The Amalfi Coast is one of the most breathtaking and widely visited places in the entire world. Full of colorful buildings, charming shops, and turquoise waters, we know you'll fall in love with this area of Italy just like we did.
There is a lot that we learned while visiting the Amalfi Coast, so we're here to share plenty of things so that your travels go as smoothly as possible.
So let's dive right in, and check out everything you need to know about visiting, and the best things to do in the Amalfi Coast in Italy.
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Where is the Amalfi Coast in Italy?
The Amalfi Coast is a long stretch of picturesque seaside villages perched along the west coast of Italy. The coast is just south of Naples, which is towards the southern end of the country. The technical start of the Amalfi Coast begins from Piano di Sorrento, and ends in Vietri Sul Mare, right before Salerno.
The Amalfi Coast is just south of the city of Naples.
Getting to the Amalfi Coast in Italy
The Amalfi Coast is a lot bigger than you're probably thinking. Unfortunately there isn't an airport right on the Amalfi coast. The biggest major city to fly into in order to get to the Amalfi Coast is Naples. From there you can grab a bus or drive an hour to an hour and a half. If you are staying close to Salerno then you can take the train straight from Naples to Salerno.
Flying into Naples
Naples has a good amount of flights coming in from both domestic and international cities.
Italian cities that fly to Naples include Cagliaria, Catania, Genova, Milan, Palermo, Rome, Sigonella, Trapani, Trieste, Turin, Venice, and Verona.
Other European cities that fly to Naples include Amsterdam, Barcelona, Brussels, Bucharest, Budapest, Cluj Napoca, Dublin, Edinburgh, Frankfurt, Geneva, Katowice, London, Madrid, Malaga, Malta, Manchester, Marseille, Munich, Nuremberg, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, Sevilla, Sofia, Prague, Toulouse, Valencia, Vienna, Warsaw, Wroclaw, and Zagreb.
Other international cities that fly direct to Naples include Abu Dhabi, Casablanca, Dubai, Istanbul, Marrakech, Sharm el-Sheikh, Tel Aviv, and Tunis.
Other Options for Flying to the Amalfi Coast
If you don't find direct flights into Naples, or you want a cheaper option than flying into Naples, you can also fly into Rome. Then from there you can take a train to Naples, and continue from there.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Italy". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport around the area to fly. Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for each city!
Search for a flight to Italy:
Going from Naples to the Amalfi Coast
Depending on where you're staying, will depend on your mode of transportation. If you plan of staying on the southern end, then it is best to take the train straight to Salerno. However, if you plan on staying in the town of Amalfi or Positano, it is better to get there by bus, or by renting a car.
Here are a few popular routes that you can book to get to the Amalfi Coast:
Entry Requirements
With the world changing every day, it can be complicated traveling to a new country. That's why we're here to share everything you'll need document wise before traveling to Italy.
Covid Entry Requirements for Italy
Italy was hit pretty badly with Covid, but they also rely on tourism quite a bit. Italy is now open for tourists, and the EU Digital COVID certificate must be filled before entering.
Passengers must show proof of a negative Covid test within 72 hours of arrival, proof of recovery from Covid within 180 days, or proof of being fully vaccinated.
The exception to this currently (as of January 2023) are those coming from the countries of Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi, Eswatini, and Botswana. Those coming from these southern African countries are not allowed entry at this time.
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Visa Requirements for Italy
Italy is part of the European Union, so any European citizens are exempt from any restrictions. Many other citizens from countries around the world are allowed visa free for up to 90 days.
The countries that do need a visa, need to apply for a Schengen Visa. Make sure to double check if you are one of the countries that need to obtain a Schengen Visa before traveling.
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Local Adjustments for the Amalfi Coast
Each country has things that people need to adjust to. Whether its learning a little of a new language, or getting an adapter for your electronics, these are a few things to know about before traveling to Italy.
What Language Do They Speak on the Amalfi Coast?
The language along the Amalfi Coast is Italian. This may sound obvious, but there are actually plenty of areas of Italy that speak their own dialects, If you speak Italian however, you will be good to go. Being that the Amalfi Coast is a pretty touristic area, most people speak a decent amount of English. However, it's super helpful and appreciated to speak at least a little Italian.
