Amalfi Coast Travel Guide

One of the world’s most alluring destinations, the Amalfi Coast has been a magnet for holidaymakers since Roman times. Pastel-coloured towns, luxurious villas and unspoilt beaches are sprinkled all along this spectacular coastline fringed by high mountains and steep cliffs. Despite being neighbours for hundreds of years, the towns that dot the Amalfi Coast are each different in their own way making this 40-kilometre stretch of coastline one of the most unique and intriguing in the world. 

If you haven’t heard of Positano, you certainly will recognise it. The perfect example of the Amalfi Coast’s pastel-palleted towns, Positano’s houses cling to the cliffside leading down to glamorous seaside restaurants and bars giving it the nickname, ‘the vertical town’. The town of Amalfi, another hotspot on the coast by the same name, is the largest of all the towns. Its long history as the main maritime port on the Amalfi Coast has left it an intriguing culture and a smattering of beautiful medieval buildings. 

Whilst the frequented hotspots of Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi may mean this UNESCO World Heritage-listed landscape is no secret; there are pockets of calm to be found amongst Amalfi Coast’s centuries-old churches, vineyards, winding streets and bustling towns. Take the sleepy, romantic town of Praiano for example, with its even smaller neighbour, Conca dei Marini. Both towns offer an idyllic Italian getaway with all of the charm of the Amalfi Coast’s more popular towns but with half of the crowds. 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic hideaway, the ultimate culinary trip, a hiking adventure or for the ideal family holiday, the Amalfi Coast delivers.

Timing is everything when it comes to the Amalfi Coast. Go too early in the year and you’ll be met with ‘closed’ signs on almost every establishment. But arrive in the dead of summer and you’ll be fighting your way through the streets against prongs of tourists in soaring temperatures. 

During the low season, which spans November to Easter time, many of the hotels, restaurants and shops on the Amalfi Coast shut up shop. The high season, July and August, is when tourists arrive by the boatload, the winding coastal roads get jammed with traffic and you’ll end up aggravated by the crowds and the heat. Hotel and restaurant reservations are needed in advance if you plan to visit the Amalfi Coast during high summer. 

The perfect time to visit the Amalfi Coast is in spring and autumn: between May and June, and September and October. The spring months bring season-opening warmth and blooming wildflowers which envelop the steep hillsides. As the temperatures start to cool in the autumn months, you’ll be left with warm seas and a bountiful harvest from the season. Autumn is the optimum time to enjoy the culinary delights of this region. 

How long you plan to stay on the Amalfi Coast is entirely up to you. The highlights of the region - Positano, Sorrento and Amalfi - can be covered in a matter of five days with one or two-day trips to the archaeological site of Pompeii or the volcanic island of Ischia. But, if you want to soak up the traditional atmosphere and jaw-dropping beauty of the Amalfi Coast, you should stay longer.

The beauty of the Amalfi Coast is two-fold: one in terms of its rugged shores, pebbled beaches, historic towns and rolling vineyards and the fact that it is the perfect choice for those that want to experience a change in culture, cuisine and architecture a few times during their trip.

Forget Vertigo and Walk the Path of Gods

Escape the congestion and take in some of the best views on the Amalfi Coast, the Sentiero Degli Dei or the Path of Gods as it's known, is one of Italy’s most stunning hiking trails. The trail which spans a gentle five-hour hike connects the towns of Agerola and Nocelle snaking through mountain hamlets high above the magnificent Amalfi Coast. Great for those not prone to vertigo, as you ramble along this well-marked pathway you’ll encounter farmers, sheepherders and other locals who will greet you warmly and perhaps allow a taste of their produce. If you’re considering an Amalfi Coast trip during the summer months, the Path of Gods is the perfect afternoon activity to escape the hustle and bustle. 

Create and Taste the Finest Products of Italy: Limoncello & Mozzarella

Choosing to travel the Amalfi Coast with a local designer guide enables you to experience things that not every traveller can or knows how to. This unique 8-Day Amalfi Coast Trip with Giulio can be completely tailored to your preferences, but one thing you must not miss is a chance to learn how two of Italy’s most famous products are made. One of Italy’s proudest foods, mozzarella is a staple of the Italian diet and you’ll have the chance to learn what makes this cheese so special as you visit a factory and try your hand at making your own! 

