and its terraced gardens, hanging above the crystal-clear waters. Here, you can enjoy outdoor concerts during the popular Ravello summer Festival. The town itself isn't short of charm, bringing together thousands of years of history and natural beauty. A perfect place for your Amalfi Coast holiday break!
Sorrento
Sorrento, high above the Bay of Naples, has been a popular destination with British tourists since Victorian times. Its sweeping sea views, plunging cliffs and coastal town charm make it a delightful base.
The compact, historic centre has tempting shops filled with all things lemon, synonymous with the city. There are fascinating small museums, tranquil churches and a great choice of charming restaurants. Sat between Lattari Mountains and the Mediterranean, with stunning views of the Bay of Naples, Sorrento is a perfect place to begin your Amalfi Coast holiday.
Things to do
EXPLORE THE ROMAN CITY OF POMPEII
Whilst on Holiday on the Amalfi Coast you will be within easy reach of Pompeii, the remains of an extraordinarily well-preserved Roman city, and less-visited Herculaneum, buried under volcanic ash in the same eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD.
Don’t miss an easy trip up to the cone of the still-active volcano for unsurpassed views of the Bay of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. To find out how to make the best out of the trip and to make your Amalfi Coast holiday even more magical, view our guide to exploring Pompeii.
GO ON A BOAT TRIP ALONG THE AMALFI COAST
A boat trip along the Amalfi coast is a great way to appreciate the beauty of its dramatic cliffs, caves and coves.
Admire the colourful houses of Positano, clinging to the hillside as if about to tumble down to the sea; look out for the cliff-hanging gardens of Ravello and marvel at the area’s many beaches speckled across the shore, as you make your way along the Tyrrhenian sea.
TAKE AN ITALIAN COOKING CLASS
One of the best ways of travelling is through food. Once you’re done exploring the Amalfi Coast, it’s time to take a culinary journey, one that will take you through the region’s history, culture and traditions.
The Amalfi Coast is world-famous for its seafood and with Naples, the capital of pizza, only over an hour away, a cooking class is just what you need to get a true taste of Southern Italy!
From learning how to make the perfect pizza on the Bay of Naples to cooking up a storm at Ravello’s cookery school, there will be plenty of opportunities to learn how to cook like a true Italian!
Best Ways to Get Around
Driving on the winding cliff roads is not for the faint-hearted. Taking an escorted tour may be an easier option. Let an experienced driver manoeuvre on the hairpin bends while you enjoy the jaw-dropping views!
If you are feeling adventurous, the Circumvesuviana train runs regularly between Naples and Sorrento, with stops at Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Buses from Sorrento will take you to Positano and Amalfi where you can change for Ravello. And from Ravello you can stretch your legs on an ancient, zig-nagging mule path, walking back down to Amalfi.
There are also frequent ferry services from Positano, Amalfi and Sorrento to the island of Capri - plenty of ways to enjoy your Amalfi Coast holiday!
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Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on what you want to get out of your trip. Amalfi Coast is a popular tourist destination, so if you visit in the summer be prepared for crowds.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed stay during your Amalfi Coast holiday, the best time to visit is between April and June. This way you'll get to enjoy the warm Mediterranean temperatures, lush blooms and lower prices while avoiding the tourists.
The peak season falls on July and August; that’s when you have to expect crowds and soaring prices. That being said, July and August is when the Amalfi Coast truly comes to life, with festivals, concerts and local nightlife at its peak.
Make a decision based on your budget and the experience you’re after, and you won’t go wrong!
Italians dress with an undeniable sense of style. If your goal is to dress like a local rather than a tourist and embrace the area’s resort-like feel, be sure to add a couple of chic items to your wardrobe. More than anything, focus on comfort, especially if you’re visiting in the summer when the temperatures start to soar!
Here’s what to pack for your Amalfi Coast adventure:
- Summer and lightweight clothes
- Swimming costume and trunks
- Sunscreen Insect repellent
- Sunglasses and hats
- Walking shoes and a small backpack, if you choose to go on hikes
- Flip flops A jumper/ jacket to wear in the evening
Amalfi Coast is easily accessible by both car and public transport. The closest airport is Capodichino in Naples, however, it's equally easy to get there from Rome. Please see some of the travel options below.