Currency Used in Italy
The currency in Italy is the Euro. Currently (January 2023) the exchange rate is is pretty much 1:1 for the dollar to Euro. Card is accepted almost everywhere, with the exception of a few local vendors such as fruit stands.
Electrical Outlets in Italy
Just like other countries in Europe, Italy uses types C, F, & L. Plug type C is the one which has two round pins, plug type F is the one that has two round pins and two earth clips on the side, and plug type L is the type which has three round pins in a line. Italy operates on a 230 V supply voltage and 50 Hz.
Is the Water Safe to Drink on the Amalfi Coast?
The water in Italy is perfectly safe to drink from the tap. It is custom for restaurants to only serve bottled water however. You can ask for tap water, but it is not very likely that they will bring you anything other than bottled water.
Tipping Culture on the Amalfi Coast
The tipping culture throughout Italy is typically 10%. Some restaurants throughout the Amalfi Coast will already include the service charge, so make sure to check, unless you want to leave a little extra something.
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Best Things to Do in the Amalfi Coast: Places to Visit & Stay
There are so many amazing places to see along the Amalfi Coast! We're here to share our favorite spots- from the most touristy, to the hidden gems.
Thing to Do in the Amalfi Coast: Visiting the Main Towns
There are so many towns along the Amalfi Coast! Here are the top ones to visit that offer the most:
Amalfi Town
Did you know that Amalfi refers to the coast, but also the town? Amalfi town is the main hub of the Amalfi coast, and is the connecting point to all towns in the area.
Amalfi town has a stunning cathedral, and a great center to walk around in. It is one of the most touristy areas, so we suggest saving your meals and shopping for the smaller towns.
The Amalfi Cathedral is beautiful to visit during the day and at night.
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Look for places to stay in Amalfi Town:
Positano
Positano is an Instagrammer's dream. With it's epic beach boasting the colorful buildings as a backdrop, you just can't get sick of the views here. When looking for the best things to do in the Amalfi Coast, this is at the top of the list.
Most of Positano is pedestrian only, and the town is full or restaurants, shops, and cafes. This is the priciest area in all of the Amalfi Coast, and once you go you'll understand why.
Positano is one of the most picturesque cities along the Amalfi Coast.
Look for a place to stay in Positano:
Ravello
Ravello is really one of the only places along the Amalfi coast that doesn't actually sit right next to the coast. The reason is because Ravello sits up high on a hill. It has no beach, but still has great views of the turquoise waters below.
Ravello is known for the stunning Villa Cimbrone Gardens that offer some truly breathtaking views of the coast down below.
Ravello is perched up high in the hills of Amalfi, and has stunning views of the coast below.
Want a unique souvenir or gift for a loved one? There is a jewelry shop in the corner of the main square that has jewelry made from real flowers!
Atrani
Atrani is one of the best towns for those beach lovers out there. Located right next to the town of Amalfi, you can walk there in just 10 minutes. We actually parked in Atrani to visit the town of Amalfi, and walked to Ravello from there.
Keep in mind that despite Ravello sitting right behind Atrani, the walk is pretty intense as it is almost all stairs for 45 minutes to an hour.
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Salerno
Here is the southern end of the Amalfi Coast, and is really one of the only cities in the entire area. Salerno is a great place to stay if you want to visit the smaller towns of Amalfi, and have a bit more of a local feel.
Despite being a little far from the most loved touristic destinations, it really does have some great perks.
Salerno has tons of bars, shops, salons, and other spots that you wouldn't find in the smaller towns along the Amalfi Coast. Prices are cheaper, and it is well connected with buses, trains, and ferries.
Salerno is one of the biggest hubs of the Amalfi coast that can be reached by bus, train, or ferry.
Look for places to stay in Salerno:
Things to Do in the Amalfi Coast: The Smaller Villages to Visit
One of the best things to do in the Amalfi Coast (if you have a lot of time) is to dive deeper into the lesser known areas. Many people only make it to the highlights of the Amalfi Coast, but there is so much more out there! Here are some of the smaller villages that you should visit for at least a few hours.