Of course, many of us know Limoncello as the sweet, almost fluorescent-yellow liqueur usually enjoyed after dinner to aid digestion but did you know it was first created as a medicinal product? The first batch ever distributed was produced by a wine merchant using 33 different herbal ingredients, including rhubarb, orange peel, quinine, rose petals and peppermint. This guided Amalfi Coast experience reveals all of its history and more. 

Bathe in Volcanic Healing Minerals on the Island of Ischia

The volcanic island of Ischia just off the Amalfi Coast in the Gulf of Naples is renowned for its mineral-rich thermal waters. The Poseidon Gardens are the island’s largest thermal complex spread over twenty terraced pools offering incredible views over the island and surrounding coastline. Rising from the volcanic springs beneath the island’s surface, the waters are said to have healing effects, particularly so for the osteoarticular system, the respiratory system and the skin. This experience is all part of the 15-Day Milan, Alba, Five Lands, Perugia and Amalfi Coast trip which is perfect for honeymooners, senior couples and families with the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

Explore the Amalfi Coast’s Most Beautiful Gardens

A series of hairpin turns on a winding mountain road leads you to the top of a promontory that boasts unparalleled views over the Meditteranean: the town of Ravello. Take the stone staircase up to Villa Cimbrone, one of the most iconic villas on the Amalfi Coast. The jewel of Ravello, this unforgettable tableau features an 11th-century historic residence surrounded by enchanting gardens of blooming hydrangeas and beds of English roses. 

Take the long walkway to the Terrace of Infinity, renowned for its panoramic views of the Amalfi Coast and its stomach-churning drop over the edge of the terrace to the sea over a thousand feet below. 

Tick One of the Best Drives in the World off Your List

Formally known as Strada Statale 163, the Amalfi Drive was carved by Romans into the coastal cliffs showcasing jaw-dropping views down to the Tyrrhenian Sea and of the towering cliffs above. Spanning a 50-kilometre stretch between the towns of Amalfi and Sorrento at either end of this epic coastline, the drive leads you past famous coastal towns like Positano and quiet fishing villages. 

Drive yourself along the Amalfi Coast on this 25-Day Best of Italy trip and experience the staggering beauty of this landscape first hand, stopping as often as you like to rejoice in the delights that each town along the Amalfi Coast offers. 

Step Back in Time and Explore Ancient Roman Cities

Over 2,000 years ago, the plateau surrounding the mighty Mount Vesuvius was occupied by several important Roman cities, two of those being Ercolano and Pompeii. Shrouded in rich history and filled with 2,000-year-old buildings, these ancient archaeological sites make for the perfect afternoon trip from the Amalfi Coast. Ercolano was the first of the cities on the plateau to be completely buried under 30 feet of ash following the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD but sadly often lose the spotlight to the mightier Pompeii, a city that met a similar fate. Remarkably, Pompeii was not rediscovered until the 16th century and the volcanic ash impeccably preserved its many exceptional buildings, sculptures, paintings and mosaics. 

The Fine Taste of Italy with Wine Tastings and Cooking Classes

In a country where the cuisine is the talking point on every traveller’s lips, it would be fatal not to take part in a unique wine tasting and cooking experience while staying on the Amalfi Coast.

On this 9-Day Amalfi Coast, Sorrento and Rome trip, your local designer guide, Mario, takes you to the Marisa Cuomo Vineyard whose steep tree-lined slopes stretch out in the sun and meet rocks that plunge into the crystal clear water of the Amalfi Coast. During your visit to this world-renowned winery, you’ll visit the estate’s cellars and vineyards, sample the unique flavour of its wines and taste the gastronomic specialities of Furore.

Alternatively, you can spend the day sampling traditional delights including fresh lemonade, fragrant olive oil and different specialties such as citrus marmalades, honey, limoncello and traditional Italian meats at a working farm on the Sorrento Peninsula. Travelling the Amalfi Coast with a Local Guide opens up unique culinary experiences and enables you to be invited into the homes of locals that you may not have been otherwise.