Getting to the Amalfi Coast from Rome using public transport
- From the airport: Take the Leonardo Express shuttle train to the Roma Termini railway station in Rome. From here, you can either:
- Take the Marozzi bus to Amalfi and Sorrento (the journey will take approx 3.5h- 4h) or;
- Take a train to Naples.
There are a couple of different train options available, depending on your timing and budget:
- Eurostar Freccia Rossa (TAV) - the journey takes just over an hour, and the tickets cost approx. 50 euros
- Intercity train – the journey will take about two hours and cost you approx. 20 euros
- Interregional train – prepare for a 4 hour journey, at a cost of around 10 euros
Tickets can be easily purchased at the station (either at the ticket office or from the ticket machines) or online at Trenitalia and Italo. When purchasing the ticket at the station, make sure to validate it prior to boarding to avoid fines – this can be done at the green machines at the platform. Tickets with seat numbers / purchased online don’t have to be validated.
- Once at Naples Central Station (Naples Stazione Centrale), take a regional train Circumvesuviana to Sorrento. The journey will take approximately an hour. From Sorrento railway station, you can then take the SITA bus to Positano-Amalfi or to Sant'Agata-Nerano.
Alternatively, you can take Freccia Rossa TAV from Naples to Salerno. Once in Salerno, take the SITA bus the Amalfi Coast or a ferry to Amalfi and Positano. If you choose to travel to Positano by ferry, bear in mind that the only way to get to your hotel would be by climbing a large number of stairs connecting the pier with the town. Be sure to check the location of your hotel before booking a ferry.
Getting to the Amalfi Coast from Naples Airport:
From Capodichino Airport take either AliBus or a taxi to Naples Central Station (Napoli Stazione Centrale) and follow the recommendations above; the alternative is to take Curreri bus to Sorrento. The journey will take approximately 80min and would save you the time and the hassle of having to change trains.
Private Transfer:
The easiest and most convenient (albeit, most expensive!) option is booking a hotel transfer directly from the station or the airport. Simply contact your hotel, provide them with your arrival time, and enjoy a stress-free journey.
This depends on the type of experience you’re after. If you’re not on a tight budget and want to stay somewhere with a great choice of restaurants, shopping and nightlife, then Positano and Amalfi would make a perfect base. If your budget is slightly limited – or perhaps you prefer to stay somewhere quieter, the towns of Minori and Maiori may be a better option. Read our article on Best Places to Stay on The Amalfi Coast for more info.
The Amalfi Coast stretches along one of the world’s most scenic driving routes, with stunning views of the Tyrrhenian Sea going on for miles. The best way to get around is therefore by car or a moped, however, the drive along the cliff-hanging SS163 isn’t for the faint-hearted. The road gets extremely busy in high season, and the twists and turns make it tricky to navigate. In peak season, you need to be especially wary of the inexperienced tourists, often struggling to make their way along the winding roads.
Unless you’re a confident driver, we recommend taking a SITA bus or booking an escorted tour. Another great (and stress-free!) way of exploring the area is by boat. There are frequent ferry services from Positano, Amalfi and Sorrento to the island of Capri. You can view the 2019 ferry schedule here. Please note: Bus tickets need to be purchased at a kiosk or a bar (café) prior to your trip. Cars and mopeds can be easily rented at all major towns. You will need a valid driver’s license to rent a vehicle.
This depends entirely on how you want to spend your Amalfi Coast holiday, and the type of experience you’re after. Amalfi Coast is a wonderful place to explore, its home to some of Italy’s best beaches, gorgeous architecture, and hiking routes that are bound to take your breath away.
We recommend spending at least 3 days to get a taste of the area, but if you want to explore the best of what the Amalfi Coast has to offer, stay for minimum of 5 days.
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most expensive destinations. The tourist season starts in Easter and ends in September, with the prices increasing considerably in July and August.
May and June are generally cheaper to travel. In high season, you can easily spend under 100 Euros a day by staying at an all-inclusive resort or sticking to more budget-friendly options; otherwise, factor in between 25-50 Euros for lunch/dinner at a mid-range restaurant and between 50-120 Euros at a high-end restaurant.
Most shops accept card payments but do bring cash with you just in case. Factor in extra spending if you choose to visit the Isle of Capri, which is more expensive.