Vietri Sul Mare
Vietri sul Mare is a great stop for those that love ceramics. Here is where you will find the big factories that produce all of the ceramics that are sold in the shops throughout the Amalfi Coast.
Vietri Sul Mare is full of color, and a hidden gem of the Amalfi Coast.
Praiano
Right off the main road between Amalfi and Positano lies the small town of Praiano. Visit the gorgeous church with its striking mosaic dome, or grab a drink with some of the best views of Positano as a backdrop.
Maiori & Minori
Translated to "major" and "minor" these are two of the stops you can jump off to from the ferry, that are right next to one another. Both have beaches, colorful buildings, and some great restaurants to check out.
Cetara
This town is super picturesque, and another one of the stops you can check out while hopping down from the ferry. Cetara is small, but has a beach area to enjoy, as well as a cute downtown area to explore.
Cetara is a small picturesque town that can be reached easily by ferry.
Conca di Marini
Conca di Marini is the town that we stayed in during our trip to the Amalfi Coast. Here we experienced some incredible meals and spectacular views.
Watch the sunset down by the church, have a bite to eat at La Bonta del Capo, or check out the bright blue waters of the cave "Grotto della Smeraldo".
Things to Do in the Amalfi Coast: On the Outskirts
Here are a few of the other highlights in the area. Although they aren't considered a part of the Amalfi Coast itself, they are definitely worth the trip for a day or two.
Naples
Naples is not actually part of the Amalfi Coast, but it is the closest large city. The city is famous for being home to the best pizza in the world, and is right around the corner from Pompeii, as well as many important historical sites.
Naples is a great place to visit at the beginning of your trip, or for your final day finishing off your trip along the Amalfi coast.
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Capri
Capri is one of the most stunning parts of Italy, and a must see if you are visiting the Southwestern area of the country. Taking a day trip to Capri is one of the best things to do in the Amalfi Coast, and it can be done a couple of different ways.
One of to the ways that you can reach this picturesque island is by ferry from Sorrento, Positano, or Amalfi Town. Another options is to do an excursion. There are plenty of boat trips offered from these cities, that visit Capri as a day trip.
Renting a boat is one of the best things to do in Capri.
Sailing around Capri is the best way to see the jaw dropping landscapes that the island has to offer. You can also take the cable car, check out the many shops, or take a trip to the famous blue grotto.
Sorrento
When most people think of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento is one of the highlights. However, did you know Sorrento technically isn't along the Amalfi Coast?
That being said, Sorrento is still a must see city while traveling along the Amalfi Coast. This city boasts stunning beaches, charming restaurants, and the best shopping in the area.
Most souvenirs, clothing, and ceramics are the same or very similar along the entire Amalfi coast. Sorrento has the best prices in the area.
Want to see some more of our favorite spots to visit? Check our Instagram to see some of them.
Book a night in Sorrento:
Best Things to Do in the Amalfi Coast: Activities
The Amalfi Coast is full of stunning areas to just walk around and enjoy the colorful buildings tucked away in the striking mountains. However, some of the best things to do in the Amalfi Coast are activities that you can schedule to really get to know the area.
Here are some of the best things to do in the Amalfi Coast to really immerse yourself in the surroundings.
Take a Boat Trip
We already mentioned sailing around Capri, but there are actually plenty of different boat excursions out there. Both Amalfi and Positano are popular places to charter a boat, which will take you to some of the best spots along the coast. This is best to do if you have a group, or if you don't mind splurging a bit.
Take a Cooking Class
This was absolutely one of the best things to do in the Amalfi Coast. Italians take a lot of pride in their cooking, and there's nothing like learning from the experts.
We learned how to make homemade pasta and gnocchi during our class. We drank wine, visited the family's wine cellar, and learned all about the specialties of the Amalfi Cuisine.
Want to learn how to cook Amalfi style? Check out the many cooking classes they have!
Taking a cooking class is a great experience, and one we highly recommend. You can easily find classes offered in the bigger towns such as Positano or Amalfi, and also plenty of other ones offered online.