Boasting one of the best coastal drives in the world, it would be rude not to entertain the idea of hiring a rental car and driving yourself around the Amalfi Coast from town to town. By choosing a self-drive trip, you can stop when you like, deviate from the route and plan your days according to what the family dictates. 

Alternatively, there are few things better in life than relaxing as you are swept from hotel to hotel, landmark to landmark and town to town without once having to consult a map. For that kind of peace of mind, exploring the Amalfi Coast by private car seems like the ideal solution. 

If you want to ditch the ground transportation, you can easily travel by ferry from Naples to your starting point and between the towns on the Amalfi Coast. The only way to reach the three island outposts - Capri, Ischia and Procida - of this coastline is by ferry. Once on these islands, you may choose alternative transport such as exploring Capri Island by Vespa scooter!

For those arriving by plane, Naples is the closest airport to the Amalfi Coast. Hence, the journey from Naples to Sorrento is one of the most popular routes into the heart of the region (you can do this journey by train, bus or boat). Naples is well linked to the rest of Italy’s iconic cities (Venice, Rome, Florence and Milan) by train so adding a short trip to the Amalfi Coast onto the end of a 10-day trip to Italy is very doable! 

Once at your starting point, most likely Sorrento, you can also catch a bus to your next destinations from the city’s bus station. The buses are frequent and regular.

Amalfi Coast accommodation is abundant. However, choosing where to stay on the Amalfi Coast is the tricky part. 

Do you go for a sleepy mountain town where you pay half the price but reap double the cultural reward? Or do you head for one of the hotspot bases which makes travelling to other parts of the Amalfi Coast very simple?

Despite not technically being one of the Amalfi Coast’s towns, Sorrento is the perfect base for those that want to soak up the traditional atmosphere, historical sites and jaw-dropping beauty of this region all whilst being a stone’s throw from city conveniences. Offering a range of accommodation from high-end boutique hotels to cosy hostels, Sorrento is ideal for families and couples who don’t mind the hustle and bustle. 

Of all the places to stay, Positano is arguably the most beautiful. This tumbling coastal town is frequented by the well-dressed travellers, celebrities and honeymooners and the accommodation options reflect that. In Positano, you’ll find terraced oceanfront suites, town centre boutique guesthouses and hotels surrounded by their own rare botanical gardens.

Amalfi, the largest town on the Amalfi Coast, is the perfect option for a family trip with child-friendly hotels boasting big pools to cool off and an abundance of dining options. Like Sorrento, Amalfi is a popular base and launchpad for trips to surrounding areas, so if visiting in the height of summer, be prepared for crowds. 

If cheap chic is more up your street and you don’t mind being set a little back from the coast, the pretty hill town of Sant’Agata situated between two gulfs on the Amalfi Coast with its ancient Greek necropolis is a perfect option. For spectacular views and romantic evenings, the clifftop village of Ravello is great for older couples and honeymooners. Not forgetting, of course, the convenient town of Maiori. Suitable for families with small children, the Amalfi Coast’s biggest beach and a consistent, pleasant breeze are what you’ll find in Maiori.

Think Michelin-starred dining by candlelight, cosy family-owned restaurants whose recipes have been passed down over generations and cafes whose delectable pizza wafts from its pavement tables: this is what dining on the Amalfi Coast is all about. 

Each town delivers a different variety of dining options. In Positano, you can enjoy local meats, seasonal vegetables and seafood caught fresh just metres away that day. In Amalfi, locals will point you in the way of their favourite trattoria and trusting a local’s judgement is key when it comes to Italian food. 

In towns like Amalfi and Conca dei Marini, you’ll find your nostrils guide the nearest pasticceria shop for a taste (or several) of the exquisite freshly-baked pastries on offer. Despite being an underdog of the Amalfi Coast towns, Conca dei Marini has its very own dessert! The Santa Rosa sfogliatella is a unique mixture between a pastry and cake and was created in a monastery here in 1600. The recipe was so special it was kept a secret for 150 years, but now, each year there is a festival dedicated to celebrating this dessert.

