Rome may be Italy's eternal city but the Amalfi Coast is where Italy's real beauty shines. Situated on the coastline overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Amalfi Coast consists of 13 towns. From Positano to Amalfi to Ravello, it can be hard to know where to stay and play without the guidance of a local. Each town brings its own charm and has a variety of things to discover that can't be done anywhere else. The Amalfi Coast is a magical area filled with beaches, local fare, and a whole lot of walking.
When planning an Italian getaway to the Amalfi Coast, it's one of those vacations that need to be done right or not at all. There's nothing more upsetting than leaving an epic destination like the Amalfi Coast without experiencing everything that's offered for tourists and locals alike. Before booking that trip, take a look through this article to make sure a trip through Amalfi is done right!
10 Know What To Expect From Each Amalfi Town
With 13 towns to choose from down the Amalfi Coast, it can be hard to choose where to stay. It really comes down to what you want your experience to be like. If you want the hustle and bustle of tourists and shopping, stay in Sorrento. If you're looking for an easily accessible city to other cities, perhaps Positano is your best bet. Whatever you do, plan ahead of time and check out forums on where to stay.
9 Don't Skip Out On Personal Experiences
There are so many things that are unique to the Amalfi Coast and only the Amalfi Coast. Naples may be credited as being home to the first pizza pie but you can get the same pizza experience in the Amalfi Coast. Ask your Air BnB host or the front desk at the hotel where to have a traditional pizza-making experience. You can literally visit a local's home where they'll teach you how to make pizza (or even limoncello!) like the Italians.
8 Motion Sickness Beware!
If tourists are flying into Naples and bussing to the Amalfi Coast, make sure to bring bottled water, some crackers, and maybe some motion sickness meds because the windy roads of the Amalfi Coast are unforgiving.
With all the towns in the Amalfi Coast being built into the cliffside, the roads getting to and from the small villages are narrow and twisty. With that being said, renting a car is discouraged as roads are dangerous and parking can be brutal.
7 And Buses Are Always Crowded
Speaking of busses, booking a bus from Naples to the Amalfi Coast are seamless. It's the local bus (called Sita) that can be awfully crowded. Taking the Sita bus to and from different Amalfi towns is inexpensive and easy, but they are often crowded. They run on a schedule but they're often late and overpacked, making tourists have to wait for a new bus. To do it right, show up early and be ready to wait.
6 Plan Ahead For Capri
The Isle of Capri is an absolute must-see if visiting the Amalfi Coast. It's an island right off the coast with some of the most breathtaking views.
To get to Capri, tourists need to take a ferry. Depending on the time of year, ferries can be booked for the entire day by mid-morning. To secure your spot, book your ferry ticket in advance!
5 Go In The Off-Season For The Best Experience
This isn't news but it's worth mentioning. Visiting the Amalfi Coast in the off-months is the best chance of truly capturing the moment. With millions of people visiting Amalfi Coast in the summer, roads are packed, restaurants are swamped, and it's hard to soak in the natural beauty. If tourists travel in October or November, the busses, streets, and eateries are totally open. Plus, it's still warm for roaming!
4 High Heels Are Cute But Not Smart
Most tourists pack gorgeous outfits for vacations because they want their pictures to be beautiful in every way possible. And while cute shoes are, well, cute — they're not always sensible.
Towns in the Amalfi Coast are built into the cliffs, meaning there are thousands of stairs to climb, reaching different rows of streets. Wearing comfortable shoes will make the climb far less tiring.
3 Check Our Mount Vesuvius
Mount Vesuvius is right outside of Naples and about an hour and a half ride to the Amalfi Coast. After Mount Vesuvius erupted thousands of years ago, it completely wiped out cities like Pompeii. It has erupted since 79AD and is still an active volcano, meaning it will probably erupt again in the future. If tourists aren't afraid, they can buy tickets to tour Mount Vesuvius and even Pompeii.
2 Take A Break From Shopping & Hit The Trails
If there are any nature lovers venturing the streets of the Amalfi Coast, hiking the Path of the Gods is a must!
The Path of the Gods is a 4.3-mile trail (7km) that can be reached by a few towns in the Amalfi Coast. If tourists buy a ticket for the Sita bus, they can look for drop off locations near an opening of the trail from the Amalfi Coast.
1 Eat What The Italians Eat
North Americans are all about the latest diet craze and have no shame in swapping certain ingredients for other ingredients so that their meal is exactly how they like it. However, meals are simpler in Italy. If there are no serious dietary restrictions, eat as the Italians do and eat as they suggest for the best (and most authentic) experience.