Sail Through a Cave
Earlier we mentioned Grotto della Smeraldo. This is a cave located right along the coast near Conca de Marini, that boasts stunningly turquoise waters. The water can be seen inside the cave at its darkest moments, due to the sun shining brightly down next to the cave.
You can visit here by boat, or by walking down the stairs and simply purchasing a ticket. Once its your turn, you will join others on a small row boat, where a charming Italian man will guide you through the cave and tell the tales of this natural beauty.
This cave can be reached by walking from Conca di Marini, or by boat from Positano or Amalfi town.
Here are a few great tours that include the Emerald Grotto:
Rent a Vintage Car
This is one of the best things to do in the Amalfi Coast for those that want to feel the old Italian vibes. There are several companies that rents out old fiats to take you around some of the best spots in the area, and some include photography packages for the most Instagrammable spots in town.
Have a Professional Photo Shoot
The Amalfi Coast is truly picture perfect. If you don't have fancy equipment, than getting a photographer is a great way to capture the best of what this picturesque area has to offer.
Even if you do have great equipment, it's a lot easier to get a photographer for boat excursions, or to just be able to easily find the best photo spots.
Go Shopping
We're normally not big shoppers, but Italians really know how to lure anyone in with their stylish fashion, colorful ceramics, and quality fabrics.
Leave yourself time to go into the small shops and support the local businesses. Some of the best things to shop for are ceramics, clothing, and local goods such as olive oil and limoncello.
Getting Around the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is much bigger than most think. Getting around can be easily done by public transportation or by car. Here are a few things to know when deciding how you want to get around.
Public Transportation on the Amalfi Coast
The good thing about the Amalfi Coast is that all of the towns are pretty much right off the same highway. This. makes public transportation pretty easy as far as navigation goes. Here are the two different options for public transportation.
Buses
The bus system along the Amalfi coast really isn't the best. Buses are rarely on time, and due to Covid they have tightened restrictions on capacity. Buses are definitely the cheapest option when it comes to getting around the Amalfi Coast, but are not reliable, and can have you wasting a lot of time.
Ferries
In our opinion, this is one of the best things to do in the Amalfi Coast transportation wise. The good thing about ferries is that they beat the traffic, and the views are unbeatable. Prices are very affordable, and you get a lot of bang for your buck.
The downside? The ferries are pretty limited when it comes to where they go.
Traveling by ferry gives you some of the best views of the Amalfi Coast.
The town of Amalfi is the main hub when it comes to public transportation, and the other towns that you can visit from there are Positano, Vietri, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, Sentiero degli Dei, Capri, and Salerno.
Here are some popular routes that you can book:
Rentals for the Amalfi Coast
Getting your own means of transportation is a fun way to explore, and gives you more freedom. Here's a little more info about renting along the Amalfi Coast.
Car Rentals
When we travel, we almost always opt for renting a car. This is because relying on transportation can cost a lot of time and extra planning. Here are a few things to keep in mind when renting along the Amalfi coast.
Rent Outside the Amalfi Coast
The small towns along the Amalfi coast are not going to have car rental places at all. If you'd like to rent a car for your stay along the Amalfi coast then you can either rent from Naples or in Salerno (the end of the Amalfi Coast).
The Smaller the Better
The roads are very narrow and windy. Having a big car will complicate driving in the Amalfi coast. Roads are smooth so no need for any kind of high clearance vehicle. In our opinion, the smaller the car the more comfortable you will feel driving in Amalfi.
Parking is a Nightmare
Parking anywhere in the Amalfi Coast is pretty much a terrible experience. You cannot park inside the towns themselves for a few reasons. The majority of towns are pedestrian only, and the ones that have any kind of roads that are drivable, are reserved for those that live there.
You will find that people will park on the outskirts of town (for free) and then walk. If you don't want to walk far then you can always opt for a parking garage (only the bigger towns have these), but expect to fork out quite a bit for this. Daily rates can climb up to 35 or 40 euros!
Rent a car in Naples:
Scooter Rentals in the Amalfi Coast
For us, scooters are more fun than a car. This is a good option if you are just one or two traveling. Scooters have a little more options when it comes to parking, but they can also be a little scary.
The highway that hugs the Amalfi Coast is very windy, and it is hard to see around the turns. Make sure to drive with extra caution and wear your helmet at all times.