Amalfi, Praiano, Maiori, Minori, Ravello and Vietri sul Mare host a weekly street markets in the centre of town where you can shop amongst locals buying and selling fresh produce, antiques and clothes.

How much your trip costs on the Amalfi Coast is dependent on several variables:

• Length of your stay
• The season or month you choose to travel in
• Your accommodation
• How many places you visit during your trip
• Number of activities or tours you take part in
• How much you spend on shopping and dining

With only a certain amount of days a year dedicated to that incredibly special holiday, making sure it is everything you want and more is very difficult. When it comes to planning an Amalfi Coast trip, there are so many different options that it can become very overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. 

Choosing to design your Amalfi Coast trip with an expert, in-destination Local Designer means that every detail of your trip can be taken care of. Your budget, choice of activities, class of accommodation, trip duration and so much more can be fully tailored to your needs and desires. Whether you decide to have a local guide on hand every day of your trip on the Amalfi Coast or just for a handful of activities, this is possible with Designer Journeys. You can relax in the knowledge that every detail has been taken care of and your trip will be full of unique local and cultural experiences on the Amalfi Coast.

The cost of a tailor-made Amalfi Coast trip starts at roughly $2,000 per person for a 7-day trip. As an example, this 9-Day Pompeii, Amalfi Coast & Sorrento trip starts at under $1,000 per person and includes:

• 4-star hotels
• An assortment of guided activities and day tours
• Transport by private car

By adjusting parts of a trip, you can create a more budget-friendly trip: travelling by bus from one town to another on the Amalfi Coast will make your trip cheaper than travelling by private car; staying in less popular but equally delightful towns will also reduce the cost; and choosing to join group tours rather than individually guided tours will create a more budget trip. 

On the flip side, adding Michelin-starred dining opportunities, unique customised experiences and 5-star boutique hotels creates a luxury Amalfi Coast trip.

Everyone has different interests, priorities and preferences when it comes to planning a trip to the Amalfi Coast or anywhere in the world for that matter. With Designer Journeys, you can browse our range of fully-customisable Italy trips and tailor any one of them to your preferences with an expert Local Designer. Or better yet, select what you want out of a trip using the 'Design your Own Trip' function and let a Local Designer design your perfect trip.

Rhythm and Views in Ravello

The mountaintop hamlet of Ravello is not only renowned for its jaw-dropping views but its musical arts scene. Despite its remote location on the Amalfi Coast, for decades Ravello itself and the Ravello Festival has attracted the world’s most talented musicians. Each weekend after dinner, spectacular outdoor stages pop up at various locations across the town, the most stunning being at Villa Rufolo which overlooks the sea. 

Cannes with a Twist

Incontri del Cinema Film Festival is a unique event during which film industry leaders gather in Sorrento every April for five days of film premieres, exquisite dinners and showcases of new and upcoming artists in this industry. A unique festival to encounter on any Italian trip, the Sorrento International Film Festival is not to be missed. 

Festivals Dedicated to Fish

The fishing industry is a huge part of many of the Amalfi Coast town’s livelihoods. That’s why, throughout the year, you can catch various festivals dedicated to celebrating the fishing industry. On the first week of August every year in Cetara, the only town on the Amalfi Coast that still has a commercial fishing village, there is a big fish festival known as Le Giornate del Pesce Azzurro or Days of the Blue Fish. In Amalfi, twice a year at the end of June and November, the residents celebrate the patron saint and protector of fishermen, Sant'Andrea, with processions down to the sea and fireworks.

Whilst this guide is incredibly extensive and informative, planning a trip, whether it is just for you and your partner, your family and a big group of friends, can be very overwhelming. By handing over the planning stages to one of Designer Journeys’s in-destination Local Designers, you can specify your budget, preferences and requirements and in return, receive the perfect tailored trip.

Get inspired by our trips to the Amalfi Coast and other regions in Italy on the Designer Journeys destination gallery, or design your own trip from scratch by connecting with a Local Designer who can take care of it all.