Prices for scooters can run pretty pricey along the Amalfi Coast. There are plenty of companies that offer scooter rental services, but we suggest renting online beforehand to make sure there is availability for when you are going.
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Best Things to Do in the Amalfi Coast: Food & Drink
I gained 10 lb from just 10 days in the Amalfi Coast, and I don't regret a second of it. The food is seriously incredible. Here are a few things that the Amalfi Coast is known for.
If Life Gives You Lemons
Walk around the Amalfi Coast and you will find lemons everywhere! It is kind of what they're known for, so anything made with the lemons is a must. We suggest trying the granite served inside the fruit itself.
Lemons are super popular along the Amalfi coast! That's why many bloggers dress with lemons on their clothes.
Limoncello
Now that we got you hooked on lemons, let us tell you that it gets better. Limoncello is the typical liquor made in this region, and is often served as a digestive at the end of a meal.
This sweet drink also comes with different flavors, and can be found sold in almost any souvenir shop. They make great presents to bring home to your family and friends, and come in various types of beautiful bottles.
Seafood
Being located on the coast, it's no secret that the best food comes from the sea. We suggest getting one of the fresh catches of the day from a small mom and pop restaurant.
Having pasta with shellfish is also one of the best food to eat while on the Amalfi Coast. Spaghetti alla vongole is made with while wine and clams, and is a must here. Frutti di Mare is also one of our favorite dishes for those that love pasta, a variety of shell fish, and spice.
Safety in Italy
Generally, Italy is a pretty safe place to be. But like anywhere, there are spots where you should be extra careful.
The Amalfi coast is definitely one of the safest areas, as it is very touristic. However, if you plan on taking a trip to Naples, then be a little extra cautious. The crime rate in Naples is much higher than anywhere else in Italy, so watch your belongings with extra care, and don't be too flashy.
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The Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast
Did you know that Amalfi has a season? The season is from May to October, as in the other months the majority of restaurants and hotels close.
Most people will say that the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast is in the summer. While the weather is spectacular and perfect for swimming, this is certainly not the best time to go in our opinion.
Visiting the Amalfi Coast in October we were able to enjoy sunshine, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds.
The shoulder months of September and October, or May and June are much less crowded, and still experience great weather. While October and May it is unlikely you'll want to swim, it is still enjoyable to enjoy the sunshine and walk around comfortably.
Weather in the Amalfi Coast
The weather in the Amalfi Coast is sunny and hot in the summer, and even warmer than many other parts of Italy in the spring and fall.
We went in October and the forecast showed thunderstorms every day for 2 weeks. However, when we were actually there we hardly had any bad weather at all! There were some showers here and there, so we suggest if you are visiting in the shoulder months to bring an umbrella, and a light jacket for night time.
Packing for the Amalfi Coast
Packing for the Amalfi Coast is pretty easy. Light and comfortable clothing and swimsuits are great for most days.
That being said though, Italians are some of the best dressed in the world. So we do suggest putting on some of your nicer clothes, even if it is for just walking around during the day. Plus, you'll want to look nice for the millions of photos you're going to want to take!
Packing List for the Amalfi Coast:
- Sunscreen
- Towel
- Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
- Zippered Bag or Backpack - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
- Bathing Suits
- Flip Flops (we personally always get Havaiana flip flops, as they are comfy and long lasting)
- Nice clothes to go out in
- Nice Sandals for the night
- Drone (the views are unbelievable!) We use the Mavic Mini Pro 3 because it's super light and doesn't sacrifice quality
- Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & waterproof)
- Waterproof Phone Pouch (we use the Cafago Waterproof Phone Pouch)
- Travel Adapter (we use Tessan travel adapters as they are affordable and reliable)
The Amalfi coast has incredible food, friendly people, beautiful weather, and stunning landscapes. You could spend weeks enjoying this gorgeous area of Italy. We suggest one full week if you want to se the highlights, and two if you really want to dive in deeper.
We have so much more to share about the best things to do in the Amalfi Coast, so stay tuned for more articles coming about some hidden gems, great restaurants, and the most Instagrammable spots.
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